Flash Article

Looking back at the best Flash sites of 2007

Note: Based in London, Rob Ford founded the Favourite Website Awards (FWA) site in 2000. Since then, the FWA has evolved into a massive global showcase of cutting-edge web experiences. In fact, the site entertains and inspires web designers and developers worldwide and receives more than 650,000 unique visitors each month.

As another year flies by, I love to look back over the last 12 months at the defining sites that take us in new directions. This year, several sites excelled in one way or another—whether creatively, technically, or even just in a quirky way. But those that are well-rounded and complete are few and far between.

Here I present the best Flash sites of 2007. The list is in chronological order, with the first site being the earliest launch of the year. At the end of this article, follow the link to the FWA People's Choice Awards, which includes all the sites here, so you can vote for your favorite site of 2007.

I'm a Cyborg, but that's OK

Created to promote a Korean romantic comedy, this site was designed around the metaphor of a children's pop-up book, which was a trend in 2007 (see Figure 1). Its creativity and originality will draw you in, and you'll be intrigued by each page turn, from start to finish. This site by d.o.E.S could take some time to load. Maybe it's on a slow server. But it's worth the wait.

Figure 1. I'm a Cyborg, but that's OK

Air Jordan XX2

In a year where we saw Papervision3D make a huge impact by giving Flash designers and developers a whole new arsenal of 3D power, this site by Blast Radius for Nike was one of the earliest examples of using that power for full-screen 3D action as well as full-screen video sequences (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Air Jordan XX2

Get the Glass!

One of my personal favorites of the year, Get the Glass!, was an instant success from the minute it was launched (see Figure 3). Boasting amazing levels of production and staggering detail, this online board game designed by by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners and North Kingdom offers many twists as you try to break into Fort Fridge to get the Glass while avoiding Milkatraz.

Figure 3. Get the Glass!

Michelin: A better way forward

Another trend we saw this year was the use of 3D fly-bys, and this site for Michelin's 120-year history is a grand example that shows how companies can reach younger audiences by presenting information in creative ways (see Figure 4). This interesting site was designed by Campbell-Ewald, LitFuse, and Speedshape.

Figure 4. Michelin: A better way forward

RED universe

Unique experiences are rare these days, but thankfully RED Interactive Agency gave us something completely original. Using a risky approach for a web agency—but one that proved a huge success—RED Universe doesn't just present an ordinary portfolio site. Instead, you are assigned your own character to explore the site with, and you have the opportunity to interact, chat, dance, and fly with—and even punch—other users (see Figure 5). The numerous embedded Easter eggs add a nice touch: By typing the correct phrase, you can even take on a new and surreal character. Jiminy Cricket!

Figure 5. RED universe

Hungry suitcase

This is a huge site with massive personality and many areas to explore. The Vacation Fun-a-lyzer is the biggest part of the site. It helps you plan your vacation by dragging and dropping objects of interest into Sammy the Suitcase (see Figure 6). The production is slick (thanks to Big Spaceship, Arnold Worldwide, and Royal Caribbean International) but the personality of Sammy is what really shines through. You can even sing a duet with him.

Figure 6. Hungry suitcase

HBO voyeur

This site brings out your inner voyeur by giving you access to several different apartments and their goings-on (see Figure 7). Each apartment tells a different story while also being linked to the others in some way. Do not miss the small lilac button at the top of the screen that opens up an even bigger world of lives to explore. As with most of the sites on my list, HBO Voyeur boasts a high-quality production, and it could keep you watching for some time. Big Spaceship, BBDO NY, and HBO designed this compelling experience.

Figure 7. HBO voyeur

Paper critters

It's a delight to see that one of the best sites of the year was completely designed and developed by one person (see Figure 8). JR Fabito created this impressive application as his final project at the Academy of Art University MFA Computer Arts Media program. Needless to say, he now works for a top web agency that also happens to appear in my list. Paper Critters is impressive in many ways; it's another fine example of using Papervision3D to take a Flash site to another level.

Figure 8. Paper critters

Halo 3: Believe

Here's an example of a simple idea that captured the attention of many. A diorama (3D miniature) was built to portray a battle from the Halo 3 series. By using simple keyboard or mouse controls, you can move through the battle and experience it in great detail, while emerging unscathed (see Figure 9). This is a top-quality and immersive promotional site by AKQA.

Figure 9. Halo 3: Believe

Picnik

Sites like this are redefining the web—as we realize the web is not only about information and promotion but also about bringing useful online applications right to your desktop. Picnik, an online photograph editor, is one of the best to date (see Figure 10). It provides the ability to quickly and easily edit your photos, whether they are on your hard drive, in your Flickr account, on your Facebook page, or in any of several other places. We will see many more of these applications in the future—and if they are all as elegant and easy to use as Picnik, the future looks bright.

Figure 10. Picnik

Good things should never end

Indeed, good things should never end. This is the world's first unlimited website (see Figure 11). Try scrolling down to find the bottom. This is such a simple idea to promote an unlimited range of products for a mobile phone company, Orange, and it exudes charm and character. Suitably orange in color and loaded with things to explore, this site by by Poke London is guaranteed to have you scrolling just a bit further than you thought you would, just to see if the site is truly unlimited. While scrolling, don't forget to click around because treats are embedded everywhere. While you're there, be sure to make me an ice cream.

Figure 11. Good things should never end

Björn Borg

We end the year with a full-on site for Björn Borg (see Figure 12). For a man who accomplished so much on the tennis court in such a quiet way, who would've thought his website would be so outrageous? A range of fashion is what you'll find on this website, but with a huge twist. You get to meet his management—some of the strangest people you'll ever meet. This personality-packed site designed by Farfar is a treat. Choose the "full-size" (10 Mbit broadband) connection if you can, as the video quality is something else. Also, don't forget the quality e-commerce addition to this site.

Figure 12. Björn Borg

Where to go from here

So the question is, what is the best site of 2007? Which of these would you choose as site of the year? Why not follow the FWA People's Choice Award 2007, sponsored by Adobe, and cast your vote. The winner will be announced on January 15, 2008.

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