Bernhard-Hafele_1

Design is a visual representation of time. It shows us who we are and where we stand – socially, politically, economically. Here you’ll find essays and projects that make the present visible.
About

Bernhard Hafele is a design researcher working at the intersection of design, society, and time. Drawing from everyday observations, he investigates how social, political, and economic developments leave their mark on objects, behaviors, and systems, and what these traces tell us about the world we live in today.

He lives and works in Dornbirn, Austria. Alongside his research, he is the co-founder of viergestalten and serves as chair of the Creative Economy Vorarlberg.

His work encompasses research projects, essays, and publications exploring why our present looks exactly the way it does. It shows how everyday things we take for granted reveal the values and structures of their time.
Bernhard-Hafele
© Jenny Haimerl
Current Projects

Personal curiosity gives rise to knowledge. Presenting it visually for all the curious minds out there — that is the goal.
Magazineur
Carefully curated magazines in a place that understands knowledge and design as an inseparable unit.
Partner in Crime
Do we truly see people — or do we mostly remember how it feels to know them?
Experiences

Education, professional experience, commitment, and passion are accumulated experiences.
Kreative-Wirtschaft

Kreative Wirtschaft Vorarlberg

Fachgruppenobmann, Vorarlberg AT
since 2025
caruso

caruso carsharing

Beiratsmitglied
since 2023
Grüne-Wirtschaft

Grüne Wirtschaft

Mitglied Regionalleitung und Finanzreferent, Vorarlberg AT
since 2022
viergestalten

viergestalten designkollektiv

Co-Founder, Dornbirn AT
since 2019
Bernhard-Hafele

Freelance Graphic Designer

Dornbirn AT
since 2011
Werberat

Österreichischer Werberat

Werberat, Austria
2024 – 2026
studio-spitzar

studio spitzar

Art Director, Dornbirn AT
2015 – 2018
FHV

FHV University of Applied Sciences

Research Assistant, Dornbirn AT
2013 – 2015
FHV

FHV University of Applied Sciences

Master's Program InterMedia, Dornbirn AT
2012 – 2014
WWP

WWP Creative

Graphic Designer, Telfs AT
2011
Washburn

Washburn University

Semester Abroad, Topeka USA
2011
FHV

FHV University of Applied Sciences

Bachelor's Program InterMedia, Dornbirn AT
2009 – 2012
Walch

Walch Beschriftung

Sign Making & Advertising Technology, Telfs AT
2007 – 2009
WIFI

WIFI Tirol

University Entrance Qualification, Innsbruck AT
2006 – 2008
Holzbaur

Malerei Holzbaur

Sign Making & Advertising Technology, Innsbruck AT
2006
HTL

HTL Bau Informatik Design

Fachschule für angewandte Malerei, Innsbruck AT
2000 – 2004
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