Page 252 - DCAP303_MULTIMEDIA_SYSTEMS

Multimedia Systems

notes Drawing attention
You can use animation to draw attention to something you want the user to look at. This can
range from blinking text to movement of items as in a cartoon. It is primarily used in online
advertisement.
entice you to action
For example, you all have seen banner ad in Websites. The animations in add are intended to
attract your attention and entice you to take an action, like clicking on the banner to see more
about the product or service. Another example is an animated company logo. Its movement draws
your attention to the logo.
too much no good
Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can backfire. Animated banner ads or company logos
can become very irritating if they are continually blinking or moving while you are trying to read
the content of the page. Certainly, the objective of the company is not to alienate customers, but
that is often what they do through over-animation.
no value
Drawing attention to something of no use is also a negative application of animation. An example
is an animated separator line. Cute, but of no real value.
Demonstrating
One reason to have animation is to help to demonstrate something you are explaining in your
message.
Useful for products
Although a picture or illustration is useful, in some situations it is not sufficient to describe some
action. An animation or video is necessary. An example of this is demonstrating how a device
works.
Do not force users
Note that a demonstration is only effective if the user wants to see it. Some business sites force users
to watch a demonstration of their product line, when they really wanted other information.
slow loading time
Another problem is when animations or videos take too long to download. This often results in
abandonment of the page.
entertaining
If course, entertainment in the form of a game or a comic strip often uses motion fulfil its goal or
to keep interest. There are many online game and entertainment sites on the Web.
only when asked for
Entertainment when it is not asked for is a turn-off. This type of animation is also not appropriate
for most business sites.
Can show creativity
Sites advertising creative services—especially related to graphical design, entertainment, or
advertising—should have animation to show off their creativity.

Web Design success story

omposition in Web design is similar to good composition in print design. It is a process
organizing and communicating in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
CWeb design is often even more complex because of the processes of navigation and
multitude of variables in user interaction. Order and unity become vital communication ideals.
Contd...

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