Last week PC World reported users’ dissatisfaction with the updated My Oracle Support (MOS) portal in which the HTML interface was switched out for a Flash interface. First, I applaud Oracle for taking a step into the RIA (Rich, Internet Application) arena. It’s not easy moving a corporate behemoth into current times. But was it the right move? Was it Flash for Flash-sake?

I see this a lot. Requests for things to move around on the screen and a quick leap to Flash. Now, I’m a Flash advocate but only when it makes sense. Using it just to make buttons and other interface objects move around is just plain ole’ entertainment.

As a matter of fact, I helped engineer a tremendously complicated interface in Flex that could have easily been swapped out with radio buttons and JQuery. But when I asked the client why Flex, they said they wanted to- wait, hold on, here it comes… ENTERTAIN the user. So as much as I wanted to present the case for a dead simple, uncomplicated interface I couldn’t. The client knew exactly what they were getting in to. Of course I recommended lots of usability testing and in the end it was a successful interface. But most clients don’t know the pros and cons of interfaces that move.

So here are some things to consider when thinking about using Flash, Flex, or any other facilitator of moving buttons.

• Don’t lead with a specific technology. Determine the needs of the user and the business first.
• Don’t confuse moving things with being cool or particularly innovative. Users are not used to things moving around on the screen. Moving buttons and animation are great for games but not for purpose-built portals.
• Use the technology appropriately. If Flash is the right technology for your users make sure you use it the right way. The interface should be optimized and created by professionals.

So what happened to the MOS portal? The users rebelled and Oracle answered with a “lite”, HTML version. One user responded by saying that the minimal features in the lite version were all that he needed. Which of course begs the question- did Oracle build a Jaguar when all they needed was a Honda?

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