We:Work

ARENA2036 x Haufe - Der Mensch in der Fabrik 2036

In complex industrial environments, people and potential are often lost in operational routines. We:Work was created to change that. Developed as part of the ARENA2036 initiative for the Mercedes-Benz innovation campus, this ecosystem of connected tools supports internal development and transparent placement. Built to empower employees, while giving structure to Meisters and visibility to HR. This was a system, built with real users, for real factories.

When
2018

Where
Haufe, St. Gallen🇨🇭

Role
UX/UI Lead, Branding, Visual Direction, Design System

Challenge

By 2036, factory teams will operate with greater flexibility, autonomy, and shift variability.
Traditional HR planning tools weren’t built for this level of complexity — or for true employee empowerment.

We set out to design a solution that could:
• Allow workers to explore and claim roles in a self-determined way
• Support Meisters and HR in balancing autonomy with oversight
• Increase transparency and fairness in shift planning

Approach

Two tools were built to work together as one ecosystem:
• A mobile app for employees to explore roles, express interest, and track development
• A planner interface for Meisters and HR to manage assignments with fairness and transparency

Each product addressed a distinct need. Together, they formed a unified system where people and planning meet, grounded in the real needs of factory workers and operational leads.

On-site sessions and co-creation workshops were conducted with Daimler factory workers, guided by Haufe and Mercedes-Benz ARENA2036 teams. These insights directly shaped the design, logic, and usability of both tools.

My Role

Led UX and UI across the full product lifecycle:
• Shaped design strategy and interaction logic
• Designed and prototyped both mobile and planner interfaces
• Directed the visual language, brand tone, and interaction systems
• Created the design system and developer handoff specs
• Facilitated co-creation sessions with Daimler factory workers
• Prepared the final product presentation for Daimler senior leadership

Process

We applied a collaborative, sprint-based process:
• Co-Creation Workshops: Conducted with Daimler factory teams to capture real planning needs
• Synthesis: Clustered feedback, system mapping, and early sketching
• Rapid Prototyping: Iterated on key flows — role interest, distribution logic, planner dashboard
• Test & Refine: Internal user validation loops and stakeholder feedback integrated

Designed to avoid over-tooling. Everything was optimized for simplicity, clarity, and minimal cognitive load.

System Thinking

At the core, the platform enables structured collaboration:
• Roles & Preferences: Employees define interest levels for various roles
• Score Engine: Matches based on seniority, skills, and availability
• Three-Step Distribution Flow:
1. Auto-matching
2. Meister-led review
3. Manual adjustment
• Feedback Loop: Engagement data is collected and used to improve future planning

Solution 1

Mobile App for Employees

Designed for workers on the move, with minimal training required:
• Browse open roles and submit interest
• Track assignment status and schedule
• Snooze or withdraw participation
• Progression shown through visual badges

Solution 2

Planning Tool for HR

Designed for efficient, fair, and transparent workforce planning:
• See open roles, capacities, and coverage gaps
• Review employee preferences and match scores
• Use drag-and-drop interface to finalize assignments
• Access decision logs to maintain alignment

Value Delivered

• A scalable framework for flexible workforce planning
• Better alignment between human needs and operational demands
• Increased transparency and fairness in shift allocation
• A pilot that demonstrated how user-led planning can thrive inside large enterprises

Developed in close collaboration with Haufe and the Mercedes-Benz ARENA2036 team, the project included co-creation workshops with Daimler workers and culminated in a strategic presentation to Daimler leadership, aligning design with enterprise transformation goals.

Team

Project Contributors
Carolin Marie Belz, Christian Bless, Demian Gass, Markus Stoisser, Oliver Darkow, Sevgjan Haxhija, Vladimir Mijatovic.

Design & Development
Rolling Rabbits

In Collaboration With
Haufe

Reflection

The ARENA2036 project proved how deep collaboration between workers, planners, and technology can create meaningful systems. It pushed the boundaries of role flexibility in factory settings and laid the groundwork for scalable, people-centered workforce tools.

We:Work

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