Splash Pages in Website Development

Splash on Internet! What does it means in Web development? Well, when you land on a website, sometimes an extra window appears before seeing the homepage. Basically that’s a splash page.

Also known as splash screen, it is “a term used to describe an image that appears while a computer program is loading”. Moreover:

• That image also works on websites, not only software.
• It’s used to notify that the main site is loading.
• While people are waiting, those images serve for introducing the site and bring people the background about your site.
• Not always fill the entire screen; usually they are a rectangle over the home page.
• A splash page disappear when the loading process finish.

Why is it used on Internet?

• As I told you, it’s usually used for introducing people about your site.
• That page can make effective first impression of your company or business.
• Many times splash pages in web design let people choose a language, country or the right configuration for a better use of the site.
• It works as a complement to the home page.
• A splash screen can be a benefit when you need to include an important information or message that is only needed one day or one week; then it disappears and the site remains the same.
• Sometimes webmasters include advertising.
• In United States, by law, pages with pornography, alcohol or gambling must include a splash page for preventing people about the content.

Do I have to use it or not?
It depends. Many times a splash screen can help you: if your site is heavy, an introductory image with an explanation or something that captive the user’s interest is excellent for invited them to stay. But, by the other hand, it could be annoying and many people will leave the page before it finishes loading.

Think about advantages and disadvantages it carries; but use it if it’s absolutely necessary. If you decide to create one, designers have a big challenge for making a splash screen as appealing as possible. Using Flash is a good solution, through a nice animation, people can stay.

For preparing and designing those pages, hire a professional; don’t leave that responsibility in amateur’s hands.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 at 3:10 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.