Elina Ollila

Elina Ollila is a seasoned expert in user experience design, game development, and launching and scaling entertainment products to reach millions of consumers. Over her career, she has held leadership roles at global companies such as Nokia, Daybreak Games, and Live Current Media, driving advancements in UX, game design, and games user research. Her contributions have shaped iconic games like H1Z1, a pioneer in defining the Battle Royale genre, and Candy Crush Saga, which she helped launch on mobile before it became a global phenomenon. As an early trailblazer in mobile gaming, she worked with renowned companies like Rovio, Digital Legends, and Sulake to elevate industry standards and align mobile game development with best practices in the broader video game industry.

Beyond her corporate work, Elina served as President of UX Speakeasy, the San Diego chapter of the Interaction Design Association (IxDA), where she fostered a vibrant local community of UX professionals. Through her leadership, she facilitated knowledge sharing, career growth, and collaboration among designers in the region.

At ASU, Elina explores the intersections of games, learning, and emerging technologies. She is dedicated to fostering innovation, mentoring future designers and developers, and leveraging games to create meaningful business and societal impact. As a Professor of Practice, she helps develop and teach new courses in ASU’s BSc program, preparing students for successful careers in the games industry. Additionally, as Associate Director at the Endless Games and Learning Lab, Elina focuses on launching game-based learning programs that make high-quality education accessible to learners on a global scale.