Assessment Of AR and VR User Interaction in Working Drawing and Specification Within the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract

The advent of immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) has introduced new paradigms in architectural representation, construction documentation, and user interaction. While globally these technologies are increasingly being deployed to enhance clarity, collaboration, and decision-making in the production and interpretation of working drawings and specifications, their application within the Nigerian construction industry remains nascent and under-researched. This study aims to assess the extent and nature of user interaction with AR and VR in interpreting and engaging with construction drawings and technical specifications among Nigerian professionals. It interrogates the cognitive, operational, and technological implications of adopting immersive environments in a context traditionally dependent on 2D documentation methods. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study combines a structured questionnaire survey with in-depth interviews conducted among architects, engineers, and construction technologists across selected urban centers in Nigeria. The research evaluates levels of awareness, the depth of user engagement, perceived benefits and limitations, and the infrastructural and epistemological barriers to adoption. Preliminary findings suggest a growing interest in immersive visualization tools, particularly among younger professionals; however, widespread application is hindered by factors such as cost of technology acquisition, lack of training, limited institutional support, and inadequate integration into existing project workflows. By situating AR/VR interaction within the broader discourse of construction communication and documentation semiotics, the study reveals that these technologies, when appropriately deployed, can enhance the spatial intelligibility of complex designs, reduce errors associated with misinterpretation, and foster more efficient interdisciplinary collaboration. The research concludes with recommendations for pedagogical inclusion, policy frameworks, and strategic industry collaborations that can facilitate a gradual yet sustainable integration of immersive technologies into the Nigerian construction sector. Ultimately, this study contributes to bridging the digital divide in construction practice and opens pathways for more intuitive, interactive, and error-resilient documentation ecosystems.