Hello!
I'm a designer who codes, bridging the gap between meticulous visual and interaction design with technical understanding to deliver products that work as beautifully as they look.
I believe that exceptional products emerge from rigorous research, iterative testing, and genuine collaboration, and I thrive in cross-functional environments where I can translate user insights into compelling designs that win both user loyalty and stakeholder support.
I'm currently based in San Diego and hold a B.S. in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Human Computer Interaction from UC San Diego.
I'm a third-generation Japanese-American sansei: my Japanese-born grandmother immigrated to the US with my dad in the 60's. My heritage has given me a unique lens for balancing aesthetic refinement with practical utility and has shaped my design approach, which emphasizes thoughtful simplicity, precision, and functionality.
Continuous Improvement
I embrace kaizen - the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement through small, meaningful changes. Like a craftsman who refines their technique over decades, I seek mastery through iteration, deliberate practice, seeking feedback, and measuring outcomes.
Curiosity
The concept of kenkyūshin - which translates to "spirit of inquiry" - represents an unrelenting passion for learning and investigating new knowledge. This mindset echoes the Japanese tradition of observation before action, which has driven me to ask better questions and dive deeper into understanding user behavior in order to deliver more innovative solutions.
Quality
I practice kodawari - a commitment to craft that values meticulous attention to detail and a desire to achieve the best outcome possible. This principle reflects a pursuit of perfection while knowing that perfection will never be reached. However, with a disciplined application of kaizen and a healthy dose of kenkyūshin, I believe I can get a little closer every day.