# Photo-Based Discovery Apps The Oatmeal App Uses Pinboard-Style Aesthetics to Help Users Eat By Justin Lam | Published 2018-06-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatmeal-app References: [coolhunting](http://www.coolhunting.com/tech/oatmeal-discovery-app) & [itunes.apple](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oatmeal-discover-places/id1390267650?mt=8) Sharing photos of food and restaurant spaces has become a pivotal part of modern marketing and the Oatmeal app is making the entire process easier and more intuitive. Unlike other recommendation services, which function more on text-based means, this app places all of its emphasis on images laid out in a beautiful and minimalist fashion. Text is used to provide short descriptions and label prices but the app generally functions more on aesthetics and immediate appeal through these means. The layout of the Oatmeal app takes design cues from websites like [Pinterest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shuffles) and arranges various images in an [imageboard style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mixboard). Users can then scroll through an amalgamed pinboard of alluring offerings from nearby places. Touching a specific image will bring up information on the specific space, including directions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Photo-based Discovery:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop photo-based recommendation services that prioritize visual appeal and aesthetics to enhance user experience. - **Pinboard-style Aesthetics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create apps and platforms that organize and display information in a visually appealing and easily navigable pinboard layout. - **Minimalist Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design apps and websites with a minimalist aesthetic to optimize user experience and emphasis on visual content. ### Who This Affects Most - **Marketing and Advertising:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate photo-based marketing strategies using aesthetically pleasing visuals to attract and engage consumers. - **Technology and App Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop photo-based discovery apps with user-friendly interfaces that focus on visual appeal and intuitive navigation. - **Restaurant and Hospitality:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize photo-based recommendation services to showcase food and restaurant spaces in a visually captivating manner and attract customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Food Discovery Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jaifaim.md) - [Coffee Discovery Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheres-the-beans.md) - [Swipe-Based Restaurant Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-eats.md) - [Cultural Dining Discovery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/authfoodmaps.md) - [AI-Powered Food Journals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eat-n-log.md) - [Local Food Discoveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-food-gems.md) - [Private Social Photo Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-app.md) - [Social Dining Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recce.md) - [Streamlined Meal Planning Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodpot.md)