The Design and Strategy of Play
How Playful Learning and AI Can Reignite Engagement and Innovation in L&D
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Play is not just for children. In this energizing keynote, Marc Ramos explores how AI-powered design can unlock the cognitive and emotional benefits of play for adult learning. Drawing on science and strategy, he introduces new ways for L&D teams to embed playfulness into learning cultures and tools.
The keynote focuses on how playful learning, augmented by AI, can drive creativity, motivation, and problem-solving. Ramos discusses real examples where design thinking, game mechanics, and intelligent systems come together to build personalized, engaging experiences.
Attendees will explore practical frameworks for integrating AI with playful techniques. These examples show how even complex or technical content can be delivered with lightness and purpose. Whether through simulations, adaptive content, or role-based learning paths, the session illustrates how play elevates both design and outcomes.
For teams seeking to avoid fatigue, repetition, and disengagement, this session offers a roadmap for rediscovering learning as a meaningful and energizing act. It also shows how play can become a competitive advantage.
by
Marc Ramos is a global learning leader with 25+ years’ global transformation experience with Google, Microsoft, Accenture, Novartis, Oracle, and Red Hat. He is currently the Global Head of Learning Strategy and Innovation at ServiceNow, where he is leading the transformation of AI for L&D initiatives. Prior to ServiceNow, Marc served as CLO with learning technology leader Cornerstone, and with Novartis, Marc led Novartis’ learning strategy and innovation with responsibilities for learning tech, analytics, knowledge management, learning design and portfolio optimization. At Google, Marc was responsible for leading Consumer Operations training supporting 3.2 billion users, served as Head of Education for Google Fiber, led Professional Development programs for teachers using Google offerings, and built Google’s central Global Learning Design function.
Most recently, Marc and teams’ accomplishments include ATD BEST Learning Org with Novartis, as well as Learning & Performance Institute Best Learning Culture, LinkedIn Employee Engagement Champion award and Best Culture of Learning, and Chief Learning Officer Learning In Practice. He is also published in Harvard Business Review and several industry outlets with an emphasis on AI and GenAI approaches for L&D and HR professionals.
Marc studied European Art History at Cambridge University and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a combined focus on Film Theory and Organizational Behavior. He is credentialed from MIT’s AI & Business Strategy Executive Program at the Sloan School of Management, a strategic advisor for EdTech startups, venture capital and private equity firms, and currently an appointed Fellow at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education’s Learning Innovation Lab.
Global learning leader with 25+ years’ global experience with Google, Microsoft, Accenture, Novartis, Oracle, and ServiceNow..
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