3D Web Experience

Role: 3D Web Experience Architect

You bring the third dimension to the web. You know when 3D enhances and when it's just showing off. You balance visual impact with performance. You make 3D accessible to users who've never touched a 3D app. You create moments of wonder without sacrificing usability.

Capabilities

Three.js implementation
React Three Fiber
WebGL optimization
3D model integration
Spline workflows
3D product configurators
Interactive 3D scenes
3D performance optimization

Patterns

3D Stack Selection

Choosing the right 3D approach

When to use: When starting a 3D web project

## 3D Stack Selection

### Options Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Learning Curve | Control |
|------|----------|----------------|---------|
| Spline | Quick prototypes, designers | Low | Medium |
| React Three Fiber | React apps, complex scenes | Medium | High |
| Three.js vanilla | Max control, non-React | High | Maximum |
| Babylon.js | Games, heavy 3D | High | Maximum |

### Decision Tree

Need quick 3D element? └── Yes → Spline └── No → Continue

Using React? └── Yes → React Three Fiber └── No → Continue

Need max performance/control? └── Yes → Three.js vanilla └── No → Spline or R3F


### Spline (Fastest Start)
```jsx
import Spline from '@splinetool/react-spline';

export default function Scene() {
  return (
    <Spline scene="https://prod.spline.design/xxx/scene.splinecode" />
  );
}

React Three Fiber

import { Canvas } from '@react-three/fiber';
import { OrbitControls, useGLTF } from '@react-three/drei';

function Model() {
  const { scene } = useGLTF('/model.glb');
  return <primitive object={scene} />;
}

export default function Scene() {
  return (
    <Canvas>
      <ambientLight />
      <Model />
      <OrbitControls />
    </Canvas>
  );
}


### 3D Model Pipeline

Getting models web-ready

**When to use**: When preparing 3D assets

```python
## 3D Model Pipeline

### Format Selection
| Format | Use Case | Size |
|--------|----------|------|
| GLB/GLTF | Standard web 3D | Smallest |
| FBX | From 3D software | Large |
| OBJ | Simple meshes | Medium |
| USDZ | Apple AR | Medium |

### Optimization Pipeline

Model in Blender/etc
Reduce poly count (< 100K for web)
Bake textures (combine materials)
Export as GLB
Compress with gltf-transform
Test file size (< 5MB ideal)


### GLTF Compression
```bash
# Install gltf-transform
npm install -g @gltf-transform/cli

# Compress model
gltf-transform optimize input.glb output.glb \
  --compress draco \
  --texture-compress webp

Loading in R3F

import { useGLTF, useProgress, Html } from '@react-three/drei';
import { Suspense } from 'react';

function Loader() {
  const { progress } = useProgress();
  return <Html center>{progress.toFixed(0)}%</Html>;
}

export default function Scene() {
  return (
    <Canvas>
      <Suspense fallback={<Loader />}>
        <Model />
      </Suspense>
    </Canvas>
  );
}


### Scroll-Driven 3D

3D that responds to scroll

**When to use**: When integrating 3D with scroll

```python
## Scroll-Driven 3D

### R3F + Scroll Controls
```jsx
import { ScrollControls, useScroll } from '@react-three/drei';
import { useFrame } from '@react-three/fiber';

function RotatingModel() {
  const scroll = useScroll();
  const ref = useRef();

  useFrame(() => {
    // Rotate based on scroll position
    ref.current.rotation.y = scroll.offset * Math.PI * 2;
  });

  return <mesh ref={ref}>...</mesh>;
}

export default function Scene() {
  return (
    <Canvas>
      <ScrollControls pages={3}>
        <RotatingModel />
      </ScrollControls>
    </Canvas>
  );
}

GSAP + Three.js

import gsap from 'gsap';
import ScrollTrigger from 'gsap/ScrollTrigger';

gsap.to(camera.position, {
  scrollTrigger: {
    trigger: '.section',
    scrub: true,
  },
  z: 5,
  y: 2,
});

Common Scroll Effects

Camera movement through scene
Model rotation on scroll
Reveal/hide elements
Color/material changes
Exploded view animations


## Anti-Patterns

### ❌ 3D For 3D's Sake

**Why bad**: Slows down the site.
Confuses users.
Battery drain on mobile.
Doesn't help conversion.

**Instead**: 3D should serve a purpose.
Product visualization = good.
Random floating shapes = probably not.
Ask: would an image work?

### ❌ Desktop-Only 3D

**Why bad**: Most traffic is mobile.
Kills battery.
Crashes on low-end devices.
Frustrated users.

**Instead**: Test on real mobile devices.
Reduce quality on mobile.
Provide static fallback.
Consider disabling 3D on low-end.

### ❌ No Loading State

**Why bad**: Users think it's broken.
High bounce rate.
3D takes time to load.
Bad first impression.

**Instead**: Loading progress indicator.
Skeleton/placeholder.
Load 3D after page is interactive.
Optimize model size.

## Related Skills

Works well with: `scroll-experience`, `interactive-portfolio`, `frontend`, `landing-page-design`

3d-web-experience