WALK into NEW ZEALAND
WALK into NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a vast country renowned for its numerous landmarks and breathtaking natural scenery. It attracts a large number of travelers and international students, offering a diverse range of experiences. However, the impact of COVID-19 led to a significant decline in visitors, resulting in a challenging period for the country. As New Zealand gradually recovers in the post-pandemic era, this project aims to promote its landmarks and natural environment by utilizing 3D modeling and WebGL-based web game technologies.
New Zealand is a vast country renowned for its numerous landmarks and breathtaking natural scenery. It attracts a large number of travelers and international students, offering a diverse range of experiences. However, the impact of COVID-19 led to a significant decline in visitors, resulting in a challenging period for the country. As New Zealand gradually recovers in the post-pandemic era, this project aims to promote its landmarks and natural environment by utilizing 3D modeling and WebGL-based web game technologies.
Date : 09 / 2024
Type : individual Project
Tools : Blender, Unity Webgl, Chat GPT, After effect
Project timeline : 8 weeks
Tutorial
Tutorial
Game Play
Game Play
(muted)
(Link)
Problem
Problem
"COVID-19 led to a sharp global drop in travel and migration, with New Zealand still in the process of recovery"
"COVID-19 led to a sharp global drop in travel and migration, with New Zealand still in the process of recovery"
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decline in the number of travelers, international students, and working holiday participants worldwide. New Zealand has been among the countries affected by this trend, and the numbers are recovering at a gradual pace. In response to this situation, this project explores ways to promote New Zealand by utilizing its iconic landmarks and native wildlife.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decline in the number of travelers, international students, and working holiday participants worldwide. New Zealand has been among the countries affected by this trend, and the numbers are recovering at a gradual pace. In response to this situation, this project explores ways to promote New Zealand by utilizing its iconic landmarks and native wildlife.
Research Question
Research Question
How can I use 3D models in an Interactive website to
visualise the landmarks of New Zealand to advertise to the people?
How can I use 3D models in an Interactive website to visualise the landmarks of New Zealand to advertise to the people?
Research 1
The number of tourist are decrease during covid-19 (2020 - 2022). Nowadays (2023 - 2024) the number of tourist get increase than during the covid, but average number of tourist are still lower than 2017 - 2019.
Research 2
Landmarks play a key role in shaping cognitive maps of both physical and digital spaces. They are defined by their recognizable and memorable characteristics within an environment.(Molly & Stephen, 1999).
Solution
Solution
"This project uses a 3D interactive website to let users explore New Zealand landmarks, gain information, and spark curiosity through engaging and realistic experiences."
"This project uses a 3D interactive website to let users explore New Zealand landmarks, gain information, and spark curiosity through engaging and realistic experiences."
The proposed solution for this project is an interactive website utilizing 3D modeling. Interactive websites not only provide users with unique experiences and emotions but also serve as an effective platform for engaging users in various ways. By leveraging 3D models, it is possible to deliver a level of detail and realism that cannot be achieved through 2D representations, thereby increasing user engagement and interest. The primary goal of the project is to enable users to navigate various New Zealand landmarks using a character, acquire relevant information, and ultimately foster greater interest and curiosity about New Zealand.
The proposed solution for this project is an interactive website utilizing 3D modeling. Interactive websites not only provide users with unique experiences and emotions but also serve as an effective platform for engaging users in various ways. By leveraging 3D models, it is possible to deliver a level of detail and realism that cannot be achieved through 2D representations, thereby increasing user engagement and interest. The primary goal of the project is to enable users to navigate various New Zealand landmarks using a character, acquire relevant information, and ultimately foster greater interest and curiosity about New Zealand.
3D modeling Development
3D modeling Development
The main component of this project is 3D modeling. As the foundation of the project, 3D modeling was essential to allow users to recognize and experience each landmark, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. To achieve this, seven iconic landmarks of New Zealand were selected, sketched, and subsequently transformed into 3D models.
