I have a multi-disciplinary design background with a strong emphasis on human-centered design. I have been playing the role of design leader for the past 14 years, and my passion is to create positive impacts through design and help others to be more creative. I believe design can bring people together from different backgrounds on the same table, can unlock creativity in people, and can frame the right questions and answer them in creative ways. Nothing excites me more than working with talented people who share these beliefs and values, and I continually seek opportunities to collaborate across disciplines to create meaningful, human-centered solutions.

Seisho Manabe

I have a multi-disciplinary design background with a strong emphasis on human-centered design. I have been playing the role of design leader for the past 14 years, and my passion is to create positive impacts through design and help others to be more creative. I believe design can bring people together from different backgrounds on the same table, can unlock creativity in people, and can frame the right questions and answer them in creative ways. Nothing excites me more than working with talented people who share these beliefs and values, and I continually seek opportunities to collaborate across disciplines to create meaningful, human-centered solutions.

Available to hire

I have a multi-disciplinary design background with a strong emphasis on human-centered design. I have been playing the role of design leader for the past 14 years, and my passion is to create positive impacts through design and help others to be more creative. I believe design can bring people together from different backgrounds on the same table, can unlock creativity in people, and can frame the right questions and answer them in creative ways.

Nothing excites me more than working with talented people who share these beliefs and values, and I continually seek opportunities to collaborate across disciplines to create meaningful, human-centered solutions.

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Language

Japanese
Fluent
English
Fluent
Italian
Advanced
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Designer / Design Leader / Design Consultant at Independent Design Service
May 1, 2022 - Present
Acting as a designer / design leader for product design, brand design, and design ops projects. Also, consulting organisations for various design related topics — team building, design ops, and design reviews.
Visiting Tutor for Digital Product School at UNTERNEHMERTUM DPS
September 1, 2019 - Present
Tutoring on UX topics for cross-functional teams weekly and supporting workshops for some batch. One-off mentorship for some batches.
Design Advisory at PLIANT
September 1, 2021 - April 30, 2022
Supporting Pliant on all design related topics, from setting up rebranding projects to hiring designers, as well as setting up cross-functional collaboration model.
Chief Design Officer at PLIANT
May 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Taking part in the leadership team and strategically contributing through the lens of design. Building and leading product design, brand design, research, and content design teams. Focused on improving the user experience, brand building and fostering a customer-focused design- driven culture.
Head of Design at AZENA Bosch IoT Startup
January 1, 2019 - April 30, 2022
Part of senior management while building and leading a cross-functional design team covering an eco-system with multiple products, brand, and research that informs key decision makings.
Design Director at frog
May 1, 2015 - December 31, 2018
Acting as the connective tissue between all disciplines, and ensuring that the strategic-creative vision is successfully articulated and executed on programs and across other initiatives. Directing project teams, leading business developments, hiring, team building, and managing/mentoring people.
Principal Designer, Project Lead, Design Director at IDEO
May 1, 2011 - May 31, 2015
Taking a part of building-up IDEO start-up office in Tokyo. Involved in wide range of activities for developing IDEO presence in Japan. Leading projects and also hands-on for design research, visual communication and interaction design.
Senior Art Director at LEO BURNETT GERMANY
May 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
Responsible for the international brand strategy, campaigns and communication for global clients.
Independent Designer at Independent Designer
January 1, 2003 - May 31, 2009
Product, Visual Communication for global clients. Design research, strategy, branding, product design, visual communication design and interaction design for companies and design firms such as Coca-Cola, IDEO, Kokuyo, NHK, Schneider, Sony, Swarovski and What If!.
Football Player at Juventus F.C.
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1999
Played football in the youth category.
Visiting Tutor at UnternehmerTUM DPS
September 1, 2019 - Present
Tutoring on UX topics for cross-functional teams weekly and supporting workshops for some batch. One-off mentorship for some batches.
Independent Designer at Independent Designer / Freelancer
January 1, 2003 - May 31, 2009
Product, visual communication for global clients; design research, strategy, branding, product design, visual communication design and interaction design for companies and design firms such as Castel, Coca-Cola, IDEO, Kokuyo, Mathmos, NHK, Schneider, Sony, Swarovski and What If!

Education

BA (Hons) Product Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2006
Foundation Diploma at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2003
BA (Hons) Product Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2006
Foundation Diploma at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2003
BA (Hons) Product Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2006
Foundation Diploma at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2003

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Education, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Other