Integration of Web-Based 3D Technologies and Digital Prototyping in Interdisciplinary Design Education: A Client-Driven Framework

This study presents a novel technological framework that integrates web-based 3D modeling and digital prototyping into interdisciplinary design education. Addressing the gap between traditional theoretical assessment and modern industry demands, the research investigates the implementation of interactive micro-websites and high-fidelity 3D product models as standard deliverables. Using a quasi-experimental design, the proposed digital workflow was tested on 53 final-year graphic design students at the University of Zagreb, divided into three groups based on the end users of their digital prototypes: real industry clients, peers, or academic mentors. The systemic reliability of the technological framework was measured through the technical quality of the final output (grades) analyzed via ANOVA, while user engagement with the digital process was tracked longitudinally. Results indicate that the implemented technological pipeline produced consistently high-quality outputs across all cohorts, with the client-facing group achieving the highest technical scores (M = 4.37; SD = 0.57). The lack of statistically significant variance between groups highlights a “ceiling effect,” demonstrating that the structured digital workflow itself is operationally stable and ensuring top-tier technical performance and prepress accuracy regardless of the evaluator. The study concludes that integrating advanced 3D web technologies and interactive public deliverables into the curriculum provides a scalable, industry-aligned technological model that successfully prepares design engineers for complex professional environments.