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 a 360-degree 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 the 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.