How to Create an Interactive Hero Header with Webflow, Spline, and Unicorn Studio
I get this question a lot
Hey interactive website massive,
Hope everyone is feeling funky fresh (did I just write that? Yes I did) as we head in to another week of “designers are cooked!”, “can you make the logo bigger?”, and “let me know if you need anything else to pay the invoice??”.
Here’s some goodness for your week:
How to Create an Interactive Hero Header with Webflow, Spline, and Unicorn Studio
Spline vs Blender: Which is better?
An interactive website that tickled my pickle recently
How to Create an Interactive Hero Header with Webflow, Spline, and Unicorn Studio
If you’ve ever wanted to build a website hero section that genuinely stops people in their tracks (one with a 3D object floating in front of your text, reacting to mouse movement, and animating as you scroll) this tutorial is for you.
We’re combining three powerful tools: Spline for the 3D object, Unicorn Studio for the interactive background, and Webflow to tie it all together into a spicy margherita of a website.
Spline vs Blender: Which is better?
What’s better out of these two - a hockey stick or a garlic clove?
Now, you might then ask the question “Better for what?” because frankly, both are good for different things.
Same is true for Spline and Blender.
They are made for different purposes and as a result, for different people with different use cases.
Yes, they both do 3D but Spline is specifically built to be used directly on the web. Create production-ready experiences and animations directly on the web.
Now, if you are a 3D noob and want to just make the odd bit of interactivity on your website, I recommend Spline.
You can do 3D modelling pretty fast and intuitively and even make 3D animations and interactivity on your website as well.
No, it’s not the fastest load speed using Spline but it will be sufficient if you’re simply using one object or animation.
You’re models won’t look insanely realistic but you can make something fun, playful and interesting.
If you want to do 3D modelling for clients that looks professional, I recommend heading straight to Blender.
Realistic textures, lighting and tight control over shape modelling.
In terms of embedding that on a website, it’s more complex.
You can also do animations which are SO much better than Spline.
Maël Ruffini’s tutorial still holds up on using ThreeJs in Webflow to do the embedding on websites but honestly, it’s more doable than ever with AI coding tools to assist.
Brand Identity vs New Website
Potential client: “We want a new website.”
Me: “Ok then, what don’t you like about your current website?”
Potential client:
“I hate the colours.”
“I want different fonts.”
“I want different imagery.”
“I hate our logo.”
Me: “So it sounds like you want to change your brand identity too?”
Potential client: “Nope. Just the website.”
I’ve been having a lot of these conversations lately.
And honestly, it highlights something important:
A website is your brand in action.
Redesigning your website should be using your brand identity to shape the website.
But, if you want to change the colours, typography, imagery, tone, logo, visual direction, and overall feel… that’s not just a website redesign anymore. That’s a brand world conversation.
Like how does your brand look on socials, at events, on merch AND your website etc - it all needs to be cohesive.
Of course, not every website project needs a full rebrand.
Sometimes the functionality is the issue:
– poor UX
– confusing navigation
– slow performance
– outdated CMS
- legacy platform bottle necks
But sometimes the real problem is deeper...
The business has evolved and the brand no longer reflects where it is now.
That’s why Mael Ruffini and I at Rhumb Studio now offers brand identity as a service alongside website design and development.
Because the strongest websites happen when the brand foundations are clear first.
Not just a prettier website but clearer, more cohesive business presence.
See how much colour affects brand perception just from these curated moodboards above?
ps. We do this as one of the first steps of the process after doing a brand audit to get a temperature check of brand style. Ping me a message if keen to learn more!
Have a lush weekend and see y’all next week!
J x