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Hello!

I'm a designer who codes, bridging meticulous visual and interaction design with the technical understanding to deliver products that work as beautifully as they look.

I believe 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 designs that win both user loyalty and stakeholder support.

Chris standing on a stony riverbed under cherry blossoms at sunset
Now playingNever Too MuchLuther Vandross
San DiegoChecking the sky…

Trained in how people think, practiced in building for them.

I'm 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, or sansei: my Japanese-born grandmother immigrated to the US with my dad in the '60s. My heritage has given me a lens for balancing aesthetic refinement with practical utility, and it shapes an approach to design that emphasizes thoughtful simplicity, precision and functionality.

Cognitive ScienceB.S., specializing in HCI · UC San Diego
Design + codeI prototype and ship in the browser
San DiegoWhere I live and work

Three ideas I design by

01 / 03

改善 · Kaizen

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, feedback and measuring outcomes.

研究心 · Kenkyūshin

Curiosity

Kenkyūshin translates to "spirit of inquiry": an unrelenting passion for learning and investigating. It echoes the Japanese tradition of observation before action, and it drives me to ask better questions and dig deeper into user behavior.

拘り · Kodawari

Quality

I practice kodawari, a commitment to craft and meticulous attention to detail. It's a pursuit of perfection, knowing perfection will never be reached; with a disciplined application of kaizen and a healthy dose of kenkyūshin, I get a little closer every day.