3D Effects

Three-dimensional illusion effects are powerful devices that can achieve excellent results. They can also add significantly to overall page filesize, and can reduce usability if overused, so should be used deliberately and with care (unlike the title image above, see cooltext.com if you want one).

Hunt, Ben. Web Design From Scratch (2005). Design>Web Design>Graphic Design>3D

A Next Generation of Digital Genres: Expanding Documentation into Animation and Virtual Reality  

The purpose of this paper is to discuss virtual reality and interactive animation as potential documentation tools for training and information distribution and to discuss applications available for developing these genres.

Hailey, David E. Utah State University (2003). Articles>Documentation>Interactive>3D

Three-Dimensional Illustration for Technical Communicators    

You don't need to be a skilled illustrator to create effective 3-D graphics. Three-dimensional illustration allows the technical communicator to respond quickly to project changes and create imagery appropriate for most publications or multimedia. Burns' article shows the benefits of 3-D artwork and its potential for technical communicators.

Burns, Tom K. Intercom (2008). Design>Graphic Design>Technical Illustration>3D

Uses for Virtual Reality in the Workplace and Classroom  

Virtual reality and game technology can be used in the technical communication classrooms and the workplace as well as the laboratory. Because our communication into the 21st century will take many "technical" forms, the technology, creativity, degree of interaction, and multimedia designs of virtual reality simulations should become part of our communication technology in the 1990s. Although hypertext, hypermedia, computer-aided design (CAD), and multimedia, multisensory training applications are becoming more common in the workplace, the concept of virtual reality has seldom been translated into practical applications that require business and technical communicators to have special skills. As well, advances in holographic information create exciting new educational designs for the future.

Porter, Lynnette R. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>TC>User Interface>3D

VRML: Three Dimensions for the World Wide Web  

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is a standard for describing three-dimensional, virtual scenes and environments that can be served via the World Wide Web. A rapidly emerging communication medium, VRML may soon become a technology used by technical communicators in many industries where 30 information truly enhances a message.

Ames, Andrea L. STC Proceedings (1997). Design>Web Design>SGML>3D