I am currently working on a fairly large-scale 3D website. I’m trying to achieve a technically impressive and visually pleasing 3D experience, while at the same time making sure the site is actually usable.
I’ve been doing a little reading on the web to see what I can find on the topic of 3D usability. I haven’t found much, yet. Jakob Nielson’s article back in 1998 is predictably Luddite and pessimistic, though the discussion in the comments are more enlightening: in particular, Benjamin P. Samuel notes that even GUIs such as Windows are 3D of a kind (because of the stacking order of elements) … however, in this case, I suppose I am thinking exclusively about immersive or “introspective” 3D UI.
There’s a book from Pearson Ed called “3D User Interfaces” that looks interesting. In particular, these notes on the ideas behind the development of Sun’s “Looking Glass” 3D UI, originally developed for Solaris, is probably the most useful information I’ve found on the web.
One thing I find very frustrating about working with 3D is the lack of an input device for use in modelling and object manipulation in 3D space. The mouse is a very poor tool for this type of work. It’s heartening to read about the WiiFlash system for use of the Wii Remote in Flash. Apparently it’ll work with any Bluetooth-enabled PC or Mac.
I’m interested in your work, If it is done would you please let me try your site?
It’s very close to completion Albert – should be done by the end of the month, so going live first week in Jung.e Once it’s done I’ll be posting the URL straight away on this blog.