3D General

Let's talk about how to optimize 3D for Flex. Keep it low poly, and simple texturing to allow more cpu and framerate. You will need the power for animation in both 3D viewport and 2D. There are several 3D API's and their offsprings for Flex/Flash developers out there. I tried Sandy, but got stucked with Papervision - in the summer of 2008 the branch GreatWhite Effects. Whether they are called GreatWhite, Away3D or anything else I believe in general that it really doesn't matter which one you choose. You should try them all, but you can't be an expert on all of them, and you should choose the one targeted to solve your specific problems or design needs.

3D on the web is not to be compared to modern 3D technology for film effects, computer games, or game consols! The open source community mentioned aboved are doing a tremendous job putting effort into making the API's both stable and effectfull, but as long as it is all about software rendering we must consider following when starting a new project:

a) From a technical point of view, keep it simple shading, low poly, and light-weight texturing!
b) From a design point of view - are you sure 3D is going to add to user experience at all?

These are two mayor considerations when first meeting your client. You don't want to end up with a disapointed client stating that you did not live up to their expectations!

... to be continued