Flash Catalyst CS5 enables designers to expand their skillset and design user interfaces and interactive components for Flex based applications without writing code. Designers can rapidly prototype user interfaces using skinnable components and interactions, which can then be sent to clients for approval. These prototypes are based on the open-source Adobe Flex framework. Flash Catalyst combines an intuitive user interface and toolset—similar to those in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fireworks—with the expressiveness, consistency, and reach of the Adobe Flash Platform.
For this assignment you must read and work through the following tutorial:
This tutorial covers all the skills and techniques needed to take a concept from a static file to an interactive, multimedia interface. More specifically, you will learn how:
- To use best practices when building an Illustrator AI file and how to import the artwork into Flash Catalyst CS5.5.
- To turn a static file into an interactive user interface, including how to create individual user interface states and button components to enable navigation.
- Flash Catalyst uses layers to manage the visibility of artwork within different states. Within the specific tours state, you will create a popup area that contains upload form. In the process, you will learn about creating default and custom actions for state transitions between states, such as moving, resizing, and fading layers.
- To preview and publish the finished project to a SWF file and AIR application.
Note: This article discusses the use of Adobe Illustrator to create artwork for use in Flash Catalyst. You can also use Adobe Photoshop to create artwork; many of the hints and tips can be applied to a Photoshop .psd file.
Ok, have fun!
- SW
