How we built the GitHub globe

GitHub's new homepage is designed to highlight the global nature of open-source development through a dynamic visualization of pull requests, using a WebGL-powered globe. This interactive feature showcases real-time developer activity by illustrating arcs and spires representing pull requests being opened and merged across different locations worldwide. The design prioritizes performance and accessibility across various devices, employing creative technical solutions like custom shaders and optimized rendering techniques to maintain high frame rates. The globe's rendering incorporates a layered approach without using textures, relying on a combination of lighting, instancing, and geometry to depict Earth's regions and the activity lines. Additionally, the homepage includes features to improve user experience, such as an SVG placeholder to ensure quick visual feedback while the globe loads. GitHub's initiative involves a collaborative effort across multiple teams, aiming to create an engaging user interface that reflects the collaborative spirit of open-source software development.