Workflow for Implementing X3D in E-commerce

Submitted by anita.havele on Mon, 2025-12-01 20:55

Workflow for Implementing X3D (open source and royalty free) in E-commerce

 1.  Requirement Analysis and Planning 

  • Identify Objectives: Determine the goals for integrating 3D models, such as improved customer experience, increased sales, or reduced return rates.
  • Target Products: Select which products will benefit most from 3D visualization. Typically, this includes complex or high-value items like furniture, electronics, or fashion.

2.  3D Model Creation and Collection 

  • Model Acquisition:  Obtain high-quality 3D models of the selected products. This can be done through:
    • 3D Scanning: Use 3D scanners to create accurate models of existing products.
    • 3D Modeling Software: Utilize software like Blender, Autodesk Maya, or similar tools to design models from scratch.
    • Professional Services: Consider hiring professional 3D artists if internal resources are insufficient.
  • Optimize Models: Ensure models are optimized for web use by reducing polygon count and file size without compromising quality. 

3.  Integration of X3D 

  • Format Conversion:  Convert 3D models into X3D format if they are not already in this format. Another option is to obtain the 3D model in glTF format, which can be included in X3D scenes by rendering software conforming to the X3D V4 standard.  https://www.web3d.org/x3d/export-import
  • Embed X3D Models: Integrate the X3D files into your e-commerce platform. This process may involve:
    • Web Development: Use HTML5 and JavaScript to embed X3D models on product pages.
    • Interactivity Features: Along with 3D navigation techniques standardized among conforming X3D viewers, bespoke interactive features can be prepared using the scripting and event-driven interaction integrated into the X3D scenegraph. Interactive features could include
    • Changing product colors
    • Showing the product from carefully selected viewpoints
    • Opening and closing a box or container in response to user mouse clicks or pointer actions.
  • Responsive Design:  Ensure that the 3D viewer is responsive and works seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes.

4.  Testing and Quality Assurance 

  • Cross-Browser Testing:  Test the functionality and appearance of 3D models across various browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) to ensure compatibility and performance.
  • User Testing:  Conduct user testing sessions to gather feedback on the usability and effectiveness of the 3D models in enhancing the shopping experience.

5.  Deployment and Monitoring 

  • Launch:  Go live with the 3D product models on your e-commerce site.
  • Analytics Integration:  Use analytics tools to track user engagement with 3D models, such as interactions, time spent, and conversion rates.

6.  Optimization and Updates

  • Performance Tuning:  Continuously optimize loading times and performance of 3D models to enhance user experience.
  • Regular Updates:  Update the 3D models regularly to reflect changes in product designs, new collections, or seasonal variations.
  • Feedback Loop:  Use customer feedback and analytics data to refine and improve the 3D visualization features over time.

7. PBR Material and Programmable Shader Support

For added realism, Web3D suggests that e-commerce developers incorporate Physically Based Rendering (PBR) into the workflow of 3D content creation. X3D supports PBR Materials through its PhysicalMaterial node.

https://www.web3d.org/documents/specifications/19775-1/V4.0/Part01/components/shape.html#PhysicalMaterial 

The PhysicalMaterial node is fully supported by Castle Game Engine and X_ITE X3D Browser. This type of X3D material type is also partially supported by the X3DOM browser.

Programmable Shader support is available through two mechanisms. X3DOM offers the type of rendering through its non-standard CommonSurfaceShader node, which supports the inclusion of shading language scripts. The X3D specification also offers standardized programmable shader options through its Programmable Shader Component (PSC), which is supported by the X_ITE X3D Browser. 

https://www.web3d.org/documents/specifications/19775-1/V4.0/Part01/components/shaders.html 

For e-commerce developers with shading language experience, the use of PSC techniques may produce the most realistic results. However, PBR techniques generally produce more consistent, realistic content with less knowledge required to produce such results.

For those who wish to practice shader programming using the GLSL shading language, please visit ShaderToy - https://www.shadertoy.com/ 

PBR materials are supported to various degrees through the following DCC plugins: 

8. Content Pipeline

Steps:

  1. DCC → (FBX model) → Adobe Substance 3D

  2. Adobe Substance 3D → (PBR) → DCC

  3. DCC → (Inlined or Imported glTF/X3D ) → X3D Editor

  4. X3D Editor → (X3D) → X3D Browser

DCC (Digital Content Creation software) - Includes:

  • Autodesk Maya

  • Autodesk 3DS Max

  • Blender 3D

X3D Editors - Include: 

X3D Browsers - Include:

Going from Adobe Substance 3D as PBR to DCC

Going from DCC to glTF or X3D

Conclusion

Implementing X3D (open source and royalty free) in e-commerce can significantly enhance product visualization and customer interaction. By following this workflow, businesses can create a seamless and engaging shopping experience that leverages the power of 3D technology. This integration not only helps in differentiating the shopping experience but also drives customer satisfaction and sales growth.