Augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality: A pragmatic view from diffusion of innovation

This research offers a pragmatic view on the adoption of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) in designing the built environment. Participants from 20 U.S. states and beyond formed a non-probability sample representing small to mid-sized Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms. The author engaged 59 professional participants through a 26-question online questionnaire, informed by existing literature and reviewed by two industry experts. Three additional expert participants provided comprehensive insights via semi-structured interviews. Results highlight design visualization and client presentations as top AR, VR, and MR applications. Key benefits include improved design assessment, early error detection, and heightened client satisfaction. Design collaboration was less prominent than suggested by the literature. Notable challenges persist in first-time user adoption and cost factors of equipment and training. Thus, the cost-benefit balance drives the dominance of older, lower-end devices found in this study despite the availability of advanced, high-fidelity infrastructure.