Austin Davis
@austindavis1
Play Experience Designer passionate about learning through play.
What I'm looking for
As a Play Experience Designer, I am dedicated to exploring the intersection of play and design. My academic journey began with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Master's in Toy and Game Design at the National Institute of Design. This unique blend of education has equipped me with the skills to create engaging play experiences across various domains, including leisure, child development, and professional training.
Currently, I serve as a faculty member at my alma mater, where I continue to innovate and inspire the next generation of designers. My professional experience spans several years, during which I have designed games for both digital and physical platforms, facilitated workshops, and contributed to significant projects like the Playful Handwashing Campaign and the Project Play initiative with UNICEF. I am passionate about using play as a tool for learning and problem-solving, and I strive to create interventions that foster creativity and engagement.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Faculty (Assistant Professor)
National Institute of Design
Nov 2017 - Present (7 years 9 months)
As an Assistant Professor in the Toy and Game Design Department, I developed and delivered curriculum focused on play and design. I also led various projects, including a lecture series for the Ministry of Education and a playful handwashing campaign for Hindustan Unilever.
Trainee Faculty
National Institute of Design
Mar 2015 - Present (10 years 5 months)
As a Trainee Faculty, I participated in a teacher development program, assisting with teaching, administrative, and outreach activities. I also designed an activity book for CBSE schools to promote playful learning.
Freelance Consultant
Multiple Clients
Jan 2014 - Present (11 years 7 months)
As a Freelance Consultant, I undertook various Play x Design projects. This included designing a smartphone game, facilitating a digital game design workshop, and creating a DIY play product.
Game + Level Designer
Gameshastra Pvt. Ltd
Dec 2011 - Present (13 years 8 months)
As a Game + Level Designer, I designed educational games for e-learning platforms and worked on mobile and console games. I was responsible for creating game concepts, design documents, and engaging level challenges.
Game Design Intern
Pink Katalyst Pvt. Ltd
Jan 2011 - Present (14 years 7 months)
As a Game Design Intern, I contributed to the design and prototyping of casual online PC games. My work involved developing game concepts inspired by Indian culture and mythology.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
Master of Design, Toy and Game Design
2008 - 2011
Completed a Master's in Toy & Game Design, focusing on the intersection of play and design. Explored various aspects of game design for digital and physical platforms, including leisure, entertainment, promotional tools, child development, and professional training.
Government Engineering College Thrissur
Bachelor of Technology, Mechanical Engineering
2004 - 2008
Pursued a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, gaining foundational knowledge in engineering principles. This degree provided a strong technical background that later complemented studies in toy and game design.
St. Columba's School
High School Diploma, General Studies
2003 - 2003
Completed high school education at St. Columba's School. This period laid the groundwork for future academic and professional pursuits.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Portfolio
austindavisplaydesignlearn.comSocial media
Job categories
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