Redefining Country Roads

A 3D web experience where you can learn more about the history of the key sounds of the South through one of country music's most famous songs: "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

CLIENT

Parsons thesis

TIMELINE

2022

ROLE

UX Designer & Developer

CONTEXT

Journey through country music

Country music is an integral part of Southern culture, yet many aren't aware of its diverse and rich historical roots. This project invites users to explore the evolution of country music by celebrating the genre's varied influences and countless contributors across generations. By navigating this interactive journey, visitors will discover how different sounds, instruments, and cultural elements have shaped the genre we know today. 

THE PROCESS

Design

I conceptualized country music's diverse history as a vibrant garden where each flower represents a different contributor to "Take Me Home, Country Roads." I meticulously researched the various artists and influences that shaped the song, then used Blender to model unique flowers that visually represented each contributor's style or impact.

The garden layout guides visitors on a chronological journey through country music's evolution, with interactive elements revealing the story behind this iconic song.

Early design iteration

THE PROCESS

Structure

I designed multiple navigation paths to serve both casual browsers and dedicated music enthusiasts. The experience can be accessed through a traditional chapter-based menu, an engaging homepage slider, or an immersive interactive map of the musical garden. These options ensure every visitor can explore country music's rich history at their preferred pace and depth of engagement.
 
 
 

Project navigation option

THE PROCESS

Technology

This project was built using React for the front-end architecture, with Three.js handling the immersive visual experience. I modeled each flower in Blender, facing the significant challenge of optimizing these detailed models for web performance. The process required meticulous polygon reduction and texture optimization to ensure the garden remained visually stunning while maintaining smooth performance across devices.

Integration with the Spotify API allowed me to embed authentic music snippets for each contributor, creating an auditory dimension that complements the visual experience. As users navigate through the garden, these audio elements activate seamlessly, enhancing the storytelling without disrupting the flow.

I created fluid transitions between different areas of the garden as well as with the 2D content. These transitions maintain the immersive quality of the experience as visitors move between flowers, ensuring the narrative feels continuous rather than segmented. 

Final notes

This project was presented at the  Parsons Design & Technology 2022 Thesis Symposium, where visitors could experience country music's diverse history through an immersive 3D environment. I invite both casual listeners and dedicated fans to explore this blooming world where every flower reveals a new chapter in country music's rich history. 

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