A user-centred focus on augmented reality and virtual reality in aec: Opportunities and barriers identified by industry professionals: Opportunities and barriers identified by industry professionals

Abstract

This paper presents insights into the opportunities and barriers for using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry by contextualising how their adoption is leveraged in practices. Based on a review of literature, a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with thirteen participants from AEC industries between five and thirty years of experience. Interviews were conducted face-to-face and virtually using questions focusing on participants' experiences, perceptions of, and opinions about the use of AR/VR in AEC practice. Qualitative dissemination of key insights highlighted immediate and future possibilities for AR/VR, with current limitations that require future investigation from a user-centred perspective. Suggesting a XR-PACT framework, this paper frames key directions for future research to address current limitations and explore new opportunities that positively impact architecture and other professions, communities of building users.