The annual SPP2199 Winter School retreat took place from March 9–13, 2026, at the historic Burg Ebernburg in Bad Kreuznach. Against the backdrop of the centuries-old castle overlooking the Nahe valley, researchers from across the programme gathered for exchange, learning, and collaboration. The programme featured a series of lectures, two inspiring keynotes, and many informal opportunities for discussion and networking. Participants also shared the current state of their research in a lively poster and interactivity session that sparked engaging conversations and hands-on exploration.

This year’s keynote speakers were Kathrin Gerling from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, who presented thought-provoking insights on “Equitable Access to Virtual Reality,” and Astrid Rosenthal-von der Pütten from RWTH Aachen University, who discussed “Constraints to Scalable HRI Research.” Both talks stimulated lively discussion on the social and methodological challenges of designing and studying emerging interactive systems.

The lecture programme focused on fabrication and prototyping practices within HCI research. Sessions covered digital fabrication techniques, introductory hands-on crafting methods, strategies for documenting prototyping processes through photography and video, and approaches to applying fabrication techniques in the development of shape-changing interfaces. Together, these activities created an environment where participants could experiment, exchange practical knowledge, and reflect on the role of making in interaction research.