By Burt Lum

The finalists for the Flash Forward 2003 conference present an awesome spectacle. Check it out at sf.flashforward2003.com/showfinalist.asp.

The conference took place in San Francisco, and the Flash finalists were announced on March 27. Categories spanned everything from art to video, from e-commerce to storytelling.

Even if you didn't attend the conference, you can enjoy the fruits of the most creative designers on the Web. You will need to download the latest Shockwave plug-in from Macromedia, at www.macromedia.com/shockwave.

I used to dismiss sites with Flash intros as too clunky and slow. But no longer. Faster processors and broadband connections help tremendously, but the real traction is from the Flash designers and how they hold your attention.

Since all the Flash finalists are neatly presented in one place, I would suggest taking a bit of time and going through each one to fully experience what this presentation medium can offer. Here are a few suggestions to get started:

• In the Application category, Grant Skinner won the honors for his tool kit called gModeler. What I found captivating was his menu interface on his home page, at gskinner.com. If you go to gskinner.com/site1, you can experience his navigation tool. I found it a novel way to maneuver through data.
• In the Art category, I spent time on the Tokidoki site, at www.tokidoki.it. Designer Simone Legno incorporates his love of Japanese culture in a sushi-to-go game environment.
• A site that received high honors in the 3D category also was influenced by Japanese culture. Tokyo Plastic, at www.tokyoplastic.com, leans toward the darker side of the Nihon psyche.

Both sites are imaginative and present just enough creative edge to make you want more.

For more suggestions go to Carla Diana's site at www.repercussion.org. Finally, check out the Kunstbar by the Petrie Lounge, at www.whitehouseanimationinc.com. Once there, you will never leave. ;-)

Reach Burt Lum at burt@brouhaha.net.