I’m AK Varjus, a Helsinki-based strategic service designer and trained advocate for sustainability with over 15 years of experience of sustainable futures, concepts and services.
I see design as both mindset and practice.
I operate comfortably at the strategic level, translating big-picture thinking into actionable results while having a hands-on attitude. It means identifying the problems worth solving and turning them into validated, future-ready outcomes with a clear path forward. My work is guided by a life-centric approach. It ensures outcomes that serve real needs profitably, create positive societal impact, and advance circular and regenerative futures within planetary boundaries.
I’m a co-founder of Sustinaires ry, the Association for Digital Sustainability and board member of Oma Maa, a local CSA cooperative.
Ways we can work together
Tivoli Utopia playing session
Tivoli Utopia Game opens up conversations on sustainable futures and inspires your strategy work, project kick-off’s or team gatherings.
Tailored serious / design game
Strategic service design
Experienced design support that helps your organisation define strategic direction, address complex challenges, and build sustainable solutions.
For more detailed portfolio, drop me a line e.g. via LinkedIn.
I love collaborating with people and organisations that create positive change. My track record spans both public and private sectors, including projects related to circularity, regenerative agriculture, nature restoration, the built environment, public transportation, sustainable finance and reporting, and the development of digital services that support these domains.
To me, design games hold a great power as they can help to explore complex, messy futures—sparking imagination, dialogue, and tangible action. In this collection, you’ll find a bit of theory, practical instructions for designing your own game, and a few references. Check also my thesis on how design games help us imagine sustainable futures.
Welcome to Tivoli Utopia! Here we envision alternative sustainable futures!
Scenario based serious game for turning the SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals) into actionable and tailored objectives.
Game for the young to shift from ultrafast fashion to slower options.
Digi Compass is a strategic workshopping game for municipalities.