Graphics and Motion: Necessity or Distraction?

[mjc2928]

Hello everyone, first post on this site.

I have been doing Web Support/maintenance for about a year and I am looking to get more into design. One major element of design I am seeing more and more is motion. Flash graphics with moving backgrounds, glimmering text, animated logos, etc. When tastefully done, these seem to bring another dynamic level to websites and in this increasingly ADHD world some seem to grip my attention longer. At the same time I find my attention drawn away from other elements of the page towards whatever is moving.

I wanted to know what other's opinions are on motion on a website. Do you currently use them in your designs?

- Michael

[LiLcRaZyFuZzY]

Well, it really depens on how discreet you make your animation,
In some cases, when done carefully, it can really add something special to the site.

Anyway it should not seem like looping! That's the most annoying thing, hehe

[Throntel]

I think you should always be carefull with moving objects in your site.
A few good once can make the site better, but if they aren't that good and if you have a few to many.
Then it can easly destroy your whole site.

You should make sure that the graphic and movement makes it harder to read the text,
think I heard about this test where they had to people who read normaly at almost the same speed. Then they added a moving object in the left corner of once screen.
And he read the text much slower than last time, so it can give a big negativ effect.

and when making a site with much graphics, make sure to sheck with other people how they think it looks.
feedbacks from other people who were not involved in the project is important to make sure the design has turned out aswell as you feel.

[LiLcRaZyFuZzY]

You should make sure that the graphic and movement makes it harder to read the text,

you mean doesn't make it harder... ;)

[JAPerson]

I normally find moving or flashing objects distracting, but also feel they are needed on some certain sites which are geared for fun. If you want the viewer to be reading something, then keep the objects still. If the page is just for visualization, then have fun with it. If you like making these flash productions, then make a fun site to put them on.