Framework Guiding and Supporting Augmented Reality Implementation for Synchronized Communication

Effective communication is essential in the construction industry to ensure coordination and collaboration among stakeholders for successful project outcomes. However, traditional communication methods often fall short in meeting the industry's complex demands, often leading to delays, errors, and increased cost. This emphasizes the need for innovative communication solutions, including augmented reality (AR), to help improve communication practices in construction. By integrating virtual elements onto the real-world, AR enhances visualization, information sharing, and collaboration; these are some of the benefits of leveraging AR to ease communication challenges between project stakeholders in various locations. AR tools and applications include remote collaboration, virtual site visits, and real-time progress tracking. However, the successful adoption of AR in construction requires use-based guidance to inform users on effective AR utilization, including guidance on which tools may be feasible and beneficial in a given context. Previous studies exploring the use of AR as a communication tool have revealed different factors affecting the efficacy of using this technology. The objective of this paper is to build on the previously reported factors affecting the efficacy of AR for communication on live construction sites to create a guiding framework for implementation of technological tools and methods supporting successful AR implementation. This framework is developed based on rounds of modified Delphi panels that comprise panelists that have previous experience in using AR for communication, and panelists without experience with AR. In capturing both user types as Delphi panelists, the authors ensure that the developed framework is practitioner-friendly and can guide effective decision-making.