17.04.10: Flashing with ease…

In order to vary the interactivity and show a range of Flash menu styles, I have created a scroll bar to display the 15 to 20 general pamphlets. I have developed a more advanced scrolling system that the standard dragger, using a range of code to create easing. I think it makes the whole effect much more smooth and pleasing and hopefully looks more professional. Similar to the intro in Flash, the scrolling pamphlets are selectable and take you to a larger version of the image which can be dragged around; again with easing.

I have continued the simple menu style which I think suits the theme and doesn’t distract from the main content, while being easy to understand and use. I have made simple, appropriate transitions between screens for the interface elements to make navigation and the user experience in general a bit more interesting.

The pamphlets are arranged in categories which could easily be added to, and are displayed to appear as if pinned to a tree. I was torn with how to present them all and decided a vertical scroll would be more natural to an audience who are used to webpage navigation. I thought a horizontal scroll would make more sense if the pamphlets were displayed on a notice board, but I think being pinned to a tree is equally sensible if not a bit more fun and works really well with the shape of the space and layout on the screen.

Each of the pamphlets shows a sizable amount of time and effort with the project; from the research to locate and distil the relevant information, developing the graphic design of the text, imagery and layout and then distressing the completed image to make it appear crudely printed on parchment. I think this Flash file is the best way to digitally display them and communicate the atmosphere and development of the game world even if the file size will be pretty big... another job for the preloader methinks.