Introduction
Nowadays, there is a rapid pace of technological progress in many areas, which significantly simplifies some procedures. It applies to web development, namely the creation of sites, applications, web design, etc. Many platforms allow the user to quickly create a web product using templates and only by combining some of the template options. That is, one can feel like an artist in the web sphere only by choosing the right shapes and colors, as happens for the artists on paper. However, today there is no single, convenient platform that would allow one to implement already created complex animations to simplify the process. Thereby, the idea is to use js frameworks or libraries like Three.js or Anime.js to create many animations and let users just drag and drop them.
For the successful development of this idea, one should decide what form this platform should look like. For this development, the most appropriate structure would be the model used in platforms such as Wix or WordPress. That is, it can be downloadable software or a platform that will have libraries with already created complex animations. In order to implement the selected animation, the user needs to go to the platform and select the required object. Next, one needs to drag the selected animation onto the object being developed, for example, a portfolio site. Considering that there should be many animations, it is necessary to implement a detailed search or filter function.
Problem Statement
The problem lies in the fact that when creating any objects, for example, a portfolio site for web designers or freelancers, one may encounter difficulties associated with animations. It is especially relevant when one needs to develop complex animation, and people often do not have enough technological skills (Kazandzhy, 2019). However, to create a successful portfolio, one needs to have points that will make it stand out from the rest (Lee, 2021). It formulates evidence of the problem as there is a necessity to develop the current idea, which will be applied to help those who need animations. Moreover, developing an animation on one’s own takes a lot of time, and one needs a couple of minutes to find and drag the animation to one’s object.
Moreover, as it has been already mentioned, the creation of animation takes a lot of time, however, for the successful implementation of web projects, maximum time savings are required. In addition, today, there is a development of a trend toward the transition to the use of templates, quick downloads, and various already-made objects for projects. However, the only area where such a model has not yet been implemented is animation. Based on this, one may notice that there is a necessity to implement the current idea, which will keep pace with technological development. It is also worth noting that such a platform will be a successful project from a commercial point of view since one can sell ads. In addition, one can offer premium subscriptions to customers, which will be paid, although they offer wider functionality.
Research Question
Further, for the successful implementation of the idea, it is necessary to determine the research question and the main hypothesis of the work. Thus, the research question is formulated by the need to determine the appropriate form and structure for the implementation of the current idea. In other words, what tools to create the platform and what model will be used to function. The main hypothesis is that there is a need to develop the current idea and that creating many animations and storing them in one place will be an effective tool for solving the current problem. Certainly, there are still a number of issues that will be resolved at the next stage of development, namely the creation of a platform. It includes the business plan, funding, identifying resources, developing milestones, support, etc.
Literature Review
In addition to the above, for the implementation of the project, it is important to find and analyze the literature that offers the necessary information in relation to the issue. It includes sources containing detailed analyzes of key points in the work. For example, Gauchat (2018) proposes a detailed review of Three.js, the powerful and one of the most popular JavaScript libraries. It is applied to generate 3D graphics on the Web on the basis of low-level graphic API from OpenGl, namely, WebGL. The library offers convenient control over the objects that are needed to create a 3D world, and it includes motion, lights, cameras, objects, textures, etc. In order to install the library, you need to download files from the site and add them to documents, which is easy and fast to perform.
The book shows in detail how to install and use this library, with a description of all necessary procedures. The information is important for the project as this library can be used to develop animations that will then be put into the base to be used by clients. In addition, the book offers analysis and reviews of many other essential aspects for developers (Gauchat, 2018). It includes interacting with the 3D world, objects, light, and movement. The authors demonstrated how to implement objects in the 3D world, create and change textures, and finally, develop animations and video games.
JavaScript is a programming language that offers a wider range of functions for developing apps, sites, etc. The language structure is suitable for work in this direction because it performs the necessary functions (Labrecque et al. 2019). Moreover, the interface and framework of the language allow one to avoid overloading the functionality. It also offers significant opportunities for optimizing the object under development. JavaScript can be used to develop a current idea, namely software for people who need to find complex animations. Besides, it is suitable for tasks such as adding dynamic interactivity to websites. Thus, one can fill the site with objects that the user will interact with using the appropriate functionality.
Another library that can be used for the current task is Anime.js, which is as popular as Three.js and offers convenient functionality. Moreover, this library works on the basis of JavaScript as well, which makes it necessary to find the relevant information. Thereby, Labrecque et al. (2019) in their work demonstrate the basics of JavaScript and offer information about Anime.js in detail. The authors indicate that the JavaScript ecosystem can cause operational difficulties. However, the peculiarity of the language is that if one is aware of all the subtleties of the language’s operation, the development will be fast and efficient. It is formulated by the flexibility and wide functionality of JavaScript, however, requiring time and effort to learn. The book will allow one to study the basics of using the language from scratch, supplementing the information with illustrations and explanations.
The book by Libby (2018) begins by explaining the fundamental concepts of how the language works, including key libraries, tools, and frameworks. Further, the author show how to control the flow of information in an application or any other development object. In addition, concepts such as object-oriented and functional programming are explained. The book demonstrates this language’s methods of interacting with data in the development aspect. Finally, it includes information about the Anime.js library and how it interacts with JavaScript. After reading the book, one will have the confidence and the necessary skills not only to work with JavaScript but also to solve possible problems that may arise while developing.
