What is HTML5 known for in web design?

HTML5 is recognized for serving as an alternative to Flash media in web design. This recognition stems from HTML5's ability to natively support multimedia elements such as audio and video without the need for external plugins like Flash. When HTML5 was introduced, it included enhanced support for semantic elements, multimedia features, and APIs that improved the capabilities of web applications. This transition away from Flash was important, as Flash was often criticized for performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and lack of support on mobile devices.

In contrast, HTML5's built-in capabilities allowed for smoother, more efficient integration of interactive and multimedia content directly within the browser, which is a cornerstone of modern responsive and interactive web design. Additionally, the shift to HTML5 has been pivotal in driving standards towards open web technologies, moving away from proprietary solutions like Flash.