Sensory Packaging
Digital
Eating
Interactivity becomes essential in the culinary experience.
Trend
What is the Digital Eating trend?
Digital Eating: Because competition in the food service industry calls for players to be on top of the latest innovations, more and more restaurants are combining computers and cuisine to provide patrons with an interactive, digital experience every time they visit. Apps and other digital devices are being applied to menus, wait staff and more, adding a modern touch to mealtime to enhance engagement and brand loyalty among customers.
Trend themes
Themes within the Digital Eating trend
Three behaviours holding the trend togetherInteractive dining experiences
More and more restaurants are incorporating digital devices and apps to menus and waitstaff to provide new and interactive dining experiences, encouraging brand loyalty.
Innovation in restaurant technology
Technology is being integrated into more aspects of restaurant service, from menus and wine lists, to tabletop ordering systems.
Paperless media consumption
Digital devices are being used to replace traditional newspapers and media outlets in cafes and restaurants in a move towards going green and more eco-friendly alternatives.
Industry implications
What the Digital Eating trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFood Service Industry
Restaurants and bars can innovate their business models by incorporating digital devices and apps to menus and waitstaff to provide new and interactive dining experiences, encouraging brand loyalty.
Hospitality and Tourism Industry
Tabletop ordering systems and interactive dining experiences could enhance customer experience in hotels and other travel destinations.
Media and Advertising Industry
Paperless media consumption through the use of digital devices such as iPads could pave the way for more innovative advertising and promotional strategies.
Trend signals
Trend signals for Digital Eating
Trend score 4.9 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 65%, freshness 8%.
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Evidence
Examples of the Digital Eating trend
6 featured examples from May 29, 2010 to Dec 11, 2011Paperless Cafe Newsstands
The Box Coffee Shop in Croatia Replaces Newspapers With iPads
The trend of paperless newsstands and digital devices like iPads taking over traditional print newspapers in cafes is an opportunity for coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants to ex…
Robot-Run Restaurants
The Dalu Rebot Restaurant in China is Making Mechanical Moves
The restaurant industry can explore the use of robots to automate tasks and enhance the customer experience, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Internet Martini Bars
MiWorld in South Africa Offers Both Online and Offline Interaction
The hospitality industry could benefit from implementing touchscreen technology to enhance the customer experience.
Touchscreen Tabletop Menus
Order Food Conveniently From Your Seat with Draqie Interactive Table
Restaurants can leverage touchscreen tabletops to improve customer experience, increase efficiency, and streamline the ordering process.
iPad Menus
New York City's South Gate Restaurant Uses Tablets as Wine Lists
Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Integrate technology in the hospitality industry to improve service quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
Social Media Fast Foods
The Unique 4food Burger Joint is Online-Based
Innovation opportunity: Integrate technology into the fast food industry to offer customizable menu options and online ordering, attracting tech-savvy customers.
Recent trend clusters
Automated Upkeep
Serial Snacking
Autumn Teasers