macromedia flash sitedesign: I work for a fairly structured company where we try to spec out all work to
great detail, have the requestor sign off on the document, then start coding.
At first it was a big pain, but long term we now get most things done the first
time with very little scope creep. They have asked me to create a template for
flash projects. I was wondering if anybody would be so kind as to share a
template, or an actual tech spec that they use to document a project. Thanks
Mathias

Yes, I think most people document their work formally or informally if they are
doing it for customers. Much less problems in the long run, and that way the
customer has to pay for redesign if their second cousin's neighbor has made
some ridiculous suggestion that they suddenly want implemented. However, a
'template' in Flash and web development in general can mean different things. I
am not sure what you are asking for. Are you wanting an example of what is
generally called 'pseudo code' in other programming languages? That is where
you basically break down what your components are doing and say what will be
passed or retrieved. It is done in general terms like 'the update button will
send the information filled in on this page back to the database." It
often names the component and what it will do, but not specifically how. Some
companies also do use cases, or UML diagrams. 'Templating' in Flash, Dream
Weaver, etc. is usually a pre-made page or skeleton site that can be used as a
starting point, or sold to other designers or the public. Usually it lets you
change the pictures, and insert 'your company name here' kind of thing. Doubt
anyone will give you one if that is what you want, as if they have them they
are made for themselves to use (a base project with that has things they
commonly use in most of there projects so they don't start from scratch
everytime), or they are selling it. So, if you want examples of code
documenting, etc. Clarify and I am sure someone will give you an example. If
you do want what is usually called a Flash template, search the internet and
buy one, or take a look at your projects, pull common denominators out, and
make your own.

Sorry, I used a confusing use of terms. When I said template I was thinking
like a empty shell of a word document where you describe the different
functionality of the project. i.e. Perhaps a section on the different
available interfaces. Here you would describe the functionality available etc.
I've been looking through my zillion flash books, but nobody redefines any type
of structured development process. Thanks Mathias

There is a book called 'Building Dynamic Web Sites with Macromedia Studio MX
2004' by Green, Chilcott, and Flick. Go to Barnes and Noble (or other bookstore
of your choice that might have it) and take a look at Chapters 3, 4, and 5.
They give an example of a creative brief, technical brief, and some
flowcharting. If this isn't what you want, they also have some references to
books that are only about planning and documenting sites. One of those might
work. Pseudo code (something I mentioned in the first post) can also be done
by having a quick mock up of a particular page, and then you just write out
what can happen on the page. It ends up being almost a todo list for what
should be coded. Anyway, hope this helps.

Thank you very much progirl. I shall go check that out.