100% of our work serves causes that have a positive impact on real humans in the world around us.
With a studio space in Washington, DC and a global network of consultants our team brings extensive training in design research, creative technology, education, game design, architecture, anthropology, behavioral economics, business, storytelling, emergent technologies, urban play, visual design and social impact.
In our years working in the technology, international development and startup space we have seen first hand how playful human centered design and research can deeply engage communities and impact change. But we have also encountered the financial, cultural and technological obstacles that exist for playful, tech-forward, high quality design to be implemented at scale. This is the need we are committed to address through our work with partners dedicated to creating a more human and playful future for all- even when it seems impossible.
Let’s dream big together.
OUR CORE TEAM
With a studio space based in Washington, DC we are a uniquely qualified team of designers, researchers, technologists and educators with global expertise in creating playful experiences for social impact. Together we have worked in more than 20 countries. And yes! working with you looks a lot like play.
Chloe Varelidi,
Founder & Managing Director
PATRICIA DRANOFF, Graphic Designer
Laura De Renyal,
Research Fellow
RADHIKA MEHTA Learning Designer
WE COLLABORATE WITH GOOD HUMANS WHO DO GOOD WORK
Outside of our core team we work with a network of over 20+ collaborators on a project by project basis. Interested in joining the Humans Who Play freelance network? Please complete the form below.
our values
These ideas guide how we work together as a team and how we navigate our relationships with our partners and clients.
humanity
First and foremost we are human beings. We lead with empathy and kindness towards each other and the people we are designing for and with. We come to work as our authentic selves. We celebrate each other's uniqueness. We acknowledge our humanity, our mistakes and always-always assume good intent.
joy
We design for a world that deserves to be more fun. Our aesthetics, ideas and playfulness is manifested in everything we do. We find joy in the work we put out in the world and the people we work with.
justice
We want to make a positive impact on the world and that starts with designing for equity and justice. We have deep routes in open source, human centered and participatory design and believe that in order to create impact one has to work hand in hand with and for the communities we are serving.
learning
We are a team of long-life learners. We approach every new project with curiosity, humility and a growth mindset. We are a small team that isn’t afraid to try new things and finds joy in geeking out on new skills. We are each other’s student and each other’s mentor.
leadership
humans who play is a place for personal and professional growth. We expect you to feel empowered to take initiative and dream big. And we take the time to listen to each other’s dreams and support each other in pursuit of our collective and individual dreams.
efficiency
We are a small team with more tasks than we can get to. That’s why we have lean systems in place and processes that help us maintain boundaries and work-life balance. We are efficient so we can take 20 days of vacation a year, not work on the weekends and spend time with our families and friends.
determination
We might be small but we are also mighty. We are ambitious in the change we want to see in this world and resourceful in how to make it happen. We persist.
partnership
We know we cannot achieve change alone. That is why we value generosity, collaboration and synergies. We see ourselves as part of a larger community; a movement that aims to democratize play and learning.