iVa! - Enhancing Mobile Food Vending Experience in Mexico City

In Mexico City, informal commerce is a livelihood for many, with street food vending being a significant part. With a populace of around 2 million and a street vendor workforce of about 200k (Gobierno de Mexico,2023), the city exhibits a dynamic yet challenging vending environment. Despite being integral to the city’s culture, street food vendors face challenges such as constant mobility which over time leads to physical injuries due to the improvised design of their vending bicycles and tricycles. In addition, their low-income stratum significantly restricts access to ergonomic vending solutions. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the aesthetic impact of these vending vehicles on the city’s appearance. This thesis delves into the life of street food vendors and seeks to shed light on the experiences of these hardworking individuals, elevate their contributions to the city’s culture, and explore ways to enhance their working conditions. To gain a comprehensive understanding and create effective solutions, interviews with street vendors will be conducted. Ergonomic studies will assess physical strain, and research will explore the history, cultural significance, and current challenges of the business. With this foundation, the design will align with Mexico’s vibrant cultural essence and modern urban needs. The project explores a scalable, sustainable model potentially applicable to other developing nations with thriving informal commerce and street food vending. Keywords: Street Vendor, workforce, Mexico City,