client wants audio

[GJPG5]

So, my client wants a website with absolutely minimal text. Meaning the following:

He wants to explain all of his products/services verbally, over the internet. The viewer will look at the website, click on the pictures, and hear a voice describing the product/service. Naturally it all has to be done in Flash.

I am just trying to figure out if there's a better way to approach this scenario. I can't see why I shouldn't do it the way he's suggesting.

I'm going to do everything he wants, especially because he's been a print designer for well over 20 years, but I'm getting that sinking feeling.........

[felgall]

Well I have the speakers on my computer turned off when I am on the web. Many people view the web from workplace computers that don't have speakers at all. So you will need to provide an alternate text version if you don't want to miss out on a big section of your potential audience.

[GJPG5]

Well, definitely going to have an alternate version, if the main version is primarily audio driven.

However, the target audience is not "everyone in the world', I hate to be "ignorant", and will not likely be viewing this from a cubicle/environment where their speakers will be off. And I kind note to turn them on will probably suffice.

I am still going to propose an alternate version though, something more standards compliant, because I want to force myself into a habit of "accessability" (sp?) - minded design/development.

[buntine]

I do not have flash, along with thousands of other Web Surfers. If your site started talking to me, I would close the window because it would be interfering with my music.

I would highly suggest you explain to your client that accessibility is more important than flashy features these days. People want information fast.

If he won't budge, try suggesting that you could make it text-based but have an alternate "spoken" version.

Regards.

[GJPG5]

Looks like he wants both. Well, more money for me, and I'll happily do my best to make both work well. Because he's been in the creative services (design, print, etc) for so long, and because he's my client (therefore the bill payer), I shall do what he needs done. But I will politely educate him as best as I can. (welcome to the real world, george(me) )

[felgall]

People browsing from work are not allowed to have sound turned on - if the computer even has speakers which they probably wouldn't.

[Stephen Philbin]

Here's a nice equation to go with all that "cool stuff" in flash:

Flash + Google = Nothing

[GJPG5]

yep, search engine + flash don't work, but there are ways around that.