Animated and Hypertext User Interfaces: A Comparative Study

The Web has evolved from mere HTML static pages to dynamic pages and providing information to users in interactive and engaging ways. One of the most revolutionary tools that has changed the online experience of Internet users is the Macromedia Flash. Nowadays, Web designers are providing both the HTML and Flash interfaces to users. However, the users are still not sure about which interface style, i.e., hypertext-based HTML interface or animated-based Flash interface, is better to use in terms of usability and effectiveness. This paper compares the strengths and weaknesses of both animated and hypertext Web interfaces in terms of their usability and also users ’ attitudes and perceptions about these interfaces. To conduct the comparative study, an animated user interface was developed using Flash for the Division of Information Studies website of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. This interface was compared with the existing hypertext user interface of the same website. It was found that animated user interface was preferred for its text readability, appropriate use of colours and buttons, visual consistency and sequencing of screens, attractiveness of design, pleasantness and user-friendliness of interface, ease of use, content coverage, organisation of information, navigation, and usability. The hypertext user interface was preferred for its speed of downloading and its navigational capability that complemented the Web browser navigation