Motivation

Manufacturing companies in the South Westphalia region face a growing threat of knowledge loss driven by demographic change: as experienced specialists retire, decades of accumulated tacit knowledge risk disappearing with them. At the same time, companies are challenged to onboard new employees quickly and effectively while adapting flexibly to evolving production processes. Existing knowledge management solutions are frequently too complex, too rigid, or too poorly integrated into day-to-day shopfloor operations to achieve meaningful adoption among the workforce.

Objectives & Methodology

The research group of Prof. Dr. Thomas Ludwig pursues, within the WiAk project, which was based at FernUniversität Hagen until 03/2026 and whose transfer to the University of Siegen is planned but not yet completed, the goal of developing an AR-based knowledge management application that enables experiential knowledge to be captured and accessed digitally, directly at the point of work. Central to the project is a participatory approach: employees in partner companies are involved as equal co-designers throughout the development process. The application is complemented by an XR editor that empowers non-technical users to independently create and manage AR content – a core principle of End-User Development. As project coordinator, Fachhochschule Südwestfalen contributes a app-based knowledge management tool as well as the accompanying change management concept for sustainable organisational adoption. Together, the consortium ensures rigorous empirical requirements elicitation, iterative evaluation cycles, and sustainable implementation within the participating organisations.

Expected Impact & Transfer

By the end of the project, the research group of Prof. Dr. Thomas Ludwig will provide a deployment-ready AR knowledge management app, an XR editor for independent content creation, and a validated participatory introduction framework. Dedicated internal “enablers” will be trained within each partner organisation to ensure long-term autonomous operation. The project thus makes a tangible contribution to the digital resilience of South Westphalia’s SME landscape and to the region’s appeal as an employer of the future.