The Bus Project "GastroMobil"

DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg: Digitalisation for Apprentices and the GastroMobil

The hospitality industry, and the restaurant sector in particular, is in constant development. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg recognised the need to attract more young talent and to make awareness efforts around hospitality career opportunities more appealing to apprentices. Together, we embarked on a transformative journey. In collaboration with our studio, DEHOGA sought to expand the established GastroMobil bus with a more digitalised version — integrating technologies not only to resolve maintenance issues, but also to create an engaging learning environment for aspiring professionals in the hospitality sector.

In a world where technology is reshaping industries, the hospitality sector should not be left behind. This extraordinary initiative is designed to make the GastroMobil truly fit for the future.

Analysing the Status Quo

Understanding the team's requirements was the first and most important step in the project. DEHOGA expressed the desire for a more digitalised bus to improve engagement with young people and to resolve technical and maintenance issues associated with the existing vehicle. Our team conducted a comprehensive analysis as consultants, examining the bus, its electrical systems, cabling, heating infrastructure and overall environment alongside the relevant specialists — all viewed through the eyes of potential apprentices. The initial assessment revealed opportunities for digitalisation while also identifying essential analogue elements to be preserved, which are crucial for inspiring students in the hands-on world of hospitality.

This thorough analysis from the perspective of potential trainees brought many possibilities for digital solutions to the surface, all while preserving the tactile nature of the hospitality industry. In addition, numerous gamification elements were integrated into the bus concept from the very beginning, enabling a truly unique and inspiring experience.

Conceptualisation and Visualisation

Our journey began by understanding the past and channelling those insights into innovative concepts. Several mockups were created, drawing on Virtual Reality and Rapid Prototyping to deliver a tangible, immersive experience. Using real-time simulations, we strategically coordinated the placement of mini-games and envisioned a digital space that challenges the traditional boundaries of learning. Real-time simulations allowed us to play through scenarios and position mini-games throughout the bus in a way that tailors the overall experience to the needs of students.

The image shows the bus as a simple graphic. The components to be installed by Studio Merkas are marked and labelled.

Alongside this, we aimed to minimise the burden on on-site staff and keep maintenance requirements as low as possible. For this reason, process automation was another key topic we addressed together with the DEHOGA IT team — reducing the workload for bus drivers and ensuring seamless integration of all digital components.

Feedback Loop

Ongoing collaboration and feedback from the various stakeholders — including electricians, interior designers, bus drivers, teachers, IT technicians and mechanics — was essential throughout. 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 parties involved. Our meticulous approach involved questioning every detail, anticipating potential problems and optimising maintenance efforts — resulting in a final product that resonated with everyone involved.

Tailor-Made Mini-Games

The "heart", if it can be called that, of the digital bus is its 12 carefully designed mini-games, each conceived to both teach and entertain. For example, "Cook Your Menu" immerses players in cooking simulations; "Azubö" enables both the exploration of professions on an interactive touchscreen and the direct, straightforward networking of students with training companies; "Character Game Cards" let students take on the roles of different professions; and "Room Check" places users in a VR game simulating the cleaning of hotel rooms.

Finally, the bus itself became a single gamification experience with a background story in which students take on a self-chosen role and solve the mystery of the missing guests in a Swabian village. This transforms the GastroMobil into a playful learning environment that speaks to and inspires the next generation of hospitality professionals. These games are not only educational — they make the learning process genuinely fun.

Strategic Cost-Concept Alignment

A crucial aspect of the project was striking a balance between quality and budget requirements. Through careful calculation, the DEHOGA Baden-Württemberg team identified areas where the desired quality could be maintained within the allocated budget. Working closely with the team, we prioritised certain games and focused on the most impactful elements that aligned with DEHOGA's objectives.

In our pursuit of the ideal solution for the DEHOGA team, we were able to find the delicate balance between quality and budget constraints. A comprehensive evaluation of the available options led us to identify key areas where high standards and budget allocation could coexist harmoniously.

Decision-Making

Taking into account input from stakeholders, budget assessments and resource allocation, a strategic decision-making process was initiated. This process — encompassing stakeholder input, budget evaluations and funding considerations — concluded in a focused strategic approach. We prioritised the essential components and moved into the development phase. For implementation, we employed parallel project management to ensure timely delivery. Our internal studio project management system facilitated seamless coordination between team members and ensured an efficient software development workflow.

Conclusion

The DEHOGA GastroMobil represents a pioneering achievement on our part — combining technology with hands-on experience to create an immersive first encounter for future hospitality professionals. Through strategic planning, continuous collaboration and a strong focus on both digital and analogue elements, the project is well-positioned to ignite enthusiasm among young people for pursuing a career in the hospitality industry.

Furthermore, the GastroMobil is not merely an evolution — it is an entirely new approach to hospitality training. It is an invitation to embark on a transformative journey where technology and practical experience come together. Our project invites you to join us in shaping the future of hospitality education. Discover the possibilities with us, inspire the next generation, and let our GastroMobil spark your imagination.