Create an Award-Winning Home Office Portfolio with Three.js and Blender | Rapid Prototyping

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through creating an award-winning home office portfolio using Three.js and Blender. You'll learn about rapid prototyping, routing for 3D websites, and how to implement various features in your project. By the end, you will have a solid foundation for developing your own interactive 3D portfolio.

Step 1: Understand Project Requirements

• Familiarize yourself with the tools:
  • Three.js: A powerful library for creating 3D graphics in the browser.
  • Blender: A 3D modeling software used to create assets.
• Ensure you have the latest versions:
  • Download Blender 4.5 for improved performance.
  • Use the "flat" property on your canvas for recent Three.js updates.

Step 2: Set Up Your Development Environment

• Install required packages:
  • Use React for building the user interface.
  • Install React Three Fiber (R3F) for easier integration with Three.js.
  • Consider using React Three Drei for easier instancing.

Step 3: Rapid Prototyping Introduction

• Understand rapid prototyping:
  • A method to quickly create a working model of your project.
  • Helps in visualizing concepts and iterating designs.
• Use tools and techniques that facilitate quick changes in your design.

Step 4: Create a Boilerplate

• Start by creating a boilerplate for your project.
• Include essential components:
  • Canvas for rendering.
  • Basic scene setup with lights and camera.
• Example boilerplate code:

  import { Canvas } from '@react-three/fiber';
  
  function App() {
    return (
      <Canvas>
        {/* Scene components go here */}
      </Canvas>
    );
  }
  

Step 5: Adjust Camera and Model Behavior

• Configure the camera to enhance user experience:
  • Set the camera position and angles for optimal viewing.
• Adjust model behaviors for interactivity:
  • Use hover effects to indicate selectable objects.

Step 6: Implement Hoverable Interactions

• Create hoverable grid interactions:
  • Use raycasting to detect mouse positions over objects.
• Example interaction code:

  function HoverableMesh(props) {
    const [hovered, setHovered] = useState(false);
    
    return (
      <mesh 
        {...props} 
        onPointerOver={() => setHovered(true)} 
        onPointerOut={() => setHovered(false)}
        scale={hovered ? 1.1 : 1}
      />
    );
  }
  

Step 7: Global State Management

• Use Zustand for managing global state:
  • Install Zustand and set up a store for managing application state.
• Example of Zustand store:

  import create from 'zustand';
  
  const useStore = create(set => ({
    count: 0,
    increment: () => set(state => ({ count: state.count + 1 })),
  }));
  

Step 8: Implement Side Panel and Room Toggles

• Create a side panel for navigation:
  • Implement buttons or links to switch between different rooms or views.
• Use React Router for managing routes:
  • Set up routes to navigate between different sections of your portfolio.

Step 9: Add Page Transitions

• Use react-transition-group for smooth transitions:
  • Implement transitions between different views to enhance user experience.

Step 10: Test and Deploy Your Project

• Test your project locally to ensure all features work correctly.
• Fix any deployment issues, particularly with Vercel:
  • Address issues like video texture updates as needed.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you’ll have a functional home office portfolio that showcases your skills in 3D modeling and web development. Remember to keep experimenting with features and refining your design. For further learning, explore the resources provided in the video, and consider joining communities for additional support. Happy prototyping!