VR-Orient: Design and Usability Study of a Mobile Construction Site Orientation Application

Construction site orientation is essential for providing newcomers, such as new employees or AEC students, with fundamental knowledge of team roles, site layout, safety policies, and regulations. Traditional in-person methods can be time-consuming, potentially hazardous, and have a limited scope, especially on large projects. While existing digital platforms offer convenient online access, they often lack the immersive, engaging elements needed for effective learning. This study introduces VR-Orient, a mobile application that offers semi-immersive site orientation for smartphones and tablets. The application’s conceptual design was refined through expert panel interviews, resulting in developed content that meets site orientation learning objectives. The technical development of VR-Orient integrates virtual characters, virtual site layouts, and user interfaces that facilitate interaction and reinforce learning on mobile devices. A tablet-based usability study evaluating learning outcomes, system usability, mobile application functionality, informality, and presence indicates that VR-Orient meets usability expectations. It shows promise for advancing construction education, gamified training, and outreach projects, with potential for broader adoption in other labor-intensive sectors.