Kumi Akiyoshi

Kumi is a visual practice lead at Adaptive Path. She has more than ten years of visual design expertise with mobile devices, interactive platforms, and desktop applications. An integral part of her design philosophy is to bring humanity to high-tech product design and create meaningful experience that communicates emotionally with people.

Professional Background

Prior to joining Adaptive Path, Kumi served as the Creative Lead at Microsoft. There, she led efforts to refresh the visual identity system for MSN to create a cohesive brand expression that reinforces its positioning for global market. Also established the new visual identity system for Windows Live. The look and feel, and photography style ensure brand recognition across a wide range of media. The elements of the system deliver the message that Windows Live bring your online world together, thereby reaffirming the confidence of existing customers and attracting new audience.

Past clients and employers include Nokia, Dorling Kindersley, Microsoft, and Philips Interactive. In addition to her project work, Kumi teaches interactive visual design workshops and created innovative ambient music media work exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Art in London.

Kumi was born and raised in Japan, absorbing the rich tradition of refined aesthetics of her native culture. From there she received her education in London graduating from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design with honors where she majored in communication and graphic design.

Past Appearances

May 14
Kumi Akiyoshi will be joining AIGA D. Talks panel at the D.Talks: In-House Designers in San Francisco.

March 14
Kumi Akiyoshi presented at IxDA Interaction 09 Redux in San Francisco, CA.

April 1
Kumi Akiyoshi, keynote speaker at IUE 09 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

February 22- 25
Kumi Akiyoshi attended Viz Think 09 in San Jose, CA.

February 21
Kumi Akiyoshi attended Compostmodern 09 in San Francisco, CA.