Mixed-methods research: a new approach to evaluating the motivation and satisfaction of university students using advanced visual technologies

The final publication is available at link.springer.comA mixed-methods study evaluating the motivation and satisfaction of Architecture degree students using interactive visualization methods is presented in this paper. New technology implementations in the teaching field have been largely extended to all types of levels and educational frameworks. However, these innovations require approval validation and evaluation by the final users, the students. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of applying mixed evaluation technology are discussed in a case study of the use of interactive and collaborative tools for the visualization of 3D architectonical models. The main objective was to evaluate Architecture and Building Science students’ the motivation to use and satisfaction with this type of technology and to obtain adequate feedback that allows for the optimization of this type of experiment in future iterations.Postprint (author’s final draft

Mobile Augmented Reality Applications to Discover New Environments

Although man has become sedentary over time, his wish to travel the world remains as strong as ever. The aim of this paper is to show how techniques based on imagery and Augmented Reality (AR) can prove to be of great help when discovering a new urban environment and observing the evolution of the natural environment. The study's support is naturally the Smartphone which in just a few years has become our most familiar device, which we take with us practically everywhere we go in our daily lives.Comment: Science and Information Conference 2013, France (2013

Investigating the Feasibility, Procedures, Benefits, and Challenges of Using Mixed Reality in Construction Projects: An Electrical Layout Case Study

Innovation and development of technology in the field of visualization have affected the way of designing, presenting, and interacting of the design in the architecture and construction industry. With the invention of the Mixed Reality (MR) device, HoloLens, 2016, many researchers and construction practitioners have marched their research of implementing the MR application in the construction industry. However, there is scarce research on the MR application review, the workflow of using BIM models with the HoloLens, its implementation in the site, and the benefits and challenges of the MR application in the construction site. The gap in the research needs yet to be filled, and this research paper will help to bridge the gap. For this research, the MR application that was available in the market at the time of research were identified through internet research and literature review. The MR applications were installed in two HoloLens and were tested on-site and lab for the construction of the electrical layout. The capabilities of the MR application were studied in the lab and site. The features including scaling, alignment, move, drag, rotate, team collaboration, navigation, and measurement utilities were studied. From the study, the MR application provides several benefits in on-site layout and as-built verification of electrical layout including 3D visualization, less manual work, instruction and demonstration of the construction process, error detection, remote support, quick decision-making, and easy documentation, and efficient progress tracking. Along with the benefits, the MR application has a few challenges while applying it on the site including stud locations, typical rooms, and model drifting. In addition, the limitations of using the MR application were studied. Future research will focus on solving one of the challenges, model drifting, through automatic alignment with survey point references

Augmented reality and holograms for the visualization of mechanical engineering parts

There is an increasing number of students using tablets in schools. Mobile devices gained popularity as an educational tool and there are many schools that use them frequently in educational activities to improve learning. We found that first year students of mechanical engineering in general have difficulties in understanding 3D shapes from 2D views. There are many Augmented Reality (AR) applications available that can be used to create educational contents for these mobile devices. On the other hand, there is an increasing interest in making holograms. In this paper we studied the most popular AR systems and show examples of using an AR system for the visualization of 3D models. We also present the creation of a low cost prototype, the EducHolo, that enables the visualization of holograms supported by tablets. With this prototype students can visualize the hologram of mechanical parts, providing a better perception of the model 3D shape and improving the ability of making the 2D orthographic views and perspectives that they study in the first year of mechanical engineer