LAUSANNE, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--What would you do if you were given a blank canvas and asked to create an innovative food program for a top-brand client? Students at Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) were given just that opportunity when presented with their final project in Dr. Stierand’s course Innovating the Customer Experience: Imagining Google’s food program in the year 2030.
Dr. Stierand wanted to encourage the creativity and out-of-the-box thinking that sometimes takes a backseat to the tradition of the industry and to create a real-life management learning situation with a top innovator. Google’s food service program has influenced the way many employers invest in their talent, recognizing the need to provide services more holistically to support employee development and a positive and healthy working environment.
Students were divided into teams and set free to envision what Google’s food program could be in 2030. The results were presented to Thomas Camenzind, Europe Middle-East, Asia Food Service Manager, and Nina Weber, User Experience Researcher, from Google’s Zurich headquarters.
Creativity was at the heart of the presentations, and no two ideas were alike. Students approached from all angles, focusing attention on social, sensory, and sustainable aspects, in addition to a number of other qualities and contributors to the food and dining experience. Students explored both the physical and digital sides of the project, recognizing the technological savviness of the client but additionally the need and desire to create concrete connections.
Mr. Camenzind stated: "It is great to see what the next generation is able to come up with when they get the chance to. All ideas and projects were very much thought through and build upon opportunities, trends and technology enhancement that will be possible in the future."
Mr. Rochat, CEO of EHL, confirmed: “Innovation is a core value at EHL as it allows the industry to stay fresh. Working with respected companies outside of hospitality encourages students to take a different approach and can bring about alternative ideas and solutions to drive the industry forward.” Although the students were given a blank page to start with, what they presented in the end was a canvas of colorful and innovative ideas.
About Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)
EHL is an ambassador
for traditional Swiss hospitality and has been a pioneer in hospitality
education since 1893. It has created and inspired a unique professional
community of 25,000 hospitality managers, united by the values and
legacy of EHL.
EHL is regularly recognized as the best hotel management school in the world, offering university studies to 2,289 enthusiastic and talented students from close to 90 different countries. EHL is a member of EHL SA, a Group dedicated to hospitality management education.
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