Location aware applications to support mobile food vendors in the developing world

Abstract

This paper describes an ongoing research project to explore the potential of location aware mobile phone-based applications to support mobile food vendors in the developing world. These vendors are a ubiquitous phenomenon in the developing world and can be seen hawking their wares in carts, bicycles or motorcycles. We report preliminary findings from nine interviews conducted with various mobile food vendors in Indonesia. Based on these findings, we present our initial system design for a mobile phone-based application that allows these vendors to advertize their current location, accept orders from customers, and have customers recommend particular vendors. © 2010 Copyright is held by the author/owner(s).