2D/3D Web Transitions: Methods And Techniques

Paper in proceeding, 2009

While numerous web applications exploit either 2D or 3D technology, the work presented here suggests that it is feasible to integrate 2D and 3D environments. Besides presenting methods and techniques for realizing 2D and 3D web environments, novel ways of putting corresponding technologies to work are suggested. The prospective user benefits and inherent limitations of realized models are presented in our work. Then the issues that arise when switching between 2D and 3D environments are explored. The background and justification for the three methods and corresponding techniques presented here illustrate how to enable and facilitate a fluent and effective transition between 2D and 3D web environments. While some of the methods and techniques presented are still at a conceptual stage, two techniques have been realized and the findings are presented in detail. A video presentation of realized techniques is offered. Usability of the methods and techniques realized is discussed.