P5 - Describe the factors that need to be taken into account when creating animations for the web.

Unit 31 - Animation

P5 - Describe the factors that need to be taken into account when creating animations for the web.

Explain how animations are used on web pages (e.g. buttons with rollover effects, adverts)

Animations are used almost all of the time on websites. They are used for all sorts of needs, like buttons. Another use is roll over images, where the image changes when your mouse hovers over the image. When animation is used in buttons it changes when people hover over a button, it also changes when someone clicks it. For example when you hover over a green button it may change to a darker colour trying to give the shadow effect. Animation is also used in adverts that are displayed on websites. These animations vary from a simple advertisement like pictures swapping to different images from full games. Some advertisements create flash games that you can play on a website and when you click it, it will take you to a different website.

http://gimp-tutorials.net/gimp-vista-button


Explain how animations are used in email attachments (or e-cards)

Animation can be used in emails as well as websites. These animations are often used in emails for events or holidays such as valentines day, Christmas or somebody's birthday. The are called e-cards since they are virtual cards. They are used instead of buying a birthday or Christmas card. You can also customize e-cards on certain websites, for example you can edit somebody's head onto an animated body and send it as an e-card. These animated e-cards you may have to pay for , but some website do them for free.

Describe the issues that relate to output devices (third party software)

The designer may come across issues when creating animations for websites since not all devices and software support the right formats. The layout of the website will also change to mobile view when viewing on a smart phone, this also changes on when viewing on a tablet or other browsers. The website will look different of different devices. Testing would have to be done and even redesigning if things do not go to plan.

Describe at least two other factors that need to be considered when producing web animations

When creating animations for the web you need to make sure the file size is not too big since many animations of big file sizes can cause the website to load slowly and it may also cause confusion to the viewer.  The webpage may also look different on other browsers or devices so it is important that the creator makes sure that the files and animations are compatible and the layout still looks fine on other browsers and devices.