Open Access

Digital technology and architecture have become inseparable, with new approaches and methodologies not just affecting the workflows and practice of architects but shaping the very character of architecture. This compendious work offers a wide-ranging orientation to the new landscape with its opportunities, its challenges, and its vast potential.

The following sabbatical semester report documents the activities accomplished, the valuable experiences, and the resulting and potential gains for the University of Applied Sciences.

Vortrag zum Forschungssemester, Hochschule Konstanz, 24.03.2015

Although the Hospice Foundation in Constance knew they had a personnel problem, they were unsure how to begin to fix it. In addition to difficulties in finding and keeping employees, the Hospice Foundation’s employees were often on sick leave, adding pressure on remaining staff. Twelve communication design students in the masters program at the University of Applied Sciences in Constance (HTWG Konstanz) conducted a study aimed at identifying the causes for these problems and, more generally, understanding how the employees work and feel. Even though the methods in this study are well known, it presents an important prototype for designers and design researchers because of its success in finding useful insights. It also serves as a pre-design project briefing for both management and designers. It demonstrates the usefulness of qualitative methods in providing a deeper understanding of a complex situation and its usefulness as a strategic tool and for defining a project’s focus and scope. Ideally, it also provides insights into health care for the elderly.