Context & Goals
Project foundation and objectives
An exploration into 2.5D web design, testing whether dimensional web experiences can be created efficiently using no-code tools. This project blends 2D and 3D design elements to simulate depth without the complexity of full 3D scenes, while maintaining performance and enabling designer autonomy from concept to deployment.
Dimensional Depth
Create engaging depth perception using layered 2D elements with parallax effects.
No-Code Workflow
Enable designers to create interactive 3D experiences without developer dependency.
Performance Optimization
Balance visual richness with web performance through efficient 2.5D techniques.
The Challenge
Key problems to solve
Core Problem Statement
Traditional web design is limited to flat, 2D interfaces, while full 3D websites can be resource-intensive and complex. There's an opportunity to create engaging experiences that blend the performance of 2D with the depth perception of 3D.
Design Challenges
- Limited dimensional depth in traditional web layouts
- Need for engaging visual experiences without overwhelming users
- Desire for interactive elements that feel natural and purposeful
Technical Challenges
- Balancing visual richness with web performance constraints
- Finding the right amount of motion without distraction
- Optimizing particle effects for mobile devices
- Ensuring smooth 60fps animations across different browsers
- Enabling designers to create without code or developer support
Product Strategy & Process
Implementation and key features
Multi-Layer Depth Positioning
Organized layers in Spline to create dimensional depth using 2D elements. Character silhouettes positioned at different z-depths create parallax effect during camera movement, while maintaining performance advantages of 2D assets over full 3D rendering.
Atmospheric Particle Effects
Added particle effects for ambient atmosphere without overwhelming the scene. Carefully balanced particle density and animation speed to enhance dimensional feel while maintaining 60fps performance across devices.
Limited Pan Camera Movements
Implemented subtle camera panning to reveal depth without causing motion sickness. Limited movement range creates dimensional feel that enhances rather than distracts from content.
AI-Powered Asset Generation
Started with AI-generated hero image for visual impact. Selected and refined image in Photoshop, isolating character while preserving fine details for transparent PNG export.
Spline 3D Scene Building
Built interactive 3D scene entirely in Spline without code. Layered composition, particle systems, camera movements, and click interactions all configured through visual interface, enabling designers to maintain creative control.
Webflow One-Click Deployment
Embedded Spline scene in Webflow using custom embed component. No custom code required - designers can test, iterate, and publish live without developer involvement.
Character Click Interactions
Added click interactions on character for user engagement. Subtle animation responses provide feedback without disrupting the overall experience, making the scene feel alive and responsive.
Purposeful Animation
Designed animations to enhance rather than overwhelm. Each movement serves a purpose - revealing depth, providing feedback, or creating atmosphere - resulting in engaging experience without distraction.
Impact & Results
Success metrics and outcomes
Successfully demonstrated that 2.5D techniques can create immersive web experiences using no-code tools, enabling designers to create dimensional web experiences without developer dependency. The workflow proved efficient while maintaining creative control from concept to deployment.
Designer Autonomy
Complete creative control from concept to deployment without code
Design Disciplines Integrated
AI generation, photo editing, 3D composition, web deployment
Development Time
From concept to deployed interactive web experience
Key Learnings
Key insights and takeaways
Design Insights
- • Layered 2D elements create depth more efficiently than full 3D scenes
- • Subtle parallax effects feel more natural than extreme motion
- • Purposeful animation enhances engagement without overwhelming users
- • Limited pan movements provide dimensional feel without complexity
Product Insights
- • Spline enables designers to create 3D experiences without code
- • Performance remains strong with optimized assets and layered composition
- • No-code workflow enables rapid iteration and experimentation
- • Balancing visual richness with performance requires intentional design decisions