3D Websites

[niallb]

Hi,
I keep reading that 3D websites are 'the next big thing' and recently met a guy who is having one built for his e-commerce site.
Just wondered what peoples thoughts were on these and is it at all likely that OSCMax may go down this route?
Niall

[Mike Sayre]

3D website have been around for awhile using Flash, way back in '99 when Macromedia was around is when I got hooked on it. I've been addicted ever since.

There's been a lot of excitement and advances with CSS3, Javascript, SVG, HTML5, WebGL, and SMIL lately regarding animations and 3D graphic designi without the need or use of Flash. The technologies might be a few years away from going mainstream though, the browsers need to catch up with the standards first. Plus us designers and developers need more seasoning into the coding techniques to make it practical.

I can't think of a better or easier way to do 3D for a website unless using Flash as of now, osCmax can easily have flash templates no problem. But the reason Flash has stalled somewhat recently is because of the lack of Mobile support with iPhone (Apple). Flash is also somewhat expensive too have done or takes time if you're going DIY. Plus with ecommerce, you definitely don't want to enable it fully on templates due to numerous reasons... like debugging if there are issues, or browser/player version compatibility for your shoppers.

I've been working on CSS3 and Javascript templates with the 3D look, no glasses needed. I haven't really done anything other than dev, or with our clients sites yet, simply because the code is still buggy in form and in browser.

It's interesting to see how it goes for 3D internet, I think it took HD like 10 years to get near mainstream. Just as I just decide to pull the trigger on a sweet Samsung 55 HD LCD... less than a year later Sony launches 3D HD TV!

Say La Vee.


Mike

[ridexbuilder]

Ahhh, how sweet is Flashblock and Firefox? Makes websites almost pleasurable again.
'Flashing' images are as bad as animated avatars, IMO, though I'm usually in the minority.
C'est la vie

[met00]

3D? I can't get browsers to display mathML accurately and forget working with native SGV and both those technologies are far more stable than 3D. Mike is right, ten years out at best, most likely more than that before there is anything really usable. There is "bleeding edge"and then there is so far out there as to not be considered yet... when it comes to commerce most people want comfort before they open their credit card online. That's why MOST of the bleeding edge development in 2.5 is in the admin, and why we only put hooks in the catalog (for those that want to take advantage of it). 3D still has a way to go before it gets to bleeding edge.

[my "day job" involves quite a bit of bleeding edge as well as mathML, SGV and other web technologies that deal with education and presentation]

[michael_s]

Am I alone in hating all 3-D technology for movies, games, websites? I get enough sh*t flying at me in real life, don't need any more from my entertainment.