# Josh S.

> Head of UX

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/joshs2

Design leader with over 15 years of creating simple, human-centered products. From mobile to automotive, I’ve built teams, launched Google Built-In with global automakers, and redefined experiences used by millions. I believe the best design makes technology feel effortless.

## Work Experience
### Head of UX - Android Auto Embedded @ Google
Jan 2024 – Present | San Jose, CA
I lead the UX team shaping the future of in-car digital experiences across Android Automotive OS (AAOS) and Google Automotive Services (GAS). As part of the original team behind the first Google built-in vehicle (Polestar 2), I’ve since driven the scaling of the platform across global OEM partners including Volvo, Renault, GM, and others. I also co-founded the Developer Platform team, building frameworks and partnering with app developers to expand the Android ecosystem for cars.

My focus is on building and mentoring high-performing design teams, aligning across Google and OEM partners, and delivering cohesive, safe, and innovative automotive experiences at scale.

### Design Lead and Manager @ Google
Jan 2021 – Jan 2024 | Mountain View, CA
In this role I led the major redesign of Android Auto, reimagining the in-car experience for millions of drivers worldwide. I also co-founded the Developer Platform team, creating new frameworks and partnerships to help app developers bring rich, safe, and driver-focused experiences to the road. Alongside product impact, I built and managed a high-performing UX team that spanned both Android Auto and Android Automotive OS (AAOS), expanding the ecosystem and shaping how Google’s in-car platforms scale across global automakers.

### Lead Designer @ Google
Jan 2017 – Jan 2021 | Mountain View, California
I led the redesign of Android Auto’s app experiences, and helped deliver the product’s first major refresh for millions of drivers. I also led the end-to-end design of in-car app experiences for Android Automotive OS (AAOS) and played a central role in launching the first Google built-in vehicle, the Polestar 2, helping establish the foundation for Google’s role in the automotive world.

### Senior Design Manager @ Y Media Labs
Jan 2015 – Jan 2017 | Redwood City, California
At Y Media Labs, an award-winning digital agency, I led and grew UX design teams while driving product innovation for global brands including Dolby, Disney, Apple, Home Depot, and DJI. Alongside my leadership responsibilities, I also served as the sole designer on high-visibility projects such as Molekule, which was recognized by TIME as one of the year’s Best Inventions alongside the launch of the Tesla Model 3. My work blended hands-on design craft with mentoring and team development to deliver experiences that achieved both critical acclaim and business impact.

### Owner @ JS Designs
Jan 2013 – Jan 2017 | San Francisco Bay Area
Built a personal design practice partnering with early-stage startups to help shape their brand and product vision. Provided end-to-end design support across branding, UX, and UI design, enabling teams to bring new ideas to market with thoughtful, user-centered experiences. This hands-on work strengthened my ability to move quickly from concept to execution while supporting founders in turning concepts into reality.

### Co-Founder @ SPLITifi
Jan 2014 – Jan 2015 | Austin, Texas Area
Co-founded a startup that built a digital bulletin board platform for universities, similar to Boingo but tailored for campus communities. The product monetized university WiFi networks through targeted advertising and sponsorships, creating new revenue streams for schools while delivering relevant content to students. I led product strategy and UX design, shaping the vision, user experience, and go-to-market approach during the company’s early growth stage.

### Co Founder, CEO @ Chioto Inc.
Jan 2011 – Jan 2014
Co-founded and led a mobile gaming startup focused on building fun, family-friendly titles for the App Store. Acted as both product and design lead, creating original character concepts, gameplay mechanics, and user experiences. Built and managed a small, multidisciplinary team from Google and Adobe, driving the end-to-end development and launch of new games.

### Consultant @ Independent
Jan 2008 – Jan 2011

### Senior Marketing Specialist @ N9NE Group Chicago
Jan 2007 – Jan 2009 | Las Vegas, Nevada Area


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/joshsoto
- Portfolio: http://www.joshuasoto.com
- Portfolio: http://about.me/joshsoto
- Portfolio: http://ymedialabs.com

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Source: https://flows.cv/joshs2
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/joshs2/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-13