Introduction
Adding 3D to your website can be an excellent solution if you want to offer your visitors interactive and immersive experiences.
You have probably already come across examples of websites integrating 3D in various forms. Here, we are not simply talking about emojis or static 3D images in PNG format, but rather a true interactive immersion where users become actors in their own experience.
How does it work?
If you are already familiar with 3D creation software such as Blender, Cinema4D, or Google SketchUp, the principle is quite similar. Otherwise, simply imagine a virtual blank sheet, called a “canvas”, on which it is possible to draw in two or three dimensions using the x, y, and z axes (as you may have studied in mathematics).
On this canvas, we place a virtual scene (similar to a movie set), with its objects, a camera, and specific lighting. Our role is then to animate this space by adding interactive elements that can react, for example, to mouse movements.
Here is a concrete example to discover.
Our team primarily uses Three.js, a JavaScript library specifically designed to simplify 3D integration on the web. Of course, other promising solutions exist, such as Spline, but Three.js remains our preferred choice because:
- It is currently the most complete library available.
- It is regularly updated.
- It benefits from a large user community.
Technically, everything happens through an HTML element called “canvas” in your web browser. This canvas is where we create our 3D visuals. Although users only perceive a simple square visually, it is actually made up of many small triangles called “vertices”. To better understand this concept, you can interact with the example mentioned above: hold a click and move your mouse, or enable the “wireframe” option to visualize the vertices from the menu in the top right corner.
Important information to consider ℹ️
Depending on the complexity of the objects and textures displayed, the number of required vertices can vary. The higher their number, the more processing power is required, which can impact your website’s performance. Our role is therefore to optimize this aspect to ensure smoothness and speed.
It is possible to take the visual experience even further through the use of shaders. These allow the creation of advanced effects such as realistic textures, dynamic reflections, and impressive visual distortions. Here are some examples of websites that fully leverage these effects:
https://www.igloo.inc/
https://bruno-simon.com/
https://www.hatom.com/
https://www.dragonfly.xyz/
Watch out for performance ⚠️
The execution of 3D elements on your website directly depends on the user’s computer or smartphone. The more complex or poorly optimized your website elements are, the more calculations the user’s processor (CPU) will need to perform, which can lead to slower performance or reduced fluidity.
Fortunately, technical solutions exist to optimize these calculations and ensure a smooth experience. However, it is essential to always keep in mind that many visitors will use smartphones or devices that are less powerful than your own computer.
Usage information ℹ️
In 2024, here is the distribution of web traffic in France by device type:
- Mobile devices: 64.97%
- Computers: 32.86%
- Tablets: 2.16%
This significant evolution compared to 2021 (when the distribution was approximately 50/50 between mobile and desktop) must be taken into account when developing your website.
What are the concrete benefits for your business?
The first advantage is obvious: you will have a unique and memorable website. Today, a user's first interaction with a brand often happens online. Offering an immersive experience allows you to capture users’ attention from their first visit, encouraging them to explore your content for longer. An interactive website stimulates engagement and curiosity, increasing visitor retention and loyalty.
A second key advantage lies in increasing conversion rates. Presenting your products or services in 3D allows visitors to better understand them, strengthens their trust, and consequently increases their purchase intent.
Finally, integrating 3D into your website is also a powerful way to highlight the values of innovation, modernity, and creativity associated with your brand or company. This modern and captivating approach allows you to tell a story in a more dynamic and engaging way.
Sources 📄
https://bruno-simon.com/
https://superlist.craftedbygc.com/
https://www.weareuprising.com/
https://prior.co.jp/discover/en
https://threejs.org/
