Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Gen Z’s Trust and Privacy Concerns in Augmented Reality Retail Experiences: A Qualitative Study(University of Westminster, 2025) Alqarni, Maha; Cha, JonghyukThis study investigates Generation Z's perceptions of trust and privacy in augmented reality (AR) retail experiences. It aims to uncover how privacy concerns and trust factors influence this demographic’s engagement with AR technologies in shopping contexts. Using a qualitative, inductive approach, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with Gen Z participants based in the United Kingdom, all actively engaged with retail AR features. The research was conducted due to the increasing adoption of AR in retail settings, along with growing concerns about the invasive nature of personal data collection practices inherent in AR technologies. While Gen Z is a highly enthusiastic and digitally fluent user group for AR applications and the largest demographic using AR for shopping, a significant gap remains in understanding their specific privacy and trust issues. Findings from thematic analysis revealed four major themes: Privacy as a Pragmatic Trade-off, Resigned Acceptance, Informed but Indifferent Awareness, and Importance of Brands’ Reputation. Participants demonstrated a clear understanding of the extent of data collection, but were often willing to exchange personal information for personalized and convenient retail experiences. Although there was considerable discomfort around surveillance and the lack of transparency in privacy policies, many participants expressed a resigned acceptance of data collection as unavoidable. Others expressed informed but indifferent awareness supported by the normalization of privacy concerns and the influence of people using AR in shopping. Brand reputation emerged as a critical determinant of trust and the only factor that discourages Gen Z from using AR in retail, with participants strongly preferring established, globally recognized brands, indicating skepticism toward lesser-known entities. This research contributes valuable insights for retail businesses and policymakers, emphasizing the need for clearer, more accessible privacy communications and highlighting the crucial role of brand credibility in fostering user trust. It underscores the importance of understanding Gen Z's nuanced attitudes towards privacy and trust to design ethically sound and user-centric AR retail experiences.14 0Item Restricted LEARNING BUILDING THERMAL BEHAVIOR VIA EXTENDED REALITY(Texas A&M University, 2025-05) Alhazzaa, Kifah; Wei, YanIn this dissertation, the author explores the utilization of Extended Reality (XR) technologies, encompassing both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), to facilitate a deeper understanding and enhanced visualization of building thermal behavior. The research targets all undergraduate students at the Texas A&M University, aiming to elevate their comprehension of complex energy dynamics and thermal processes through innovative, immersive learning environments. The dissertation unfolds through the development and analytical comparison of two XR-based prototypes, one each in VR and AR formats. These prototypes serve as interactive educational tools that allow users to engage directly with multi-faceted energy models and dynamic thermal scenarios. This embodied interaction is proposed to aid in demystifying the often-complex phenomena of energy efficiency and thermal behavior in buildings, making these concepts more accessible and intuitively understandable. A comprehensive series of user studies were carried out to assess the impact of Extended Reality (XR) technologies on educational effectiveness. These evaluations included participants majoring in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), as well as students from STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and non-STEM disciplines. Various metrics, including levels of engagement and overall learning outcomes, were used by the students to measure the effectiveness of XR platforms on students’ performance and experience. The findings from the research indicate that both VR and AR have enhanced the learning experience, with marked improvements in understanding critical concepts related to building energy efficiency. The immersive nature of XR appears to be particularly effective in helping students grasp sophisticated topics such as thermal insulation, energy consumption patterns, and the overall impact of architectural design on a building's environmental footprint. The study explores the potential of these technologies to alter pedagogical approaches within architectural and engineering education, suggesting that XR could be substantial in training a new generation of architects and engineers who are well-prepared to implement sustainable and energy-efficient design practices. The implications of this shift are profound, offering a pathway to reduce overall energy consumption in buildings and thus contributing significantly to global efforts aimed at mitigating climate change. This dissertation provides compelling evidence that XR technologies can transform how building thermal behavior and energy simulation are taught and understood in the architectural and engineering community. By integrating VR and AR into educational frameworks, there is a strong potential to enhance not only academic learning but also professional practice in the field of sustainable architecture.19 0Item Restricted Deployment Of Advanced ICT To Achieve Net Zero(Loughborough University, 2024-09) Alghamdi, Ghaida; Hassan, TarekThis research investigates how advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can contribute to achieving net-zero carbon emissions throughout the construction process's life cycle. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the study employed a questionnaire to evaluate the role of ICT utilisation in reducing carbon emissions across the various construction phases. The survey, distributed via email and industry-related online platforms, gathered data from 45 participants, including engineers, project managers, and architects. The results indicated that Building Information Modelling (BIM) was the most widely used ICT tool, adopted by 77.78% of participants, with Virtual Reality (VR) and Computer Vision (CV) also prominently featured. Notably, drones and VR were extensively used during the construction phase, while Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) saw increased usage in the post-construction phase. An overwhelming 88% of participants perceived the impact of these tools on sustainability as either strong or moderate. The study concludes that deploying advanced ICT tools such as VR, AR, and AI significantly enhances time savings, quality, safety, and overall project performance, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. BIM, in particular, emerged as the most extensively used tool, supported by technologies like VR and drones. The research highlights the vital role of ICT in advancing sustainability and achieving net-zero targets in the construction industry, while also acknowledging the need to address challenges associated with emerging technologies like WSNs.30 0