How you do anything is how you do everything.

WHO?

WHO?

A very handsome guy
A very handsome guy
A very handsome guy

I’m a strategic design leader with over two decades of experience driving product innovation, brand development, and cross-functional alignment across global markets.

I'M AN INNOVATIVE DESIGNER AND DIGITAL ARTIST IN TOKYO. MY PASSION FOR MINIMALIST AESTHETICS, ELEGANT TYPOGRAPHY, AND INTUITIVE DESIGN SHINES THROUGH IN MY WORK.

I’m a strategic design leader with over two decades of experience driving product innovation, brand development, and cross-functional alignment across global markets.

My background bridges industrial design, strategic design management, and marketing, which lets me operate comfortably between business goals, user needs, and execution realities. I’ve led product development for startups and Fortune 500s across Europe, the U.S., and Asia — helping teams turn vision into systems, products, and experiences that actually ship.

I see design as a strategic business tool, not an afterthought — a tool for creating real value, alignment, differentiation, and relevance. Whether it’s shaping a product portfolio or building a brand narrative, I focus on clarity, impact, and getting teams to ask better questions.

I’m especially useful in environments where ambiguity is high, resources are tight, and the goal is not just to deliver, but to make it matter.

My background bridges industrial design, strategic design management, and marketing, which lets me operate comfortably between business goals, user needs, and execution realities. I’ve led product development for startups and Fortune 500s across Europe, the U.S., and Asia — helping teams turn vision into systems, products, and experiences that actually ship.

I see design as a strategic business tool, not an afterthought — a tool for creating real value, alignment, differentiation, and relevance. Whether it’s shaping a product portfolio or building a brand narrative, I focus on clarity, impact, and getting teams to ask better questions.

I’m especially useful in environments where ambiguity is high, resources are tight, and the goal is not just to deliver, but to make it matter.

My background bridges industrial design, strategic design management, and marketing, which lets me operate comfortably between business goals, user needs, and execution realities. I’ve led product development for startups and Fortune 500s across Europe, the U.S., and Asia — helping teams turn vision into systems, products, and experiences that actually ship.

I see design as a strategic business tool, not an afterthought — a tool for creating real value, alignment, differentiation, and relevance. Whether it’s shaping a product portfolio or building a brand narrative, I focus on clarity, impact, and getting teams to ask better questions.

I’m especially useful in environments where ambiguity is high, resources are tight, and the goal is not just to deliver, but to make it matter.

Let's connect on LinkedIn

WHY?

WHY?

I was shaped by a family where excellence wasn't optional, and by a country where hardship demanded creativity, resilience, and hard work.


As a child, I dreamed of flying planes — an impossible dream where I grew up. Instead, I learned to fly with my mind.


Becoming a father taught me what true leadership means: lifting others, not ourselves. It also made me reflect about my role in shaping a better world and the kind of legacy we leave behind.

Through design I aim to craft meaningful solutions, put smiles on faces—investors included—sprinkle a little poetry into everyday life, and leave the world better than I found it, all while having fun.


Constraints aren't limits; they are the necessary spark for creativity and innovation. The obstacle is the way, and I'm here to do the best work of my life.

I was shaped by a family where excellence wasn't optional, and by a country where hardship demanded creativity, resilience, and hard work.


As a child, I dreamed of flying planes — an impossible dream where I grew up. Instead, I learned to fly with my mind.


Becoming a father taught me what true leadership means: lifting others, not ourselves. It also made me reflect about my role in shaping a better world and the kind of legacy we leave behind.

Through design I aim to craft meaningful solutions, put smiles on faces—investors included—sprinkle a little poetry into everyday life, and leave the world better than I found it, all while having fun.


Constraints aren't limits; they are the necessary spark for creativity and innovation. The obstacle is the way, and I'm here to do the best work of my life.

