Yuri Minami
I am an NYC-based Japanese product designer. Prior to this, I worked as a software developer and IT consultant for 5+ years in enterprise software, building a strong foundation in problem-solving, product development, and collaboration.

Driven by a passion for making products simple and intuitive, I enrolled in the MS Information Experience Design program at Pratt Institute, where I work as a UX consultant. I am skilled at transforming complex user and business needs into innovative, technically feasible solutions.

When I’m not designing, I enjoy exploring restaurants, cooking, and baking 🍪.
My Journey
How I Got Into Design...
IT Consultant
2018-2019
I began my career at an enterprise software company as an IT consultant, managing implementation projects and helping clients transform their HR processes with ERP. Working closely with them, I saw how enterprise products can boost efficiency but are sometimes hard to use due to complexity. However, IT consultants can only offer solutions within the constraints of the existing product, without any control over its development. That made me interested in directly contribute to software development.
Software Developer
2019-2023
In 2019, my company split into two companies, giving me the chance to become a software developer. I worked on various projects, including developing custom add-ons to integrate ERP workflows into client-specific processes.

These projects challenged our team to create simple, intuitive designs that solved client problems while ensuring feasibility and development efficiency. Without a dedicated designer, I often took on designing features myself. This experience thought me that design is essential part for problem solving motivated me to know more about product design.
MS Information Experience Design, Pratt Institute
2023-2025
Driven by my passion for product design, I pursued a Master’s at Pratt Institute and moved to NYC, a global hub for tech and design. There, I worked on diverse projects, ranging from mobile and web UX design and user research to VR, conversational design, and more.
Photos about me
I grew up in an old Japanese city 🏯
My hometown Kawagoe, Saitama is known for historical architecture from 200 years ago.
Spring is my favorite season 🌸
I like spring, especially walking in warm weather under cherry blossom trees.
I am a foodie 😋
I love to try new restaurants and cafes. I enjoy searching for places. (My want-to-go list is full!)
I like to leave small drawings at stationery shops✏️
I like to try colorful pens and attempt to make people who come after me smile.
I sometimes draw 🎨
I like to draw, especially abstract drawing.
Birds are my favorite animals 🐥
Although I have never kept birds, I love to see birds outside.
I also enjoy cooking 🍣
This is the photo of the sushi I made. I still need to practice cooking, but I enjoy it!