Adobe Flash Catalyst, previously known as (codename) “Thermo,” has been out for a few months now in its initial beta release and I’ve been meaning to check it out. It wasn’t until recently that I got around to getting some hands-on experience with it and I thought I’d share some of my thoughts and findings.
So far, I’m reasonably impressed. It’s kind of like Flash for designers… allowing you to visually build and design applications that are ready to publish, while leaving the ActionScripting and timeline behind (or at least, out of the way). At it’s core, Flash Catalyst is an interaction design (IxD) tool built for rapid prototyping and creating interactive content, or rich internet applications (RIAs), without any coding. Catalyst, one of the latest additions to the Adobe Flash Platform, integrates beautifully with other Adobe CS4 tools (keeping layers in tact and editable) and can output directly as either SWF or AIR applications that are ready for implementation. While development takes place entirely through the GUI, the finished product results in a well-formed flex project with its MXML code being written “under-the-hood.” The code can also be exported as an MXP file for a developer to take over the reigns for additional functionality. Similarly, much like the development “Workspaces” in Dreamweaver, there is also a “Code” view where the hard-core programmer can go to town by hand-coding. As I explore the feature-set and functionality further, it becomes more and more clear how useful this tool could be in a few areas of production… from animation - where it simplifies the process over Flash, to interaction design - helping define the all-important user experience (UX), to wire framing prototypes and quickly building them out for deployment. Check the videos below for more info and how-to’s.
From Adobe:
What is Catalyst?
Adobe® Flash® Catalyst is a new professional interaction design tool for rapidly creating application interfaces and interactive content without coding. This content can range from interactive ads, product guides and design portfolios to user interfaces for applications. Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ 1.0 enables designers to start from static compositions created in Adobe Photoshop® CS4, Illustrator® CS4, or Adobe Fireworks® CS4 and convert the artwork into applications and interactive content. The designer does this by visually defining events, transitions and motion. Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ 1.0 can output a finished Flash SWF or AIR application that’s ready to publish on the web. In addition designers can provide the project file to developers who can use Adobe Flash® Builder™ to add additional functionality such as connection to back-end systems and data.
What can you do with Catalyst?
With Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ 1.0, you can create engaging interactive content from simple ad banners to rich internet applications and web site interfaces. Flash Catalyst allows you to:
- Use your existing design skills to create content in Photoshop CS4, Illustrator CS4 or Fireworks CS4. Then import native files with all layers and pages intact.
- Without coding, turn static graphics into dynamic content simply by selecting objects and specifying actions from menus.
- Move seamlessly back and forth between Creative Suite and Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ 1.0 while preserving your work.
- Try a number of different designs quickly. Work with developers in parallel without losing fidelity.
- Quickly transition from wire frame to design to working application while reusing your work at each stage.
- Collaborate between Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ 1.0 and Adobe Flash Builder; a powerful combination enabling seamless collaboration to build stunning applications and interactive content
- Create and publish your projects to the web or collaborate with developers using a single project file (the FXP file).
Introducing Flash Catalyst
Quality Engineering Lead Aaron Dolberg gives an overview of Flash Catalyst, and explains how to convert artwork to components, set up component states, and add interactivity to your application.
Wire Framing in Flash Catalyst
Ty Voliter, a Developer on the Adobe Flash Catalyst Team, explains how to quickly wireframe a design concept in Flash Catalyst.
Creating Your First Application in Flash Catalyst
Ty Voliter, a Developer on the Adobe Flash Catalyst Team, demonstrates how to create interactivity and animation in Flash Catalyst.
While Adobe® Flash® Catalyst™ 1.0 has the designer in mind for rapid deployment of interaction design… it’s cohort, Adobe Flash® Builder™, is intended for developers who can utilize the Catalyst project file to provide additional features and functionality, like a back-end database or connectivity to other dynamically driven content.
More to come on Adobe Flash® Builder™.
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