If you’re looking to deploy XR technology across your AEC organization, review this quick-start guide. We’ll cover some helpful information for technology leaders like you to efficiently integrate XR at your firm, including:

  • What is XR/VR?
  • What makes XR easy to adopt?
  • Which headsets should I consider?
  • How do I purchase/deploy headsets at scale?
  • What are common enterprise XR setups?
  • What are helpful XR accessories?
  • How can I enable my team to succeed with XR?

What is XR/VR?

XR (Extended Reality): An immersive experience that enables users to physically interact with digital environments through devices like the Meta Quest.

VR (Virtual Reality): A complete digital immersion that shuts out the physical world for a fully virtual 3D experience.

These terms are often used interchangeably as hardware becomes more integrated. Workshop XR currently takes advantage of the Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities of the Meta Quest headsets.

What makes XR easy to adopt?

1. Hardware Simplicity (no complex setup)

  • Modern XR headsets, like the Meta Quest 3, are standalone devices, meaning they don’t require external PCs, complex wiring, or additional tracking systems.
  • No need for heavy IT infrastructure upgrades; just a reliable Wi-Fi connection (recommended minimum 30mbps).
  • Devices are lightweight, portable, and don’t demand specialized rooms or configurations.

2. Intuitive User Experience

  • XR interfaces like Workshop XR have been designed to feel natural and intuitive, with easy-to-follow controller gestures that mimic real-world interactions.
  • Minimal training is required—users can pick up the basics within minutes.
  • Workshop XR features like smooth locomotion and comfort settings cater to first-time users, minimizing fatigue or discomfort.

3. Out-of-the-Box Compatibility

  • Workshop XR integrates seamlessly with Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and supports existing Revit and Navisworks models without extra formatting or manual setup.
  • All that’s needed is a Meta Quest headset, an Autodesk account, and access to your team’s ACC project—no third-party software or adapters required.

4. Affordable Entry Costs

  • Modern XR headsets have dramatically reduced in cost compared to earlier iterations, with options like the Meta Quest 3s ($299) providing a professional-grade experience at a fraction of what older setups cost.

5. Lightweight IT and Security Requirements

  • XR adoption does not require overhauling IT systems or introducing significant new security risks.
  • With cloud connectivity through Autodesk Construction Cloud, your data remains secure and easy to access.
  • Enterprise-grade MDM setups like Meta Quest for Business ensure full control over permissions, device security, and app access.

Which headsets should I consider?

While there are many headsets available today, Workshop XR currently only works with the following Meta Quest headsets. Here are some comparisons to help understand their differences. See helpful XR terminology for reference below the comparison table.

  • Meta Quest 3: Strongest performance and best value for features
  • Meta Quest 3s: Affordable, powerful headset for deploying at mass
  • Meta Quest Pro & 2: Previous generation headsets

Meta Quest Comparison

Helpful XR Terminology

Fresnel vs. Pancake Lenses: Fresnel lenses are cheaper and thicker. Pancake lenses are thinner with higher image quality and less distortion/glare 

Resolution: the number of pixels displayed in front of each eye. Higher resolution has better fidelity. 

Refresh Rate (Hz): the number of times per second that the display updates its image. Higher Hz looks smoother. 

Field of View (FOV): the observable degree of content per eye. Higher FOV degree extends closer to peripheral vision, increasing immersion. 

How do I purchase and/or deploy headsets at scale?

While smaller teams may want to purchase headsets via Meta Quest Store, teams purchasing 10 or more headsets may want to consider purchasing through a bulk hardware supplier. Some example providers include:

Additionally, a MDM (mobile-device management) setup may be useful for enterprise teams that are looking to deploy a fleet of XR headsets across one or more workplaces.

Workshop XR currently supports Meta Quest for Business as an MDM for firms to securely manage multiple devices and their XR application access.

What are common XR setups?

It’s easy to involve both in-office and remote collaborators, whether through a single headset or a full fleet for daily team collaboration.

A headset at every desk. This option is best for teams that are looking to use XR to its full potential, incorporating immersive design reviews into their daily workflow. Using a swivel chair can provide a more comfortable and safe experience for seated XR.

Screen-share: Using Meta Cast, a user can share their Meta Quest point-of-view to a computer. This can then be shared either through a video call for distributed meetings, or extended to a larger display for in-office reviews.

What are a few helpful examples of accessories for XR?

How can I enable my team to succeed with XR?

It’s natural for teams to feel concerns about adopting a new technology, as we often associate these with new learning curves or disruption to existing workflows.

Workshop XR is designed as a low-barrier, intuitive tool designed to integrate seamlessly with our existing design workflows through Autodesk Construction Cloud. After starting a trial, any member of your team will be able to access their ACC projects immediately for immersive design reviews.

We recommend assigning an internal XR “champion” within your organization to meet with your team and walk them through initial steps, from basic headset familiarity through multiuser collaboration. Additionally, it’s helpful to ensure that each XR meeting has clear review goals (or pre-assigned “punchlist” issues), as it’s common to wander once seeing an entire space at human scale!

Finally, our help center provides quick-start videos, troubleshooting tips, and best practices for effective XR design reviews. Sign up for your trial and access the help center to begin enabling your team with XR today!