# Takashi Kawashima

> Freelance Creative Director & Designer

Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/takashikawashima

I am a San Francisco-based Designer and Creative Director with 18 years of experience specializing in 0-to-1 innovation. I bridge the gap between "big picture" brand storytelling and deep product mechanics, transforming complex technical research into intuitive human experiences.

Over a decade-long tenure at Google—spanning Brand Studio, Creative Lab, and Google Labs—I have gravitated toward the ambiguity of early-stage products. I specialize in humanizing emerging technology, having led the creative strategy for AI-driven accessibility tools and experimental generative AI applications.

I maintain a hands-on, "maker" practice across the entire creative lifecycle. From executing high-fidelity UX/UI design to directing documentary films, I believe the best leadership is rooted in a deep respect for the craft.

Beyond the screen, I am a marathon runner and a volunteer guide for the blind and low-vision community. This commitment to inclusive design informs every project I lead: ensuring that innovation reaches and empowers everyone.

Portfolio: http://www.takashikawashima.com

## Work Experience
### Freelance Designer & Creative Director @ Studio Kawashima
Jan 2019 – Present | San Francisco Bay Area
I lead "0-to-1" product development and creative strategy for high-impact AI, AR/VR, and accessibility initiatives. My practice focuses on bridging the gap between speculative technical research and intuitive human experiences.

• Google Labs (UX Designer): Oversaw 0-to-1 product strategy and design for a portfolio of incubating projects. Spearheaded end-to-end UX for Doppl (an experimental AI virtual try-on app) and authored the strategic pitch deck to secure executive buy-in.

• Google Japan Marketing (Creative Lead): Developed the narrative strategy and creative direction for Gemini-powered assistive tools, including Project VOICE and Project Guideline, focusing on humanizing AI for the visually impaired.

• Google HUE Future (UX Designer): Designed the UX concept for a new monetization model within Google Search's "AI Mode".

• Fitbit Design Studio (UX Designer): Developed design systems focused on Generative AI and innovative user experiences.

• Google Creative Lab (Creative Lead): Led product ideation and design execution for innovative AR features within Google Search. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch "Seasonal Insects," an AR experience that integrated complex biological models into the Search ecosystem.

• Tokyo 2020 Olympics & Paralympics (Creative Lead): Led the creative team in designing the spectator experience for the Games.

• Niantic (UX Designer): Designed the 0-to-1 UX for a new location-based AR product.

### Creative Lead @ Google
Jan 2015 – Jan 2019 | San Francisco Bay Area
• Brand Studio: Established and led Brand Studio Experiements team to pilot innovative UI/UX and brand initiatives.

• Data Arts Team (Creative Lab): As Design Lead, led the concept development, UX design and art direction for high-profile Chrome Experiments and scaled installations, including:
- Interactive Web Experiments: Land Lines, AR Music Kit, and Virtual Art Sessions.
- Large-Scale Installations: Earth View in Times Square and the Android Data Visualization for Google I/O.

• Recognition: Received a VP Award for leadership in presenting speculative technology and design to internal senior stakeholders.

• Thought Leadership: Served as a contributing writer for the Google Design Blog, authoring technical and creative insights on projects like the Emoji Scavenger Hunt.

### Freelance Creative @ Google
Jan 2014 – Jan 2015 | San Francisco Bay Area
Initially joined the Google Creative Lab Data Arts Team as a contractor to execute high-fidelity design experiments, later transitioning into a full-time FTE role.

### Associate Creative Director, Product Experience/Prototyping @ West
Jan 2013 – Jan 2014 | San Francisco
• Oversaw product strategy and creative marketing for Jawbone and Rdio.
• Designed product websites and developed brand-aligned digital experiences.

### Senior Art Director @ AKQA
Jan 2009 – Jan 2013 | San Francisco
• Advanced through three promotions from Designer to Senior Art Director.
• Contributed to global marketing campaigns and digital product designs for high-profile clients including Audi USA, Nike, and Visa.

### Art Director @ Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
Jan 2007 – Jan 2009

### Interactive Designer @ Crispin Porter + Bogusky
Jan 2007 – Jan 2007


## Education
### MFA in Design|Media Arts
UCLA

### BA in Media Design
Keio University


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/takashikawashima
- Website: http://takashikawashima.com/

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Source: https://flows.cv/takashikawashima
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/takashikawashima/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-05