# Digital Dining Restaurants augment customer experience through use of technology. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published May 29, 2012, updated May 31, 2012 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/digital-dining ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Digital Dining trend? **Digital Dining:** Technology is quickly changing the food service industry, first with on-the-go ordering apps and restaurant locators, and now, through the use of interactive technologies that augment the in-store dining experience. From touchscreen tabletop menus to interactive music applications, these innovations not only make the process of food service more efficient and convenient, but they also enhance customer experience by providing a more engaging and interactive way to enjoy one's favorite restaurants. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 22, 2011 to May 30, 2012 - Published: May 29, 2012 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Digital Dining trend ### Interactive Dining Experiences Restaurants increasingly using technology to provide an immersive and interactive dining experience for customers ### Digital Payment Systems Restaurants are transitioning away from physical checks to digital payment systems that offer convenience to customers and increased efficiency for restaurants ### Restaurant Technology Integration Tablets, touchscreens, and other forms of technology are being integrated into restaurant operations for ordering, customer service, and payment mechanisms ## What the Digital Dining trend means for industry ### For Hospitality Industry The hospitality industry stands to benefit from the use of technology to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. ### For Payment Processing Industry New developments in digital payment systems are changing the way that banks and payment processing companies handle transactions in restaurants and other establishments. ### For Software Development Industry The software development industry is being propelled by the need for innovative restaurant technologies. These technologies have the potential to disrupt the way that restaurant operations are run and improve the overall customer experience. ## Trend signals for Digital Dining Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Digital Dining trend 7 featured examples from Aug 22, 2011 to May 30, 2012. - [Digital Dinner Bills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/check-1-2): Check 1-2 Integrates Paper Checks With Touchscreen Tablets (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants can utilize digital billing technology to provide convenience and enhance customer satisfaction. - [Touchscreen Tabletop Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/draqie-interactive-table): Order Food Conveniently From Your Seat with Draqie Interactive Table (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Restaurants can leverage touchscreen tabletops to improve customer experience, increase efficiency, and streamline the ordering process. - [Sound-Silencing Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acoustics-adjustment-system-at-comal): The Acoustics Adjustment System at COMAL is iPad Powered (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants will continue investing in technology to provide unique dining experiences that set them apart from competitors. - [Interactive Health Dining](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tanita-shokudo-restaurant): Tanita Shokudo Restaurant Gives Patrons Tools to Make Smart Choices (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants to differentiate themselves by offering interactive dining experiences that promote healthy eating. - [Waiter-Inspired Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipad-assisted-food-ordering): Buffalo Wild Wings Fuses Technology with Ordering (Category: Tech) Implication: The use of tablets for ordering and interactive experiences in restaurants has the potential to revolutionize the dining industry and improve customer engagement. - [Digitalized Droid Kegs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kegdroid-beer-dispenser): Paul Carff's Kegdroid Gives Way to the Future of Bartending (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The digitized Kegs will disrupt the beverage industry bringing in unique product experiences. - [Tablet Dining Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/de-santos-restaurant): De Santos Restaurant is the First to Use an iPad Ordering System (Category: Marketing) Implication: Incorporating tablet technology in restaurants ## Recent trend clusters - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) - [Functional Indulgence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-indulgence1) (Lifestyle) - [Connected Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-companions) (Lifestyle) - [Creatine Formats](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/creatine-formats) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Seasoned Mince Meal Starters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seasoned-mince-meal-starters) - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)