Sri Iyer
Sri is social behavior change strategist, design explorer, researcher, collaborator and writer who joined us first for a DDM workshop in Sydney, and then later joined the team for our Mumbai Fellowship.
During the Mumbai Fellowship, she shared a session on gamification and ethical research with the cohort as part of the week’s experience. We caught up with her recently to find out what she has been doing since 2018, and here she shares her recent work.
Sri leading her session at the Mumbai fellowship
Can you give us an introduction to yourself and your work?
I work at the confluence of behavioral research, design, art and writing. I do three things, all circling around society and human behavior:
I independently collaborate with corporations, startups, conglomerates, ministries and NGOs on human behavior transformation projects. I use behavioral science, design and systems thinking for this purpose.
I write about being social and am more interested in exploring everyday practices and taboo topics.
I create artistic zines related to wildlife and our practices with nature.
Sessions with Sri
What motivates you to do the work that you do?
I am naturally curious about people and their practices. I am curious about why we do what we do. I find it difficult to operate without understanding self in such a manner.
I realize that these learnings from my curiosity can be constructively and disruptively put to use, to make ours and others' lives better. This motivates me to do what I do.
How did you find out about the UnSchool, and what motivated you to come?
My then-approach to problem solving was struggling to comprehend the dynamics of interconnected systems. I was, therefore, seeking to learn systems thinking, and I came across the UnSchool workshop in Sydney.
I liked the disrupting attitude of the school of thought and decided to learn systems thinking from the UnSchool.
What was your experience at the UnSchool like?
Stimulating!
What was the main take away you had from coming to the UnSchool?
At the workshop, it was that systems thinking tools could be used single-handedly by an individual. They don't necessarily need teamwork.
As a co-host in Mumbai, it was a) the importance of identifying, acknowledging and managing group dynamics while facilitating, b) a peek into how to make group interactions experiential.
Tell us more about your initiative(s), and how is it all going?
The few initiatives I am looking out for are:
Gamifying training modules for industry/construction laborers and lorry drivers who are illiterate to semi-literate
An organizational experiential workshop intended to transform behaviors to being sensitive to self and other
Advising a team of architect-developers to design evidence-based built environments, so as to enhance well-being, creative thought and productive energy among its occupants
How did the UnSchool help you start/evolve it?
UnSchool helped me by giving me the confidence to play with big interconnected ecosystems. It has given me confidence and also helped me identify my process and style in designing experiences.
Whenever I use the systems maps or design experiences, Leyla's vibe rings in my ears. In a way, envisioning her motivates me and lets me know that I am doing it right.
How have you amplified this change you do in the world?
I’m still figuring it out. Meanwhile, I write about projects, processes and impact, and I attend some worthy conventions to talk about the use of behavioral science and systems thinking for problem-solving. Both are generating noise, conversations and network.
Prototyping session with Sri
How can people engage with, support, or follow your work?
I am an independent collaborator. I always welcome conversations and collaborations. One can approach me here:
LinkedIN
Instagram
Twitter
Medium
Inspired by one of my projects on adolescent sexual health, I am writing a book for adolescent boys and girls. It is aimed to be a reference guide for respect, consent, quality, self-determination and agency. I am seeking a mentor and/or funder for this endeavour!
Any other thoughts you want to share?
Most of my work is work in progress, and I am looking forward to where this is taking me.
