# Simplified Consumption Utilities tracking becomes easier for the modern consumer. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Aug 22, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/simplified-consumption ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.6/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Simplified Consumption trend? **Simplified Consumption:** As Millennials age, previously complex areas of adult life need to be tweaked to suit their consumption style. One area where this shift is being implemented is in utility tracking. Gamifying, simplifying, or simply adding a visual element to the process adheres to the standards set by digital interactions, showing a convergence of industries and tones. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 5, 2012 to Aug 18, 2016 - Published: Aug 22, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Simplified Consumption trend ### Gamified Utility Tracking Gamifying, simplifying, or adding a visual element to utility tracking adheres to the standards set by digital interactions, showing a convergence of industries and tones. ### Smart Home Energy Monitoring Echo technology and Apple Watch apps provide more insight and information on habits and consumption, paving the way for further innovation opportunities. ### Dynamic Visual Bill Design Clarity of layout found on the web is now being adopted by paper bills with the use of dynamic visual systems. ## What the Simplified Consumption trend means for industry ### For Energy Management Software The rise of gamified and smart home energy monitoring creates new opportunities for the development of energy management software and related technologies. ### For Mobile Application Development Utility usage-tracking apps and companion apps for smart home devices require continued development in the mobile application sector. ### For Design Consultancy Dynamic visual bill design calls for the expertise of design consultancies to create informative and user-friendly bill layouts. ## Workshop question If you consider one of your more complex offerings, is there a way you could simplify it to suit the needs of consumers? ## Trend signals for Simplified Consumption Trend score 2.6 out of 10, from popularity 35%, activity 37%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 35% - Activity: 37% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Simplified Consumption trend 5 featured examples from Apr 5, 2012 to Aug 18, 2016. - [Home Consumption Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-technology): WeMo's Echo Technology is Designed to Measure Your Usage (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of Echo technology by Belkin is a major innovation in the home automation industry, paving the way for more advanced systems that track and optimize resource usage. - [Graphic Utility Bills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-bill): SSE Now Uses a Visual Paper Bill System to Map Out Data (Category: Marketing) Implication: The energy industry can adopt visual paper bill systems to improve customer understanding and reduce complaints. - [Social Energy Saving Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-facebook-utility-usage-function): The Facebook Utility Usage Function Shares Power Consumption Online (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop energy saving features for social media platforms to promote eco-friendly behaviors among users. - [Wristworn Energy Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ovo-energy): Ovo Energy's Apple Watch App Makes It Easy to Monitor Energy Bills (Category: Eco) Implication: The energy-utilities industry has an opportunity to leverage smartwatch apps and other mobile technologies to improve customer engagement and enhance energy monitoring and managem… - [Utility Usage-Tracking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/track-electricity): The Stumply App Helps You Track Electricity and Water Consumption (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing apps or devices that integrate utility usage tracking and optimization into smart home systems. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [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) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)