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 TreeNeed 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)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
## 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 CompressionInstall 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
## Scroll-Driven 3D
### R3F + Scroll Controlsimport { 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