The Digital Bus Project “GastroMobil”

The DEHOGA Educational Initiative is Changing

Are you toying with the idea of realizing your own project? Engage your customers like never before, increase brand recognition and customer loyalty, all with the power of games!

Introduction

The hospitality industry, particularly gastronomy, is constantly evolving. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) Baden-Württemberg has recognized the need to attract more young talent and reach out to educate the youth about job and training offerings for apprentices. Therefore, we embarked on a transformative journey together. In collaboration with our studio, DEHOGA aimed to create a new version of the successful GastroMobil bus with a more digital touch. The goal was to integrate technologies that would not only address maintenance issues but also create an engaging learning environment for aspiring hospitality professionals.

In a world where technology is transforming many industries, the hospitality sector should not be left behind. Additionally, this exceptional initiative aims to make the GastroMobil “fit” for the future.

Analysis of the Status Quo

Understanding the team's requirements was the first and most crucial step in the project. DEHOGA expressed a desire for a more digitalized bus to enhance the engagement of apprentices and address technological and maintenance issues related to the existing vehicle. Our team conducted a comprehensive analysis as consultants, examining the bus, its electrical system, wiring, heating system, and overall environment from the perspective of potential apprentices. The initial investigation revealed opportunities for digitalization while highlighting the importance of retaining essential analog elements that inspire students in the tactile aspects of gastronomy jobs.

This thorough analysis from the perspective of potential apprentices uncovered many opportunities to employ digital solutions to enhance efficiency while preserving the tactile essence of the gastronomy industry. Additionally, numerous gamification elements were integrated into the bus concept from the outset to create a unique and inspiring experience.

Conceptualization and Visualization

Our journey began by understanding the past and integrating the insights gained into innovative concepts. Several mockups were created, using virtual reality and rapid prototyping to provide a tangible, immersive experience. With real-time simulations, we strategically placed mini-games and envisioned a digital space that challenged the boundaries of traditional learning. Real-time simulations allowed us to play through scenarios and strategically place mini-games in the bus, tailoring the overall experience to the students' needs.

ThumbIn the image, the bus is depicted as a simple graphic. The components that Studio Merkas will install are marked and labeled.

Furthermore, we aimed to maximize support for on-site staff and minimize maintenance effort. With that in mind, we tackled process automation in collaboration with DEHOGA IT. This minimized the effort required from bus drivers and ensured seamless integration of the digital components.

Feedback Loop

Continuous collaboration and feedback from various stakeholders, including electricians, interior designers, bus drivers, educators, IT technicians, and mechanics, were crucial. Every detail, from the placement of mini-games to potential issues and maintenance challenges, was thoroughly questioned and addressed. This iterative process ensured that the final product met the requirements of all involved parties. Our meticulous approach involved considering every detail, anticipating potential problems, and optimizing maintenance efforts. This iterative process guaranteed a final product that resonated with all stakeholders.

Custom Mini-Games

The “heart,” if it can be called that, of the digital bus comprises 12 thoughtfully designed mini-games, each intended to educate and entertain. For example, the game "Koch Dein Menü" immerses players in a cooking simulation with many differing menus. "Azubö" allows for exploration of careers on an interactive touchscreen where facilitates are easily found and students can create direct networking between themselves and many training companies. "Character Cards" let students role-play various professions, and the "Zimmer-Check" engages users in a VR game simulating different steps in taking care of hotel rooms.

Ultimately, the bus itself became a gamified experience with a backstory where students choose a character role and solve the mystery of missing guests in a small Swabian village. This makes the GastroMobil a playful learning environment that appeals to and inspires the next generation of hospitality professionals. These games are not only educational but also make the learning process enjoyable.

Are you ready to bring your game vision to life? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you successfully bring your ideas to life with our game development services!

Strategic Cost-Concept Alignment

A crucial aspect of the project was balancing quality with budget constraints. Through careful calculations, the DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg team identified areas where high quality could be maintained within the allocated budget. In collaboration with the team, we prioritized specific games and focused on the most impactful elements that aligned with DEHOGA’s goals.

In our quest for a perfect solution for the DEHOGA team, we managed to find the delicate balance between quality and budget constraints. Comprehensive calculations led us to identifying key areas where high quality could harmoniously coexist with the requested budget.
 

Decision Making

This process, encompassing stakeholder input, budget assessments, and resource allocations, culminated in a strategic approach. We prioritized essential components and began the development phase. We employed parallel project management to ensure timely delivery. Our internal studio project management system facilitated seamless coordination among team members, ensuring an efficient software development process.

Conclusion

The DEHOGA GastroMobil represents a pioneering achievement on our part, combining technology with practical experience to create an immersive first encounter for future hospitality professionals. Through strategic planning, continuous collaboration, and a strong focus on digital and analog elements, the project is poised to ignite the enthusiasm of young people for careers in the hospitality industry.

Furthermore, the GastroMobil is not just an evolution but a completely new approach to training in the hospitality sector. It invites one to embark on a transformative journey where technology meets practical experience. Our project invites you to join us in shaping the future of hospitality training. Discover the possibilities with us, inspire the next generation, and let our GastroMobil inspire you.

Questions?

Thank you for your interest in our project. We would love to hear from you if you have any questions, concerns or the like about our game development project. Your feedback is important to us and we appreciate any input, so please don't hesitate to contact us!

By answering all your questions, we also want to make sure that you have enough insight into our game development process to get a clear picture of how we work. Transparency makes it easier for us to work together on an equal footing. Otherwise, feel free to take a look at our FAQ section. We thank you for your interest in our project and look forward to hearing from you soon!

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