Description:
If you're looking for a book to help you climb the Flash learning curve, this is not it. If you need help navigating the Flash interface or learning how Flash's tools work, do not buy this book. Nonetheless, if you have anything to do with multimedia design in general and Flash as a tool in particular, do not hesitate to buy Flash deConstruction: The Process, Design, and ActionScript of Juxt Interactive.The owners and designers of Juxt Interactive, one of the best Flash design studios in the world, have taken the time to craft a book that succeeds on two levels. First, the book is a prime example, from cover to cover, of innovative and inspired design. Each page, image, section, and sidebar is thoughtfully laid out and concisely written. Second, and unique to this book, we are given a peek behind the curtain to see how large Flash projects are handled in a multidesigner environment. Example scripts, tutorials, and how-tos based on experience make for fast learning and worthy reading. Many examples are taken from real-world projects, and there are chapters devoted to such important topics as Flash content management, innovative ActionScript navigation, and the Juxt Interactive process. Sprinkled throughout are interviews with top Flash designers, a list that reads like a Who's Who of Web design: Hillman Curtis, Fred Sharples, Josh Olm, Glenn Thomas. There are no flaws or drawbacks to this book save that it isn't for the beginning Flash user, but even that isn't entirely true. All beginning Flash users ought to have this book, even if they may have trouble understanding it--the images, interviews, and examples are inspiring and exciting. From all viewpoints--design, aesthetics, layout, and instruction--Flash deConstruction transcends the software and medium it discusses and exemplifies the quintessential book on design. --Mike Caputo
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