Laurea Living Labs
Integration and language learning Living Lab i4L
i4L offers research-based services that help companies, communities and public actors develop multilingual work environments, language-aware practices and user-centred solutions.

What can i4L offer companies, organisations and communities?
We support organisations through coaching, analyses, workshops, co-creation and various testing and research services so that diversity, competence and smooth everyday functioning can be realised as well as possible.
i4L offers diverse services at the intersection of research, co-creation and multilingual expertise. We help organisations develop solutions that support language learning, inclusion, the smooth functioning of multilingual workplaces and the accessibility of various services.
Our service offering includes, for example, coaching, analyses, testing, method development, expert work and extensive development processes, which are always adapted and shaped according to need, situation and context.
The Living Lab space as a learning and research infrastructure
The i4L space is part of Laurea’s open learning and research infrastructure. The space can be used for community-driven development, focus groups, etc. The space is available when there is no teaching. The rental of the space is invoiced according to Laurea’s general rates. Activities must be inclusive and non-discriminatory, preferably user-centred. Some methods and research equipment cannot be used without separate training—for example, neuroscience research equipment requires training.
Contact us
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Hilkka Lydén
Special Advisor
Publications and videos
Publications
Lydén, H., Rivera-Macias, B. & Leminen, A. (2025) Spanning the boundaries of language through LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. In: Pääkkönen, T. & Miettinen, S. (eds) Boundary Spanning Design for Better Organisation: Integrating Design, Organisation and Artificial Intelligence. Cheltenham, UK and Northampton, MA, USA: Edward Elgar Publishing
Särkkä, H. & Rivera-Macias, B. (2025). Catching on to a new language through play. eSignals Pro.
Särkkä, H. (2025). Learning a language in an authentic context enables agency in working life. eSignals Pro.
Särkkä, H. (2025). Context, target audience and text genre. eSignals Pro. https://esignals.fi/pro/2025/02/03/konteksti-kohderyhma-ja-tekstilaji-kielenopetusta-funktionaalisista-lahtokohdista/
Särkkä, H. (2025). What the MAKU project taught us. eSignals. /
Särkkä, H. (2024). Genre pedagogy, the R2L method and learning a new language. eSignals.
Nummila, P., Lydén, H. & Rivera-Macias, B. (2024) Psychological safety in the workplace supporting integration. Laurea Journal,
Einovaara, S., Kivistö, M, and Rivera-Macias, B. (2024) Compelling actions and coaching leadership – On the trail of a functioning, diverse, and multilingual work community. Laurea Journal, https://journal.laurea.fi/compelling-actions-and-coaching-leadership-on-the-trail-of-a-functioning-diverse-and-multilingual-work-community/#ac15b4a5
Einovaara, S., Kivistö, M, and Rivera-Macias, B. (2024) Compelling actions and coaching leadership – On the trail of a functioning, diverse, and multilingual work community. Laurea Journal, Compelling actions and coaching leadership – On the trail of a functioning, diverse, and multilingual work community | Laurea Journal
Lydén, H., Einovaara, S., Mäkelä, M., and Rivera-Macias, B. (2024) Co-designing new understanding and language skills. Result: instructional videos in the everyday language of work. Laurea Journal,
Rivera-Macias, B., Lydén, H., Heikinmatti, S., and Leminen A. (2023) Facilitating flow in foreign language learning. Laurea Journal, https://journal.laurea.fi/facilitating-flow-in-foreign-language-learning/#ac15b4a5
Leminen A., Rivera-Macias, B., Lydén, H., and Heikinmatti, S. (2023) Flow in foreign language learning. Laurea Journal,
Särkkä, H. Puhakainen, E. & Toiviainen, M. (2023). More agile professional language learning. eSignals Pro.
Lydén, H., Suoheimo, M., Leminen, A.,and Miettinen, S.(2023) Immigrant Integration through Codesign – A Journey Map of integration into working life, in De Sainz Molestina, D., Galluzzo, L., Rizzo, F., Spallazzo, D. (eds.), IASDR 2023: Life-Changing Design, 9-13 October, Milan, Italy.
Videos
Explore the video series “Learn Finnish for Working Life”, which teaches common phrases for various needs that often arise in the workplace.