In this article, we compare a Google Tango tablet with the Microsoft HoloLens smartglasses in the context of the visualisation and interaction with Building Information Modeling data. A user test was conducted where 16 participants solved four tasks, two for each device, in small teams of two. Two aspects are analysed in the user test: the visualisation of interior designs and the visualisation of Building Information Modeling data. The results show that the Tango tablet is surprisingly preferred by most users when it comes to collaboration and discussion in our scenario. While the HoloLens offers hands-free operation and a stable tracking, users mentioned that the interaction with the Tango tablet felt more natural. In addition, users reported that it was easier to get an overall impression with the Tango tablet rather than with the HoloLens smartglasses.

The integration of the metaverse into the real estate and construction industry reveals various potentials, but also challenges. The increasing digitization in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) sector requires a critical examination of aspects such as the metaverse. This paper is dedicated to examining the impact of the metaverse on the real estate and construction industry. The following specialist article is primarily aimed at the target group of the AECO sector, with the aim of gaining an initial overview of the opinions within this sector. The methodology used includes an in-depth literature review and a representative survey. Respondents from different age groups and areas of activity within the construction and real estate industry took part in this survey. The research questions of this paper are aimed at identifying the range of metaverse applications in the AECO industry, assessing their potential impact on business potential and challenges. The aim is to develop initial definitions and use cases and to create an overview of opinions in the industry. In this context, potential opportunities and risks will be examined to derive recommendations for an effective integration of the metaverse into the AECO industry. The results of this paper conducted indicate that there is still considerable uncertainty in the construction and real estate industry. It appears that the term “metaverse” and the associated potential through targeted use cases are not yet widespread in this industry. The survey participants recognize a potential for 3D visualizations in the metaverse that extends over the entire life cycle of buildings. An exemplary scenario for this is the use of 3D visualizations both during the planning phase and in marketing. The challenges identified shed light on uncertainties relating to data protection, privacy, and the influence of the internet. The results of the study reveal a high level of uncertainty and ignorance within the industry when it comes to understanding the metaverse. Based on the results, further studies are needed to establish the understanding and real potential of the metaverse in the industry. Conducting workshops specifically aimed at the AECO sector can help to deepen understanding of the potential of possible use cases.

Bridge inspectors work for the safety of our infrastructure and mobility. In regular intervals, they conduct structural inspections – a manual task with a long-lasting and firmly normed analogue tradition. In our collaborative research project, we developed Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) prototypes to support that work digitally. We propose a mixed analogue and digital workflow using Building Information Modeling (BIM) data that can be ready-to-hand for bridge inspectors during their work on-site at a bridge. In this paper, we describe the system and the evaluation results of our final MR demonstrator at a autobahn-bridge in Germany. We identified a need for a digital MR tool to support the bridge inspection in-situ. In general, this matches with the trend to bring the computer-supported office-work out into the real world. However, there are also challenges to consider, like lacking BIM data for existing bridges and structures, appropriate user-interfaces in this new application domain, or the need to adopt norms and guidelines for public tender. We argue to consider a user-centered design approach for future developments to best profit from the bridge inspectors’, as well as the MR- and CSCW-researchers expertise, and ultimately increase the acceptance of the developed information systems.

This article proposes a vision-driven roadmap for Extended Reality (XR) in education that treats technology as infrastructure rather than spectacle. Two anchors guide the work. First, vision-led design focuses on persistent educational needs before tools. Second, the long path to adoption reminds us that mainstream impact follows decades of refinement. We adapt and apply the Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) time-space matrix to the educational context, using Germany as a case study to map current practices. The map reveals a strong bias toward same-time, same-place activities, limited use of asynchronous and distributed work, and integration barriers, including novelty effects, preparation time, infrastructure, and interoperability. We then outline development pathways across three horizons. In 10–15 years, co-located lessons mature through teacher-editable, persistent scenes and modular “nuggets” that reduce preparation cost. In 25–35 years, hybrid integration connects sites at scale, with shared environments that support both live collaboration and asynchronous work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) peers. At 50 years, balanced use of all four quadrants becomes routine, supported by safer interfaces, richer haptics, and portable AI companions that respect privacy. Throughout, we argue that XR should be judged by how well it fosters modelling and simulation literacy, collaboration across time and place, AI literacy, and embodied making, all while safely offloading teachers’ routine tasks such as basic explanations, first-pass grading, and basic task sequencing.

Zusammenfassung Demonstratoren und HMIs erfüllen für die Gestaltung KI-gestützter Arbeitssysteme im Rahmen des Kompetenzzentrums WIRKsam komplementäre Funktionen: Während Demonstratoren technologische und organisationale Veränderungen durch KI für unterschiedliche Stakeholder erfahrbar machen, bilden HMIs die operative Schnittstelle zwischen Mensch und KI-System im Arbeitsprozess.