Research on the Impact of Multisensory Experience Based Coffee Shop Space Design on User Stickiness

by Lilian Lee Shiau Gee, Wang Bo

Published: April 2, 2026 • DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100300231

Abstract

In the experience economy, coffee shops have evolved into urban “third spaces” where consumers seek not only functional services but also immersive, emotionally engaging experiences. This study investigates the impact of multisensory spatial design—encompassing visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile elements—on user stickiness in coffee shop environments. Data were collected from 328 urban coffee shop users in China and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that multisensory experiences significantly enhance user stickiness, including longer dwell time, higher revisit intentions, and stronger emotional attachment to the space. The findings highlight the importance of integrating multiple sensory dimensions in spatial design to improve user engagement and loyalty. The study contributes to both theory and practice by bridging environmental psychology, experience economy, and spatial design research, offering actionable insights for designing more engaging and user-centered coffee shop environments.