To embody the current task, one should also be aware of the key concepts of SVG (scalable vector graphics). It is a graphics markup language that is used to design logos, icons, and various user interface elements for websites (Libby, 2018). However, the language interface allows this to be used for broader purposes. For example, SVG can be used to develop small casual games such as sudoku, crossword puzzles, or similar applications. In addition, it can be used to design maps, road or conventional, and create charts, infographics, graphs, and scalable resources.
To understand the basics of this interface, one needs to find and study the relevant literature. Therefore, Libby (2018) offers a detailed review of working with SVG and analyzes the main concepts. The author explains how to quickly and efficiently apply the interface content in the browser or with the help of Snap.js, the third-party tool. Besides, Libby indicates that SVG is a convenient and efficient method for displaying scalable objects without quality loss. The book demonstrates how to use SVG as a format and how to interact and create reusable forms and text. Moreover, the author covers such topics as animated content, creating custom filters, and optimizing them to achieve greater efficiency.
This literature is critical to be aware of for implementing a site or software with complex animations. It is articulated by the fact that the author also demonstrates the basics of website development and methods for quickly creating dynamic visual effects as well. In addition, one does not have to spend extra time learning such tools for developing animation elements as Adobe Illustrator (Libby, 2018). Moreover, the author notes that the work is suitable for those who are pressed for time and those developers from whom quick results are required. In other words, Libby managed to fit all the necessary and important information, supplementing it with convenient explanations.
The next point of the necessary information for the successful implementation of the project is data related to web development. Thus, Kazandzhy (2019) proposes a detailed review and concepts of web development. The author indicates that it is a unique type of work since two main parts of the human brain are involved. Thus, for the design decisions of a site or application, one uses the part of the brain responsible for creativity. At the same time, one engages the part of the brain accountable for logic and mathematical calculations for programming and writing code. Moreover, the book demonstrates that an important aspect of learning web development is choosing the right place to start. In other words, the author has grouped all the available information in such a way that it forms a coherent stream. Thus, it will be easier for one to study the basic aspects since, after the theory, there is a practical part, consolidating the acquired knowledge.
Kazandzhy (2019) has divided the book into three main parts, primarily demonstrating the basics of web development, including the theoretical part. Further, there was carried out a literary review of the work, showing readers useful sources containing additional information (Kazandzhy, 2019). Finally, the last part is followed by a practical aspect, that is, the web development process itself, supplemented with explanations and guides. The author filled the book with useful advice on applying the acquired knowledge in an effective way and methods of solving problems.
It is worth noting that among the target audience of the project being developed are people who need to fill in a portfolio. Therefore, Lee (2021), in her work, demonstrates detailed information on the proper creation and maintenance of a portfolio for developers. This literature will help in the implementation of the project as it offers an analysis of this topic with an emphasis on the career aspect. In addition, the book shows how to properly use the acquired knowledge in the field of web development. The author demonstrates the basics of applying the information received in terms of employment and work. Moreover, one can find useful tips and ways to utilize knowledge to create a practical foundation.
Proposed Methods
The above literature is an integral part of confirming the hypothesis and answering the research question. Thus, it was found that such libraries as Three.js and Anime.js are suitable for creating a platform containing complex animation. In addition, one identified that there is no convenient and efficient way to get complex animations. It formulates the truth of the hypothesis and the relevance of the development of the current project. Further, the literary review provided an opportunity to develop proposed methods to achieve the planned work. For example, according to Gauchat (2018), Three.js contains all the necessary tools for developing animation software. Thus, the method of work will involve scheduling software development according to the characteristics of a given library.
Further, due to the review, it was found that Anime.js is a suitable alternative to Three.js for object creation. Thus, the features of these two libraries can be used in work, and their principles will be involved. In addition, according to Lee (2021), working methods will include those based on the application of acquired knowledge in a career aspect. Finally, as Gauchat (2018) stated, it is necessary to apply the acquired data in the field of web development, namely the basics of work and interaction with information within the project. Thus, the theoretical bases found in the literary review contribute to efficient work and the development of proposed methods.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is worth noting that due to technological progress, many procedures have become easier and more accessible. It applies to web development as well, however, one found that there is no easy way to implement already created animations into an object. Thus, the main thesis was established, namely the development of software where one could drag and drop complex animation. In addition, the answer to the research question was established, namely the features of Three.js and Anime.js and their use for the purposes of the project. The form of the software can be a model similar to Wix or WordPress, that is, a matrix where one has the ability to view, select, and download animation.
Reference List
Gauchat, J. D. (2018) Three.js: Learn how to create 3D graphics and video games for the web with JavaScript. J.D Gauchat.
Kazandzhy, L. (2019) Freelance web developer 101: How to start, grow, and succeed in freelance web development from A to Z. HowExpert.
Labrecque, J. et al. (2019) The JavaScript workshop: Learn to develop interactive web applications with clean and maintainable JavaScript code. Packt Publishing Ltd.
Lee, I. (2021) Creating a successful graphic design portfolio. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Libby, A. (2018) Beginning SVG: A practical introduction to SVG using real-world examples. Apress.