# Local Business-Encouraging Apps The Ufficient App Consists of a Directory and Request Engine By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-12-05 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/request-engine References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/app-lets-users-trawl-hundreds-local-businesses/) & [ufficient](http://ufficient.com/) The request engine helps you interact with multiple local companies at the same time. The Ufficient app uses text, images and voice communication to encourage the [local economy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ship-local). The tool has a database of over 10 million local businesses to help you find what you need, compare numerous choices and [book quickly](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fuse-link). The multimedia approach of the request engine lets you do things like take a picture of your broken washing machine and give a detailed description. You can then give this information to relevant repair places in the area at the same time, instead of contacting each individually and doing your own analysis. Ufficient also integrates smart search technology so it can make suggestions based on your [social network](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodgoodtime). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Multimedia Request Engines:** Explore opportunities to develop request engines that incorporate text, images, and voice communication for efficient interaction with multiple local businesses. - **Local Economy Support Apps:** Consider creating apps that encourage the local economy by providing directories, comparison tools, and quick booking options for users. - **Smart Search Integration:** Leverage smart search technology to enhance user experience by suggesting relevant options based on their social network. ### Where This Applies - **Technology:** Technology companies can develop innovative request engine solutions and local economy support apps. - **Service:** Service industries such as repair, maintenance, and local businesses can adopt multimedia request engines to streamline customer interactions. - **Marketing:** Marketing firms can explore opportunities to integrate smart search technology into local business-encouraging apps for targeted suggestions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Local Business Finders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buylokals.md) - [Engagement-Boosting Marketing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/localact.md) - [Social City Exploration Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geometrik-app.md) - [Localized Boutique Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boutique-shopping-apps.md) - [AI-Powered Local Recommendations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-fusion.md) - [UX-Focused Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodr-eats.md) - [Aggregated On-Demand Service Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/finishd-app.md) - [Community Borrowing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/community-borrowing-apps.md) - [Local Story Creators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/word-oh-mouth.md)