Wilson Fujinaga creative design officer — Hola, I’m Wilson

I am inspired by the UX process of tackling complex problems that are unknown, and by understanding the human needs involved in discovering a solution through empirical research and analysis. I do this by taking a hands-on approach to immersing myself in the user’s experiences, motivations, and frustrations, through engaging and observation of behavior, prototype testing, and iteration.
My process is centered on empathy.

Design has always been at the core of my career—spanning Fashion Design, Graphic Design, and now UX Research & Design. Each transition has deepened my approach to problem-solving, blending creativity with strategy to create meaningful experiences.

Early on, I worked with Helmut Lang, translating his collections for the Japanese market through campaigns and retail activations. From there, I immersed myself in graphic design, working with boutiques, consulting firms, and powerhouse agencies, delivering high-level creative solutions.

My shift into UX was a natural evolution, where research, design, and strategy converge to solve real-world problems. I’ve applied this approach through case studies with Dufour Collaborative, Yaeko Kurimata, and RecyclIQ, tackling design challenges through research-driven insights and user-centered solutions.

Previously, I worked with Corporate Counsel Women of Color, supporting initiatives that advanced diversity in the legal profession. While rewarding, my focus has now shifted toward designing intuitive, functional, and transformative user experiences.

The pandemic gave me time to realign my goals, leading me to earn my Master’s in UX/UI Research & Design—a milestone that reinforced my belief that what seems impossible today can become reality tomorrow. I bring that mindset to every project, ensuring that design is not just about aesthetics, but about making experiences work better for people.

Wilson Fujinaga
UX/UI Research & Designer

e. wfujinaga@gmail.com

Professional Experience

UX/UI Researcher & Design Strategist

Willoughby Design and Consulting, January 2023 – current

At Willoughby Design & Consulting, I drive UX strategy and UI design with a research-backed, solution-driven approach. My work is grounded in design thinking—leveraging user insights, stakeholder alignment, and business objectives to craft digital experiences that are both intuitive and high-performing.

Through projects like the Dufour Collaborative website redesign, I’ve executed full-scale UX/UI transformations—balancing research, strategy, and execution. From affinity mapping and competitive analysis to high-fidelity prototyping and SEO-driven optimizations, I develop scalable, user-centric solutions that elevate engagement and functionality. My ability to merge strategic vision with pixel-perfect UI ensures that every project not only meets business goals but also delivers seamless, future-proof user experiences.

UX/UI | Integrated Designer | Art Director

Robert Half January 2019 – December 2022

Corporate Counsel, Women of Color, 05/20 –10/22
Currently supporting the CEO on all aspects of web design, strategic design and branding, email campaigns, conference deliverables, social media, and project management.
Huge Inc., DC, 07/19 – 04/20
Was an integral part in developing branding, social media presence, storyboarding, mood boards, advertising campaigns, illustrations, and pitches for Fortune 150 clients, Brooks Running, Airhead, and Google
RedPeg Marketing, VA, 02/19 – 06/19
Established all creative for Chance for Life gala, including advertisements, wayfinding, environment, print, web, and social, in addition to client pitch and Business Development.
StreetSense, MD, 01/19
Developed web and interactive design, and took part in client presentations.

Senior Art Director

TGD Communication January 2018 – December 2019

As a Senior Art Director my role consisted of offering brand strategy and development, digital solutions for web, email and online advertising, video scripting and production, social media alignment and planning.
Conducted an in-depth analysis of Poverty USA’s brand and the website and provided an action plan to reinvent the initiative and the website to better communicate and simplify the internal updates. This plan included a new logo and brand platform to appeal to a younger, engaged audience.
Updated and redesigned an outdated brand presence that did not represent their membership or reflect the association’s strategic initiatives of Brand Protection, Trade Advocacy and Supply Chain Compliance.
Created the overall concept and design for the Association Media and Publishing 2017 and 2018 events including email, web and app banners, ads, brochures/programs, social media ads, slide templates, signage, and more.

Strategic Design Specialist

The Advisory Board Company June 2014 – December 2017

Support creative and art direction in maintaining internal communication and design strategy
Recruited new clients and increased visibility, design solutions, and added new expertise to department staff
Increased design vocabulary to the department through training and development

Senior Graphic Designer

The Advisory Board Company May 2007 – December 2014

Rebranded company in support of new logo relaunch
Worked closely with the Creative Director to develop the company brand
Supervised in art direction capacity for integrated marketing and campaign deliverables, including e-mail, print, trade show booth exhibition, website, and web advertisements
Enlisted by the career management department to act as art director
Program liaison for Performance Technology

For more skills and work experiences, please refer to my LinkedIn profile.

Summary

Wilson is a trilingual multicultural world citizen with roots in Japan and South America, with 20+ years of design experience.

Nationally recognized award-winning Art Direction with a distinguished record of accomplishments. Known as a “go-to” person for urgent, high-level, agency quality, concept-driven work.

I bring to the table strong and cooperative working relationships while demonstrating leadership in coordination, effective communication, and adept public relations, and I demonstrate strengths in creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision making.