Flash Application Design Solutions shows you how to harness the power of ActionScript 2.0 and make the most of the improved design tools of Flash 8 to create usable, intuitive Flash interfaces.

In this book, youll find a number of concrete Flash usability solutions that use elements such as navigation menus, data filtering, forms, content loaders, Flash liquid layouts, help tips, and many other features. Youll learn how each of these solutions actually improves on what is possible with HTML and JavaScript. In each case, youll see how users interact with the website feature, and how it gives users the most intuitive, enjoyable experience possible while using your application. Youll get a step-by-step analysis of how to program and build each solution, and how to make it scalable, maintainable, and reusable.

The book concludes with a case study that showcases the solutions developed in the previous chapters, all working together in a single application. This example puts all the pieces together and highlights just how, with some thought and consideration, Flash can improve usability on the Web.

This book is essential reading for all Flash designers and developers, from beginners seeking valid solutions to veteran Flashers looking for a fresh perspective on application design, interaction, and reusability.

Ka Wai Cheung is a software architect and award-winning web designer specializing in developing usable web applications. He has a particular interest in creating rich internet experiences in Macromedia Flash and object-oriented programming theory. Having developed over a hundred web applications for industries ranging from law to entertainment, Ka Wai is a lead architect at Dizpersion Technologies, a company focused on RSS content distribution. Ka Wai has written for several online publications and resource sites including Digital Web Magazine (http://www.digital-web.com), ActionScript.org (http://www.actionscript.org), and HOW design online (http://www.howdesign.com). He writes on anything from web standards and usability design to software development theory. He logs his past web projects and writings on his personal portfolio site, Project99 (http://www.project99.tv). Ka Wai has degrees in computing and information systems, mathematics, and integrated science from Northwestern University in Chicago. When not working on the web, Ka Wai enjoys playing guitar, eating foods from all four corners of the world, attending sporting events and soaking up the always warm Chicago sun.

Introducing Flash Usability.- Flash: Then, Now, Later.- Setting up Your Flash Environment.- The Usability Solutions.- A Basic Selection System.- Navigation Menus.- Content Loading.- Inventory Views and Selection Devices.- Data Filtering.- Forms.- State Management and Storage.- Help Tips.- Browser History.- Liquid Layouts.- Embedding Flash.- Putting The Pieces Together.- Planning for Usability.- The Usable Bookstore.