Flash and Director: Designing Multiuser Web Sites

The Internet works in real-time and is accessible to anyone with a modem. The importance of this for a web designer working in the brave new broadband world is that multi-user interactivity is the way to go if you want to create a really slick-looking modern site. Sites like HabboHotel.com and futurefarmers.com have already created a multi-user interface where designers can interact with other designers as well as the virtual world surrounding them - creating a true online community. A collection of professional designers provide tutorials on how to construct multi-user environments. This book assumes you know how Director and Flash work (expect no hand-holding with the basics) but will include an introduction to Atmosphere. Exploring areas such as how XML works with Flash and how mobile devices can be integrated into design, Multi-User Web Studio will show you the sophisticated techniques used by professionals currently creating the most exciting multi-user interfaces. Multi-user technology allows you to share sights and experiences with other users who interact with you in real time within a web environment.The multi-user interface is a versatile and exciting area of web development currently being driven by the creation of powerful new softwares and aided by the exponential growth of broadband. Development of this technology is in its most exciting early stages and its application will soon be limited only by the designer's imagination. Current applications are creative forums (FutureFarmers.com and vectorama.org), games (zanpo.com), chatrooms (HabboHotel.com), education (activeworlds.com). Technology supporting the radical new wave of multi-user interfaces includes the recently released Director 8.5, which has the ability to act as a multi-user server whilst Shockwave creates a slick-looking front end. What you'll learn Who this book is for Professional web designers wanting to increase the traffic to their site by introducing the magnetic appeal of an interactive multi-user interface. 3D designers looking for new outlets for their skills. Flash and director designers looking for outlets for their skills. Game designers looking to explore new creative avenues.Blaha, Thomas is the author of 'Flash and Director: Designing Multiuser Web Sites' with ISBN 9781903450444 and ISBN 1903450446.