It seems like just about every week a new technology for your website comes along to make it faster and more powerful for your customers or potential customers. There's even a new class of such technology called "Rich internet applications" (see definition below). But just because a technology exists, that doesn't mean you should use it. In the pages that follow, we'll outline some common mistakes to avoid.
So what's a Rich internet application, anyway?
Rich internet applications (RIAs) -- using technologies like Flash and Ajax -- are a cross between web applications and traditional desktop applications, transferring some of the processing to the client's desktop instead of having to repeatedly go back to the server.
Used correctly, Rich internet applications can:
- Incorporate application-like functionality
- Provide more interactive features like drag and drop
- Replace the HTML "page-by-page" metaphor
- Show content in a single screen
- Save user clicks
- Prevent loss of context with page refresh
- Improve response time
But used incorrectly, they can cause problems. Keep reading to find out what not to do with your website.
Author Notes:
Kim Weller, principal consultant at Molecular, is a RIA user interface expert who has applied her knowledge in user experience and interface design to define experiences that solve business problems and generate revenue. Since joining Molecular in 1998, Kim as led strategic user experience initiatives for leading companies such as HomeGoods, Talbots and Staples. She has consulted on several RIA initiatives including T.J.Maxx's Single-Screen Checkout and the Yankee Candle Product Configurator. In addition, her work with Rich internet applications has received numerable recognition and awards, and she has presented her expertise at several national conferences.
Molecular, a technology consulting firm, designs and builds internet-based solutions to help companies increase revenues and decrease operating costs. Since 1994, Molecular has directed successful web initiatives for the nation's top companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Fidelity Investments, MFS Investment Management, Hewlett-Packard and Talbots. Molecular is located in Watertown, Massachusetts.