What are 3D hotspots and interactive product explorers?
a 3D hotspot is an interactive point placed on a 3D model which, when pressed, shows information (text, image, video, technical sheet or link). A product explorer is the complete experience that brings together the 3D model, the hotspots, the views and the navigation so the user can discover the product at their own pace.
How they work
- The user sees the product in 3D and can rotate it.
- Markers appear on the model (numbers, icons or dots).
- When one is pressed, the camera moves closer to that area and an information card opens.
- The user can follow a guided tour or explore freely.
- From any point they can trigger an action: request information, download a sheet, request a quote or add to a list.
What kind of content a hotspot can show
- Short text with a benefit or feature.
- Technical specifications.
- Images or video of a detail.
- Animation of a component.
- Comparison with another version.
- Links to manuals, shops or forms.
- Change of view, material or variant.
Elements of a product explorer
| Element | Function |
|---|---|
| 3D viewer | Rotate, zoom and pan |
| Hotspots | Contextual information |
| Guided tour | Step-by-step story |
| Layers menu | Show or hide parts |
| Preset views | Front, side, interior |
| Variant selector | Colours and versions |
| AR mode | See the product in the environment |
| Lead capture | Contact or quote |
| Analytics | Which points attract the most interest |
When to use them
- Products with relevant details (quality of materials, functions, components).
- Consultative sales where the customer wants to go deeper.
- Digital catalogues that replace PDFs.
- Trade fairs with touchscreens.
- Support: a user guide or a maintenance guide.
- Training before practical work.
Good practices
- Few hotspots, well chosen: between 5 and 10 is usually a good balance.
- Short messages, with a clear headline.
- Logical order if there is a guided tour.
- Visible but discreet design: it should not cover the product.
- Touch behaviour that works correctly on mobile.
- Accessibility: contrast, size and keyboard reading where appropriate.
- Measurement: which hotspots are pressed most and which are ignored.
Common mistakes
- Crowding the model with points.
- Long text that is not read.
- Hotspots that hide relevant details.
- Not testing on small screens.
- Forgetting a call to action.
Benefits
- Faster understanding of the product's benefits.
- Longer interaction time with the content.
- Useful information without overload.
- Data on interests.
- A single resource for sales, marketing, support and training.
Key ideas
- Hotspots are interactive information points on a 3D model.
- The explorer brings together the viewer, hotspots, views and actions.
- Few points, short messages and good design.
- They are used for the web, sales, trade fairs, support and training.
- Analytics show what interests customers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a complete 3D model?
Yes, the model is the foundation. It can be simplified compared with the CAD.
Do they work in augmented reality?
Some platforms allow it; on others, they are used in the web viewer.
Can they be edited without developers?
With suitable platforms, yes; it is worth asking when the project is designed.
How many hotspots should I include?
Enough to tell the story, without overcrowding; between 5 and 10 is typical.
More guides on this topic
How interactive 3D can help explain complex products
How interactive 3D helps explain complex products: cutaway views, exploded views, animations, hotspots and layers of information for sales, support and training.
How to turn a physical product into an interactive 3D model
Methods for digitising a physical product in 3D: modelling from CAD and references, 3D scanning and photogrammetry. Process, requirements and how to make it interactive.
How to optimise 3D models for the web, augmented reality and virtual reality
Practical guide to optimising 3D models: polygons, textures, materials, formats (GLB, USDZ), compression and performance testing for web, AR and VR.