Usability of Visualization Platform–Based Safety Training and Assessment Modules for Engineering Students and Construction Professionals

Abstract

Safety training and assessment programs play a key role in inducing safe behavior on construction sites. The traditional training methods are fraught with limitations. The advent of visualization technologies such as building information modeling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR) lay a great promise in imbuing vigor in the training and assessment methods. The current study understands the usability of three visualization modules: image, virtual tour, and mobile virtual reality game–based. A distinction was made between students and professionals as well as based on structured feedback. Based on the feedback responses, a nuanced comparative analysis of various visualization platforms was presented. The analysis highlighted that visualization platforms are beneficial as compared to traditional methods. Specifically, the mobile virtual reality (MVR) game–based safety module was preferred by students due to its realistic and immersive experience, whereas the virtual tour–based safety module was preferred by construction professionals due to its easy, cost-effective, and time-saving approach. This study also revealed some major issues in the areas of technology readiness of the platforms.