Virtual reality technology in construction safety training: Extended technology acceptance model

Abstract

VR technology has been demonstrated great potential as a training platform for construction training & education (T&E). Although the effectiveness of VR technology has been widely validated, their low acceptance and usage are still observed, lacking the understanding of users' attitudes towards using VR technology. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the factors behind low acceptance of VR technology through the extended TAM. Perceived price value, self-efficacy, and perceived playfulness were adopted as the external motivators integrated with the TAM framework. Results revealed that perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU) are significant direct predictors of attitude. Moreover, PU does not directly affect intention to use (IU), but a significant influence of perceived playfulness on IU was observed. These findings provide theoretical support for predicting users' acceptance of VR technology in construction T&E and empirical implications for guiding decisions in the design and development of VR systems.