Avant l’appetit (AR)
This project was my conceptual AR thesis. This thesis was proposing the creation of a digital iPad menu that would have an included interactive augmented reality feature.
Goal
2016 - 2017
This thesis is introducing how interaction in combination with augmented reality can visually prepare and affect the perception of the consumer, when ordering at a gourmet food restaurant. This project aimed to visually eliminate any food knowledge gaps, language barriers, food restrictions, portion questions and justify the meal’s price.
The augmented reality feature would display the course of choice in 3D. The 3D model would be interactive and would provide the customer with real life portion view, allergen/dietary filter and view of ingredient placement.
“The visual composition of a dish may influence the liking and willingness to pay for that meal”
Research
Process
Cooking
The process of cooking involved a lot of preparation. The purchase of fresh food was a must. Many hours were spent in watching tips and tricks on how to cook each ingredient. overcooking would result with bad food quality which would show during the photogrammetry process.
Food styling
The food styling had to occur on the same day the food was cooked. Food plating and presentation was done strategically and with much attention to detail. Color combinations were done based on reading and watching about food plating.
Photogrammetry
Initial choice: Agisoft
Backup plan: 123D catch
Agisoft: Took too much time to produce 3D detailed models. Less accuracy.
123D Catch: Ease of use ( I used my iPhone camera). Got the best results.
Equipment: Studio space, DSLR camera, Tripod, iPhone, Soft box light
During my process I realized that even people with limited 3D software access or knowledge could easily create photogrammetry 3D models with their phones.
UX/UI
3D models
Autodesk Maya
3D Model mesh editing
Turntable and camera renderings
Augmented reality
Aurasma
Failed due to complicated mesh
Blippar
Failed due to too many polygons
After Effects
Best choice for proof of concept
Design
Elegant/Luxurious feel
Icon design
iPad surface
Defined content area
Design navigation toolbar
Prototyping
Software
Adobe Muse
Adobe After Effects
Photoshoot/Videoshoot
Green screen
User research
To enhance the business aspect of my thesis
Answered by a variety of people. No age or ethnicity limitations.
To understand customers perceptions when it comes to ordering food.
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Persona 1
Isidoro | 52 | Italy | Chef & RestaurateurIsidoro was born and raised in Firenze, Italy. He is Chef and restaurateur of the 2-Michelin-star restaurant Finezza Visiva. He developed his cooking interest from watching his grandmother prepare family meals. He got his culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu.
Frustrations
Picky customers
Too many questions
Goals
Create new recipes
Win another Michelin star
Keep my restaurant unique -
Persona 2
Gale | 38 | New Zealand | WriterGale Eberhart was born and raised in Kairakau, New Zealand. She is the author of many best selling books. She enjoys participating in many cooking and pastry learning classes. She loves to go to new gourmet restaurants at least twice a month.
Frustrations
Nervous environments
Chaos
Goals
Learn about new ingredients
Discover new gourmet restaurants
Share new experiences with others
“I cook with my heart and eat with my eyes. The face of satisfaction is what I look for.”
— Isidoro Cassano
““Eating is a necessity, but cooking is art.”
— Gale Eberhart
Information architecture
Visual style
Target audience
Profile: Food lovers, gourmet foodies
Age: 20-55
Countries: Any nationality
User testing
Tasks
Free exploration
Guided task
Software
Adobe Muse
Questions
How would you change the language?
How would you go back?
Where would you click to go next?
Do you understand the icon symbolism?
Would you naturally slide or click for next?
Guided tasks
Start
Select eggs and poultry filter
Add meals to order
View meal in 3D
Review order
Photogrammetry
3D scanning, modeling and animating
After cooking, plating and styling my dishes, I used an enclosed studio space with controlled lighting to 3D scan them with 123D Catch. The results were stunningly detailed 3D models that accurately depicted portion sizes and use of ingredients. I used Autodesk Maya for fine retouching and 3D animations to display the models in 360 view.
Design intent
Business benefits
Deliver high expectations
No language barrier
Realistic portion views
Filter dietary preferences
Food education
Maintain and increase clientele
Ease of use
Easy photogrammetry
No experience or equipment needed
More economical
Simple interactions
Achieved goals
Language barrier
With the option of language selection the user can avoid having to web search or ask the personnel for translations
Ease of use
Restaurant owners can update the menu as often as they desire. The easy use of photogrammetry can produce any 3D detailed course model. This will also keep customers interested enough to come back for more.
Portion size
With the use of the augmented reality feature, the user can view a realistic portion size of any course meal.
Allergen filter
With the use of the allergen filter feature, the user can avoid any misunderstandings regarding his/hers dietary preferences. The user can also filter out and only view courses that suits his/hers diet.
Food knowledge gaps
With the use of the augmented reality feature, the user can view where and how the ingredients are placed in the plate.
Ease of use
With the realistic portion view, customers will have high expectations. Fine dining restaurants will keep their customers satisfied as they produce dishes as accurate as their 3D models.
Visualize your expectations
Bon appetit