Do You Like Motion on a Web Site?

Posted on July 3, 2009

Some web sites have a lot of motion on their sites. It might be blinking things or Flash or just motion. I imagine some people like it. A while back I had a conversation with other developers, expressing a concern about it bothering some people.

The reply I got was that they knew that it could cause seizures in people with epilepsy. Which, to me, should be cause for a bit of concern. But it goes further than that. I have a friend with Multiple Sclerosis. She said that such motion can actually impact her MS, causing spasms. And then there are people like myself. I get migraines, and such motion on a web site can trigger a migraine for me.

So, should you use it? It’s up to you. I ran the numbers: Roughly 2 million Americans have epilepsy and another 400,000 have MS. There are 28 million Americans diagnosed with Migraines and another estimated 14 million have undiagnosed Migraines. There are (roughly) 300 million people in this country.

So, somewhere between 10 and 17 % of the population could be physically bothered by all that motion on your site. Is that a number you can live with? I’m not asking you to consider the health effects, but more to the point is the fact that they are likely to leave your site and see the information elsewhere. Can you afford that?

Lastly, my husband is quick to point out that many people, including him, are just plain annoyed by all that motion while they’re trying to read.

What are your thoughts on using Flash and other moving images on a web site?

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Posted in: best practices

One Response to “Do You Like Motion on a Web Site?”

  1. 1 Chris

    Jul 5, 2009

    As a web designer myself, I as well believe that flash can bring up many problems. It may interest some, but at the same time, yes it can distract others, I am a Flash designer and personally myself, I do not see the “Interest” or “desire” in making something very animated with a lot of motion, I mean, If you are trying to read information on the site, would you want something moving around a lot in the background or around what you are reading? I wouldn’t, it would distract me enough to the point I would give up on trying to read what it has. One problem I see that people like is the “Quick Motion” type, where you have a lot of motion, but it happens very quickly, such as some intros. Only problem is some people might be able to take it, while as others it could cause migraines, cause fainting, dizziness, or impact in some other type of way.

    So one hint I could give to flash makers, is to Look in the visitors perspective and think to yourself, “Did I do too much”. Not sure if that helps you, but it certainly helps me.

    Anyone else have anything to add or say about motion on flash websites?

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