Exploring Augmented Table Setup and Lighting Customization in a Simulated Restaurant to Improve the User Experience

This study explored a concept for using Augmented Reality (AR) glasses to customize augmented table setup and lighting in a restaurant. The aim was to provide insights into AR usage in restaurants and contribute to existing research by introducing an extendable and versatile concept for scholars and restaurateurs. A controlled laboratory study, using a within-subjects design, was conducted to investigate the effects of a customizable augmented table setup and lighting on user experience (UX), perceived waiting time, psychological ownership and social acceptability. A simulated restaurant environment was created using 360° image in Virtual Reality (VR). The study implemented default and customizable table setup and lighting. Results from a paired samples t-test showed a statistically significant effect of table setup and lighting on pragmatic quality of UX, hedonic quality of UX, overall UX, Valence, Dominance, psychological ownership and affect. Furthermore, table setup had a significant effect on Arousal and perceived waiting time. Moreover, table setup significantly affected AR Interaction-, Isolation-, and Safety acceptability, while lighting only affected AR Interaction acceptability. Findings suggest that these investigated variables are worth considering for AR applications in a restaurant, especially when offering customizable augmented table setup and lighting.