3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing.
#28436
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
#25809
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
#30776
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
#30609
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
#22916
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
#32115
In the following tutorials you will be learning how to use a series of points in space to create an illustration. The work will be based on creating a WWII aircraft, the C-47 Skytrain.
Tech Drawing Tools (1999). Design>Graphic Design>Technical Illustration>3D
#32362
A Low-Cost Test Environment for Usability Studies of Head-Mounted Virtual Reality Systems 
There is a need to develop new usability testing environments and methodologies for unconventional interactive systems. Pursuant to that need, we developed a low-cost test environment for a Head-Mounted Display (HMD)-based, virtual reality system called Osmose. Osmose was difficult to test for many reasons, one of which was its style of interaction. We began setting up the testing environment about two weeks before the start of the usability testing. We learned many lessons throughout the experience. This paper summarizes the study findings, both methodological - how to setup and conduct a usability lab for such an environment - as well as conceptual -the human experiences and behavioral patterns involved in using an immersive environment.
Seffah, Ahmed, Jonathan Benn and Halima Habieb Mammar. Journal of Usability Studies (2008). Articles>Usability>Testing>3D
#32375
Exploring Human Factors in Virtual Worlds
Why are virtual worlds increasingly relevant to technical communicators? What human factors influence the design of virtual worlds? This article explores these two important questions from a technical communication perspective.
Padmanabhan, Poornima. Technical Communication Online (2008). Articles>Human Computer Interaction>Online>3D
#35216
Enhancing User Interaction With First Person User Interface
First person user interfaces can be a good fit for applications that allow people to navigate the real world, “augment” their immediate surroundings with relevant information, and interact with objects or people directly around them.
Wroblewski, Luke. Smashing (2009). Articles>User Interface>Usability>3D
