Site of Note: Converse
by Andrew Kirkby on 2010/08/23
I’m not a huge fan of sites predominantly designed in Flash. Its usability, reliability and security are all questionable, and with HTML5 on the on the way, some would argue the technology is going to the grave. But, Converse’s new site is so sexy, if Mac supported Flash, this virtual slice of design genius would even be enough to arouse Steve Jobs on his iPad.
Yes, the site is designed in Flash, and yes, it's slick. Besides the sheer aesthetic value, the usability is a breeze. You can design your own custom Converse shoe and send it off for shipping in a matter of minutes. There is an array of colourful design templates to choose from, with a quick, easy and versatile customisation process.
In the ‘About Us’ section of the website, the converse philosophy is stated:
“Everyone has a history — an account of the things they’ve done during the time they’ve been around. We think of ours as a bunch of cool stories that have led us to where we are and will show us where we’ll go. We’ve also been around long enough to learn it’s not about how old you are, but how good you are — and that everyone loves a good story.”
The site remains true to this, delving into the rich history of the product, and is populated with the fascinating stories and worldviews of artists and sports stars. Furthermore, the website also makes unique use of new media, with unbelievably cool 3D online skateboarding videos. Haven’t got 3D glasses? No problem! Converse even provides a tutorial on how to make your own pair, using common household paraphernalia.
The Converse website strikes a fine balance between vintage charm and a fresh outlook. With the rise of HTML5, I can’t help but wonder if sites like these are the pinnacle of Flash technology, and the last of a fading era in Web design. Either way, I’m looking forward to the future, and designing myself a pair of these kicks. Check out the site here: www.converse.com.
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