The main component of this project is 3D modeling. As the foundation of the project, 3D modeling was essential to allow users to recognize and experience each landmark, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. To achieve this, seven iconic landmarks of New Zealand were selected, sketched, and subsequently transformed into 3D models.
Character Design
Character Design
In this interactive 3D website design project, character design was regarded as an essential element—not only to ensure user-friendly access to the website, but also to effectively convey the spirit of New Zealand. Accordingly, the kiwi bird, an iconic symbol of New Zealand, was chosen as the website’s main character and named Wiki. Wiki was designed with the concept of serving as a guardian and guide, reflecting the essence of New Zealand.
In this interactive 3D website design project, character design was regarded as an essential element—not only to ensure user-friendly access to the website, but also to effectively convey the spirit of New Zealand. Accordingly, the kiwi bird, an iconic symbol of New Zealand, was chosen as the website’s main character and named Wiki. Wiki was designed with the concept of serving as a guardian and guide, reflecting the essence of New Zealand.
Designing the Map
Designing the Map
The project was developed through multiple stages. Notably, this included 3D modeling of the map and the creation of various geographical features. Based on the main 3D models, key elements such as roads, grass, and mountains were designed to represent the unique landscape of New Zealand. In the final stage, UI screens that appear in response to user interactions with the 3D models were also implemented.
The project was developed through multiple stages. Notably, this included 3D modeling of the map and the creation of various geographical features. Based on the main 3D models, key elements such as roads, grass, and mountains were designed to represent the unique landscape of New Zealand. In the final stage, UI screens that appear in response to user interactions with the 3D models were also implemented.
Tools
Tools
This project was primarily developed using Unity and Blender. Basic 3D models and spatial arrangements were created in Blender, then imported into Unity, where interactions between characters and buildings were implemented. The final product was developed as a web-based game using the WebGL platform.
This project was primarily developed using Unity and Blender. Basic 3D models and spatial arrangements were created in Blender, then imported into Unity, where interactions between characters and buildings were implemented. The final product was developed as a web-based game using the WebGL platform.
Experience
"WALK into NEW ZEALAND" was my first project developed using Unity, driven by my desire to create a 3D interactive website. I began by setting a clear goal: to design a dynamic and engaging 3D web experience. To prepare, I studied various interactive websites in advance, learning both functional and visual design elements.
As direct implementation of a 3D interactive website wasn't feasible at the time, I chose to prototype the experience using Unity WebGL. I modeled characters and New Zealand landmarks in Blender, then imported them into Unity to build interactions. With the help of ChatGPT, I scripted behaviors and UI components to simulate a real-time interactive web experience.
To support usability, I also produced a tutorial video guiding users through the mockup. This project helped me understand the complexity behind building 3D interactive environments, the challenges of testing and coding, and the importance of approaching design from the user's perspective.
"WALK into NEW ZEALAND" was my first project developed using Unity, driven by my desire to create a 3D interactive website. I began by setting a clear goal: to design a dynamic and engaging 3D web experience. To prepare, I studied various interactive websites in advance, learning both functional and visual design elements.
As direct implementation of a 3D interactive website wasn't feasible at the time, I chose to prototype the experience using Unity WebGL. I modeled characters and New Zealand landmarks in Blender, then imported them into Unity to build interactions. With the help of ChatGPT, I scripted behaviors and UI components to simulate a real-time interactive web experience.
To support usability, I also produced a tutorial video guiding users through the mockup. This project helped me understand the complexity behind building 3D interactive environments, the challenges of testing and coding, and the importance of approaching design from the user's perspective.
Next Steps
This project was my first time integrating Unity with Blender, and the result was highly positive. While Blender was used mainly for modeling, I saw its future potential in motion graphics. Using ChatGPT for coding also proved effective, reinforcing my trust in AI tools and their creative value.
This project was my first time integrating Unity with Blender, and the result was highly positive. While Blender was used mainly for modeling, I saw its future potential in motion graphics. Using ChatGPT for coding also proved effective, reinforcing my trust in AI tools and their creative value.
Aaron Lee ©2025