# Streamlined Vending Apps are being introduced to help consumers track down portable food venues. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Nov 12, 2013, updated Nov 20, 2013 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/streamlined-vending ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.1/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Streamlined Vending trend? **Streamlined Vending:** Though consumers appreciate the novelty of food trucks, the issue of convenience can be a problem when it comes to tracking down these portable venues. Apps that track down these elusive vendors streamline the purchasing experience, and encourage an online relationship with these brands. This prioritization of convenience can apply more broadly to restaurants, and suggests that automating things like directions is critical to appealing to customers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 23, 2010 to Oct 28, 2013 - Published: Nov 12, 2013 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Streamlined Vending trend ### Food truck tracking Food truck tracking apps that help consumers find portable food vendors are growing in popularity, particularly since they can help automate the food-finding process. ### Increased convenience Consumers increasingly prioritize convenience when it comes to finding food, and businesses are responding by automating directions and other processes to streamline the experience. ### Simplified food finding Apps that focus on simplifying the process of finding, rating, and reviewing restaurants are growing, with many prioritizing user rankings and ratings as a means of simplification. ## What the Streamlined Vending trend means for industry ### For Food service industry These trends have particular implications for the food service industry, which can benefit from increased automation and convenience in the food-finding process. ### For Mobile app development Developers of mobile apps are embracing these trends by developing new food-focused apps that prioritize convenience, user rankings, and ratings. ### For Social media Many of these trends involve social media and the development of online communities focused on finding, rating, and reviewing food options. ## Trend signals for Streamlined Vending Trend score 2.1 out of 10, from popularity 30%, activity 24%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 30% - Activity: 24% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Streamlined Vending trend 4 featured examples from Dec 23, 2010 to Oct 28, 2013. - [Food Truck Locating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toronto-food-trucks): The Toronto Food Trucks App Locates Nearby Eats (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement the use of food truck apps within restaurants to expand their reach, promote daily specials, and attract new customers. - [Simplified Food-Finding Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myfab5-app): The myfab5 App Cuts Through to Find a Good Restaurant Easier (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The myfab5 app disrupts the restaurant discovery industry by providing a simple and efficient way for users to find new places to eat based on popularity rankings. - [Photo-Sharing Food Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urbanspoon-app): The Urbanspoon App Shows Others Just How Delicious Your Meal Is (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop AR-powered menus that display interactive food photos, descriptions, and customer reviews to enhance the dining experience. - [Food Truck Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tweat-it-app): The 'Tweat It' App Updates Moving Restos Via Twitter Updates (Category: Tech) Implication: Food service providers can leverage real-time food truck tracking technology to streamline operations and reach more customers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)