Designing Transformative Learning Experiences Through Informal Learning

Melika Ahmadilari is a passionate advocate for creating immersive, impactful learning experiences through informal learning, technology, and cutting-edge design practices. With a Master’s degree in Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Melika combines expertise in learning sciences, user-centered design, and educational technology to craft engaging, equitable, and culturally relevant learning experiences.

Who Melika Helps:

• Informal Learning Spaces: Supporting museums, libraries, and community programs to design engaging, hands-on learning experiences grounded in learning sciences.
• Educational Institutions: Guiding educators to create games and informal learning experiences that promote engagement and critical thinking in the classroom.
• EdTech and Game Design Companies: Leading user research, co-design, and testing practices to build accessible, learner-centered products.
• Nonprofits: Developing interactive educational programs tailored to diverse learners, emphasizing equity and inclusion.

How Melika Helps: As a Teaching Fellow for Harvard’s Informal Learning course, Melika guides her students through the process of designing innovative educational experiences in informal settings, blending research-based practices with creativity. She also serves as a Teaching Fellow for other courses on EdTech and Artificial Intelligence in Education. Her expertise spans user research, user testing, and co-design—ensuring that every solution is learner-centered and accessible. She applies principles from the learning sciences to design interactive experiences that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and deeper learning.

Engagement Tools:

• Game Design Practices: Co-designing learning games that foster exploration, creativity, and collaboration.
• User Research & Testing: Conducting iterative user studies to refine designs and ensure they meet learner needs.
• Learning Sciences Integration: Embedding evidence-based principles to maximize the impact of learning experiences.
• Informal Learning Strategies: Designing playful, hands-on educational experiences for museums, libraries, and other informal learning spaces.

Key Collaborations:

• Harvard Graduate School of Education
• LitLab.ai
• Code.org
• Phillips Academy Andover
• Arctic Shores
• Research Institute for Learning and Development

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