Open to opportunities

Surya User

@suryakumarappu

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Game-informed learning architect with 7+ years of experience.

India

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What I'm looking for

I seek opportunities that foster innovation in learning and gamification, emphasizing collaboration and impactful outcomes.

I am a game-informed learning architect with over 7 years of experience across various sectors, specializing in designing serious games and behavioral diagnostics. My work focuses on creating immersive interventions that enhance decision-making and team dynamics in corporate and institutional settings. I have a proven track record of translating complex systems into engaging, playable diagnostics that drive high-stakes learning.

As the founder of an independent strategy and innovation firm, I designed the Material Claim card game and developed a capability-mapping architecture that benchmarks training pathways in challenging work environments. My previous roles include senior consultant positions where I aligned game-based learning with strategic outcomes and facilitated workshops across Asia-Pacific, significantly boosting learner engagement through innovative gamified approaches.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder

Current

Independent Strategy & Innovation in Learning & Gamification

May 2024 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Designed Material Claim, a facilitator-lite ESG diagnostic card game that maps 8 behavioral insights and generates 5 capability signatures. Built Opset: Workflow, a 3-game, certifiable OS for corporate coordination, Kanban stress-testing, and workflow friction mapping.

Serious Games Strategic Worldbuilding Risk Reward Loops Asymmetric Mechanics Systems Thinking Articulate 360 SCORM Miro

Senior Consultant

SkillsCafe India

Oct 2023 - Present (1 year 9 months)

Conducted training needs analysis to align game-based learning with strategic client outcomes. Designed board games for learning in compliance, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Needs Analysis Instructional Design

Consultant

Sustainable Living Lab

Jun 2022 - Present (3 years 1 month)

Created ESG knowledge banks and gamified modules across sustainability, AI, and design thinking. Built assessment frameworks to map leadership behavior and alignment with sustainability roles.

ESG Sustainability Toolkits Game Informed Mechanics

Researcher

Nelis Global

Mar 2020 - Present (5 years 4 months)

Authored 35 case studies on sustainability, water security, food systems, and circular economy policy. Built a regional policy inventory for ESG and CE integration across Asia-Pacific.

Sustainability Research Policy Analysis ESG Integration Circular Economy

Co-Founder

Thurit

Nov 2018 - Present (6 years 8 months)

Designed and launched a sustainability-focused card game incorporating design thinking principles. Led the integration of gamified learning experiences within a mid-sized clean energy company, improving employee training effectiveness.

Game Design Sustainability Design Thinking Training Programs Knowledge Retention

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Christ University

MSc. Psychology (HRDM), Psychology (HRDM)

Studied Human Resource Development and Management with a focus on psychological principles. Gained expertise in organizational behavior, training, and development.

VIT University

B.Tech Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Completed a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering. Acquired foundational knowledge in mechanical design, thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes.