The Design-First Workflow

Instead of starting with complex animations or imagery, begin by establishing the text layout and typography. Designers often make the mistake of building around visuals, only to realize the text doesn't fit the final composition. By defining the hero section's text hierarchy first, you create a framework that supports the later integration of 3D elements. Use tools like Dribbble or Mobbin to find high-end design inspiration, then use Claude Design to quickly mock up the initial text-based structure before moving into full development.

Integrating 3D Assets with AI

To elevate a static site, integrate 3D elements that respond to user interaction. The author demonstrates connecting the Higgsfield AI MCP (Model Context Protocol) to Claude Code to generate realistic, 3D assets.

Key strategies for 3D integration include:

  • Layering: Ensure 3D elements (like a rotating planet) sit behind text but in front of the background to create depth.
  • Scroll-Triggered Animation: Use the primary 3D element from the hero section to guide the user into the next section. As the user scrolls, the object should zoom or transition to highlight specific content, creating a cohesive narrative flow.
  • Iterative Prompting: If the initial AI output is too static (e.g., a flat image instead of a 3D model), refine the prompt to specify rotation, lighting, and spatial relationship to the text.

Deployment and Production

For projects intended as portfolios or prototypes, avoid complex no-code platforms that may limit future flexibility. Instead, use Claude Code to prepare the project for a standard production environment. The workflow involves:

  1. Local Development: Iterating on the UI and interactions within the Claude Code environment.
  2. Deployment: Using Vercel for hosting. While pushing to GitHub is best practice for long-term maintenance, for quick portfolio pieces, you can follow the CLI-based deployment steps provided by Claude Code to get a live URL in minutes.
  3. Responsiveness: Ensure that 3D elements and animations remain stable across different viewport sizes by testing the canvas behavior during the generation process.