Hello, I’m Akari.
Designing with users at the heart of every solution. I create impactful products by blending user-centered research, iterative problem-solving, and innovative thinking. I aim to transform insights into refined, purposeful designs that enhance everyday experiences.
About Me
I am an industrial design student at the University of Notre Dame with a minor in business economics. My passion in life is learning. I aim to understand problems deeply and tap into the potential to create thoughtful solutions.
I am part of a loving family of 6, the youngest of four siblings. My parents and siblings immigrated from Japan, and I was born in Carrollton, Texas; but was raised in Hoffman Estates, Illinois: where home is.
I found design relatively late in my college career, first dabbling in pre-law political science, and engineering, and even briefly considering architecture. Navigating through these various disciplines allowed me to explore different ways of thinking and problem-solving. Each experience sparked my curiosity in unique ways, ultimately leading me to discover my true passion: design.
My goal is to enhance everyday experiences through intentional, user-centered design—finding fulfillment in improving the world, no matter how small the impact may seem at first glance.
Projects.
A collection of projects that reflect my journey in industrial design—blending problem-solving, creativity, and practical design thinking to create meaningful solutions.
Sketch Samples
A showcase of sketch work illustrating my approach to visual thinking, form exploration, and design communication through various techniques.