About Me

I'm a Japanese-American native New Yorker, which basically means I have zero survival instincts in the wild. While I have no survival skills, I'm a product designer with over 10 years of research experience and hold a Ph.D. in Biological Psychology. My scientific background allows me to synthesize complex information, make thoughtful data-informed design decisions, and empathize with users.

When not immersed in design, you will find me experimenting with new recipes, drawing, gaming, binge-watching anime, playing my ukulele, or pursuing a creative personal project.

Skills

UX/UI Design | UX Research | User Testing | Data Analysis | Wireframing | Prototyping | User Interviews | User Surveys | Problem Solving

Tools

My UX Journey

Raised by a family of designers, most people assumed I would follow their footsteps. While I loved to draw, I found myself drawn to the sciences instead. I loved the idea of discovering the unknown and using my findings to help improve people’s lives.

I’ve been interested in the inner workings of the brain since my grandmother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. To fulfill my scientific interests, I attended the University of California, Davis, to obtain my graduate degree, where I examined the neural circuits underlying memory processes while using my artistic skills for scientific visualization.

Although I enjoyed basic research, I came to the realization that I wanted to directly impact people’s lives in a shorter period. Upon discovering the UX/UI field, I realized that this was an ideal fit as it allowed me to merge my passion for research and visual design. And surprisingly the scientific process and the design process was very similar.

While it may seem like an unconventional path, my research background has well-equipped me with the skills to craft effective solutions that help users accomplish their goals.

Raised by a family of designers, most people assumed I would follow their footsteps. While I loved to draw, I found myself drawn to the sciences instead. I loved the idea of discovering the unknown and using my findings to help improve people’s lives.

I’ve been interested in the inner workings of the brain since my grandmother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. To fulfill my scientific interests, I attended the University of California, Davis, to obtain my graduate degree, where I examined the neural circuits underlying memory processes while using my artistic skills for scientific visualization.

Although I enjoyed basic research, I came to the realization that I wanted to directly impact people’s lives in a shorter period. Upon discovering the UX/UI field, I realized that this was an ideal fit as it allowed me to merge my passion for research and visual design. And surprisingly the scientific process and the design process was very similar.

While it may seem like an unconventional path, my research background has well-equipped me with the skills to craft effective solutions that help users accomplish their goals.

Raised by a family of designers, most people assumed I would follow their footsteps. While I loved to draw, I found myself drawn to the sciences instead. I loved the idea of discovering the unknown and using my findings to help improve people’s lives.

I’ve been interested in the inner workings of the brain since my grandmother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. To fulfill my scientific interests, I attended the University of California, Davis, to obtain my graduate degree, where I examined the neural circuits underlying memory processes while using my artistic skills for scientific visualization.

Although I enjoyed basic research, I came to the realization that I wanted to directly impact people’s lives in a shorter period. Upon discovering the UX/UI field, I realized that this was an ideal fit as it allowed me to merge my passion for research and visual design. And surprisingly the scientific process and the design process was very similar.

While it may seem like an unconventional path, my research background has well-equipped me with the skills to craft effective solutions that help users accomplish their goals.

Let's get to know each other.

Let's get to know each other.

Let's get to know each other.

I'm available for work starting in September 2025

I'm available for work starting in
August 2025

Copyright © 2025 Yusuke Teratani-Ota. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Yusuke Teratani-Ota. All Rights Reserved.