Lesson 6 Symbols and Libraries - Overview
Description
So far, you've practiced creating simple animation, some Flashy text, and rotating objects. All the movies you created so far are linear and follow the playback head of the timeline. But Flash can do so much more. With Flash, your users can interact with the movie. You can create a non-linear environment where the user can click buttons to make certain things happen.
In this lesson, you will learn how and why to use the three types of symbols: graphic symbols, buttons, and movie clips. You'll also learn to use Flash's native programming language known as ActionScript. Using ActionScript will enable you to create non-linear and interactive Flash movies.
Objectives By the end of this Lesson, you will successfully:
- differentiate among the three types of symbols and use examples of each.
- create buttons with different visual and aural cues in two of the four states.
- script buttons to navigate the playback head of the timeline to different frames.
- differentiate between and demonstrate use of object and frame scripts.
- navigate the ActionScript Window.
- create a button that opens a specified web page in a browser.
- discuss Usability Tips and implement them in your homework.
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Make the Connection
In a previous project, you reviewed a Flash site without knowledge of the inner workings of Flash. Now that you have more knowledge about the movie creation process, think about the site you reviewed. Would you have evaluated the sites in the same way now? How could those sites have implemented the usability tips from Macromedia? What can you do with non-linear interactive Flash movies? Did someone say GAMES? How about a user interface for a business website, an educational learning tutorial with input from students? A password protected site?
Resources - Extend your Learning
These websites provide information on Actionscript and/or usability:
Recommended Book: Don't Make Me Think, by Steve Krug:
Please continue to the next section of this lesson.
6.1 Symbols » 6.2 Scripting Buttons » 6.3 The Actions Panel » 6.4 Using getURL action » 6.5 Usability Tips
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