I think this graph from Google I/O says it all: With all the FUD around Flash and the iPad its easy to forget that we are living in a golden age of web development. The web is fulfilling all but the most outlandish predictions of its success from back in the 90s. Things are just starting to get interesting.
A lot of HTML5 is basically HTML playing catchup with Flash. Many of the coolest new features have been available in Flash for years. And there is no way to accomplish Flash sites like the new Disney World of Color minisite or any of the sites on the FWA in HTML5. This means all the skills you honed as a Flash developer are directly applicable to the newly emerging platforms of HTML5, Unity, Android and even iApps:
- Creating animations and transitions that enhance static content.
- Optimizing for performance and fast page loads (including preloading).
- Handling rich media: video, audio and images.
- Custom text layouts and font handling.
- Asynchronously querying the backend.
Only the syntax has changed – the end result remains the same.
Another viewpoint: The Death of Flash - by Gabe Rubin (the FWA)
_________________________________________________
Charlie White | Interactive Designer
