Enhancing End-User Involvement in the Facilities Design Process using Mobile Augmented Reality

Abstract

Mobile augmented reality is one of the advanced 3D representation tools that has been utilized in several industries and specifically in the field of Construction. This research is built up upon exploring the immersive experiences MAR create for end-users which allows them to be part of the design process. In addition, the motives of developing a MAR application is based upon identifying the downsides of end-user involvement approaches that has been classified as co-design and user-centered design. Moreover, through reviewing literature practices in MAR field, an android compatible application is developed which is able to represent design alternatives through dynamic markers were end-users can change wall locations, interior and exterior wall materials thus, creating an immersive end-user experience. In-order to evaluate the impact of MAR, the application is experimented with 33 participants on an actual case study which is British University in Egypt`s Library that is modelled using 3Ds Max, followed by survey questionnaires to gather the required data. Then, the acquired data has been analyzed using SPSS where results indicated that MAR showed a positive impact on enhancing end-user involvement and design understanding of the project. It also allowed them to produce different design alternatives in comparison to the traditional approach were end-users were constrained by the available tools thus, showing low design interaction and understanding. Finally, end-users suggested that for future work, more interactive features will make the application easier to deal with and that professionals should adopt and standardize such ideas in future design projects