2LIP: Filling the Gap between the Current and the Three-Dimensional Web

Abstract

In this article we present a novel approach, the 2-Layer Interface Paradigm (2LIP), for designing simple yet interactive 3D web applications, an attempt to marry advantages of 3D experience with the advantages of the narrative structure of hypertext. The hyper-text information, together with graphics, and multimedia, is presented semi-transparently on the foreground layer. It overlays the 3D representation of the information displayed in the background f the interface. Hyperlinks are used for navigation in the 3D scenes(in both layers).We introduce a reference implementation of 2LIP: Copernicus - The Virtual 3D Encyclopedia, which can become a model for building 3D Wikipedia. Based on the evaluation of Copernicus we show that designing web interfaces according to 2LIP provides users with a better experience during browsing the Web, has a positive effect on the visual and associative memory, improves spatial cognition of presented information, and increases overall user's satisfaction without harming the interaction.