$ cat material-explorer.json
title: Material Explorer
category: web
client: Personal Project
date: January 2023
stack:TypeScriptReactThree.jsReact Three FiberWebGL
Project Overview
Material Explorer is an interactive web application that allows users to create, customize, and visualize 3D materials in real-time. Built with Three.js and React Three Fiber, this tool provides immediate visual feedback on material property changes such as color, metalness, and roughness, making it ideal for designers, developers, and 3D artists.
Situation
• Overview
3D material creation and customization typically requires specialized knowledge and software, creating barriers for designers and developers who want to experiment with materials for their web-based 3D projects. Existing tools often lack real-time feedback or are too complex for quick iterations.
• Challenge
How might we simplify the process of creating and customizing 3D materials for the web while providing immediate visual feedback in an intuitive interface?
• Context
With the growing popularity of 3D on the web through libraries like Three.js and React Three Fiber, there's an increasing need for accessible tools that bridge the gap between technical implementation and visual design.
Task
• Overview
The goal was to create a user-friendly web application that makes 3D material creation and customization accessible to both developers and designers. The application needed to:
• Simplify Material Creation
by providing an intuitive interface for adjusting material properties without requiring deep technical knowledge.
• Provide Real-time Feedback
through immediate visual updates as users modify material properties.
• Ensure Cross-device Compatibility
by creating a responsive design that works well on various devices and screen sizes.
Action
1. Technical Implementation
Developed the application using TypeScript, React, and Three.js with React Three Fiber for 3D rendering. Implemented a state management system to handle material property changes and updates.
2. User Interface Design
Created an intuitive UI with clear controls for adjusting material properties such as color, metalness, roughness, and more. Designed the layout to provide a large preview area alongside easily accessible controls.
3. Performance Optimization
Implemented efficient rendering techniques to ensure smooth performance, even when making rapid changes to material properties. Optimized the application for various devices and browsers.
4. User Testing & Iteration
Conducted user testing with both developers and designers to refine the interface and workflow. Iterated on the design based on feedback to improve usability and functionality.
Result
• Overview
Material Explorer successfully bridges the gap between technical implementation and visual design for 3D materials on the web:
• Intuitive Material Customization
Users can easily create and customize materials with immediate visual feedback, making the process more accessible and efficient.
• Responsive Design
The application works seamlessly across various devices and screen sizes, ensuring a consistent experience for all users.
• Educational Value
Beyond its practical utility, Material Explorer serves as an educational tool for understanding how different material properties affect the appearance of 3D objects.