Mariko Higaki Iwai
Flo from Mariko Higaki Iwai on Vimeo.
Flo from Mariko Higaki Iwai on Vimeo.
Statement
Growing up in Tokyo and Madrid, I learned how to be comfortable between two worlds. These contrasting cultures have taught me that communication without assumption and connecting the dots were the key to understanding people. This curiosity led me to design. I am interested in the space in-between: art-science, physical-digital, and people-product.
One of my greatest loves as a designer is to be a part of the moment where collaboration boosts creativity. Usability research, ideation with my team, and actively seeking feedback is my fuel to creating better design.
I also hold dear the “zen moments”, my focus on details. Cutting papers precisely for mockups, organizing comps for UI, blending curves on 3D models, and sanding for hours, this focus calms me.
Both inspiring collaboration and quiet refinement is essential for my design process. In-between, there is a space where ideas connect and designs are born.
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Contact Mariko Higaki Iwai
LinkedIn
marikoproduct.com
Experience
Disney Interactive
Labs Design Intern
June 2015 - August 2015
Glendale, CA Karten Design
Industrial Design Intern
June 2014 - August 2014
Los Angeles, CA Art Center College of Design
Teaching Assistant (Product 4, Rapid Prototyping)
May 2013 - December 2015
Pasadena, CA Leading Edge Design
Assistant Product Designer
September 2007 - March 2012
Tokyo, Japan
Education
INSEAD
Singapore
4-month Exchange Program, MBA, 2015 Keio University
Fujisawa, Japan
Bachelor of Art, Environmental Information, 2007
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Gallery/Exhibit
TOKYO FIBER ‘07 “SENSEWARE”
Ephyra
Spiral - Tokyo, Japan and Palais de Tokyo - Paris, France
April 2007 and June 2007
Student Gallery
Flo
HeartRead
Ed
Awards
Top 20
James Dyson Award
In recognition of Flo
September 2015IDEA Gold Award
IDSA
In recognition of Flo
August 2015IDEA Equality Award
IDSA
In recognition of Flo
August 2015IDEA Finalist
IDSA
In recognition of HeartRead
June 2014Student Notable
Core77 Design Awards
In recognition of HeartRead
June 2014Jury's Prize Recommended by Jasper Morrison
MUJI AWARD 04
In recognition of Snap & Roll Toy Series
April 2014
Publications
Designing the Sports Prosthetic Leg
Shunji Yamanaka, Yuki Tsuji, Mariko Higaki, and Hideka Suzuki
ACM AH
March 2011
The Guardian
Flo
The invention that aims to make periods less of a pain
2 October 2015FAST COMPANY
Flo
An Innovative Solution To Menstrual Hygiene In Developing Countries
21 August 2015A PLUS
Flo
This Invention Is The Solution For Girls In Poor Countries Who Can't Afford Period Pads
10 August 2015GOOD Magazine
Flo
This Is “Flo” – A Simple Device Making Menstruation Safer for Girls Living in Poverty
6 August 2015The Huffington Post
Flo
‘Flo' Is New Period Solution For Girls Who Can't Afford Pads, Face Stigma
5 August 2015Tech Insider
Flo
A group of students have figured out a way to disrupt the period industry in low-income countries
1 August 2015Core77
HeartRead
The Best Equipment Designs of the Year
5 August 2015
Core Strengths
adaptability, concept generation, craftsmanship