Refresh Pittsburgh & The Pittsburgh Flash Users Group (PittMFUG) Present:

No Flash? No Problem.

How to build an experience for all types of users (human or otherwise).

A workshop with Jamie Kosoy
Saturday July 31, 2010. 9:30am to 1:00pm

Description:

There's a long list of common complaints about the use of Flash, but many of the criticisms just aren't true. Detractors say that Flash isn't search engine friendly; Screen readers can't understand Flash content; You can't deeplink to specific pages...

You know what? They're wrong. These criticisms are symptoms of misunderstanding by developers on the ways different technologies work together.

This workshop will show you how to take a higher level approach focusing on user experience. We'll break down each common critique of Flash, one at a time, and show you how to address them in your work. Attendees will learn how to use HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, XML and Flash to compliment each other in creating the most meaningful experience to the widest audience range.

The goal is to feel comfortable making decisions about when and how to use Flash appropriately and to gracefully degrade immersive experiences for Flash disabled devices (like iPhones and iPads).

What you'll get:

Attendees will leave the workshop with example files and a better understanding of how to get Flash and Web Standards to play nice together.

We'll also be providing a light breakfast and plenty of coffee and other beverages to keep you full and hydrated while you're here.

Requirements:

Attendees should feel comfortable with basic programming concepts and have an open mind about web standards.

You should have an understanding of concepts like variables, functions and loading/parsing XML. AS3 specific skills are a plus but not required. Designers and developers are welcome, though this workshop will focus more on the dev side.

Hardware: No computers will be provided. All attendees are expected to bring their own laptop.

Software: You should have Flash CS4 and a text editor installed on your machine. ( Coda and TextMate are two cool text editors)

Questions?

If you have any questions at all about the workshop get in touch with Val Head.

The Organizers:

The PittMFUG and Refresh Pittsburgh a have teamed up with On the Fridge, LLC to bring you this workshop. We love Pittsburgh's web community and we want to make it even better.

Much thanks goes out to Smith Brothers Agency for letting us use their office space as a venue.