I have been involved directly, or through immediate client base, in projectS for:

kudos

kudos

kudos

Red Dot Product Design Award

Swandoo Charlie i-Size Booster Seat

2023

Red Dot Product Design Award

Swandoo Charlie i-Size Booster Seat

2023

Red Dot Product Design Award

Swandoo Charlie i-Size Booster Seat

2023

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Second Best in class

Swandoo Charlie i-Size Booster Seat

2023

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Second Best in class

Swandoo Charlie i-Size Booster Seat

2023

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Second Best in class

Swandoo Charlie i-Size Booster Seat

2023

iF Product Design Award

Swandoo Marie i-Size Baby Car Seat

2020

iF Product Design Award

Swandoo Marie i-Size Baby Car Seat

2020

iF Product Design Award

Swandoo Marie i-Size Baby Car Seat

2020

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Best in Class

Swandoo Marie i-Size Baby Car Seat

2021

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Best in Class

Swandoo Marie i-Size Baby Car Seat

2021

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Best in Class

Swandoo Marie i-Size Baby Car Seat

2021

German Design Award

swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2019

German Design Award

swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2019

German Design Award

swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2019

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Double Test Winner

swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2019

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Double Test Winner

swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2019

ADAC/ÖAMTC/TCS Double Test Winner

swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2019

Red Dot Product Design Award

Swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2017

Red Dot Product Design Award

Swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2017

Red Dot Product Design Award

Swandoo Albert i-Size baby car seat

2017

iF Product Design Award

Planlicht - Comet Shop Likght

2013

iF Product Design Award

Planlicht - Comet Shop Likght

2013

iF Product Design Award

Planlicht - Comet Shop Likght

2013

iF Product Design Award

Compal Experience Design Center - 14" Laptop

2012

iF Product Design Award

Compal Experience Design Center - 14" Laptop

2012

iF Product Design Award

Compal Experience Design Center - 14" Laptop

2012

Golden Pin - Taiwan Good Design

Smart Phone design

2010

Golden Pin - Taiwan Good Design

Smart Phone design

2010

Golden Pin - Taiwan Good Design

Smart Phone design

2010

iF Product Design Ward

Orbit system - Tablet design

2009

iF Product Design Ward

Orbit system - Tablet design

2009

iF Product Design Ward

Orbit system - Tablet design

2009

iF Product Design Award

kodak - digital camera

2007

iF Product Design Award

kodak - digital camera

2007

iF Product Design Award

kodak - digital camera

2007

Unilever Packaging Design Award

Top Honorable Mention

2001

Unilever Packaging Design Award

Top Honorable Mention

2001

Unilever Packaging Design Award

Top Honorable Mention

2001

Trophy design contest, University of Buenos Aires, Special Morphology II

1st Place

1999

Trophy design contest, University of Buenos Aires, Special Morphology II

1st Place

1999

Trophy design contest, University of Buenos Aires, Special Morphology II

1st Place

1999

not my worDS

not my worDS

  • Nils Radau

    Director Product Experience Design, KISKA

    “Nico is a gifted and ambitious designer, striving to think beyond borders, providing real content and facilitating the user experience in his product designs. He understands complex correlations paired with very good analytic skills. Nicolás is always seeking for the latest trends in design and technologies to share with his colleagues. As a constructive team-player, he is always strongly committed to the quality of the project result…and by the way, he is a very cool guy…”

    Po-Hsien Yang

    Sr. Director of Advanced Design Research, COMPAL

    "Nico did an exceptional job on the innovation program at Compal Experience Design.... Strong, open minded and smart. When you get to connect with him, you'll discover an amazing person with unique skills! Working with him is a signature of success."

    Debbie Huang

    Design Director, PEGATRON

    “...He is a very creative designer with business & strategy senses, always gave me a big hand on design management issues...”

    Stefan Lindner

    Lead Designer, KISKA

    "I enjoyed working with Nico for his conceptual strength and his deep-grounding approach to all design topics in general. He was a constant inspirator to the team and regularly brought in new tools, updates, work examples so we could share the experience. His dry humour helps to release the pressure that sometimes lies in the nature of project work."

    Kuo Tienan

    BM Manager, ACER

    "Nico is one of few Industrial Designers with strong design and marketing background... We saved a lot of time on cross team negotiation due to his deliveries were always creative and well thought."

    Anton Breman

    Design Strategist, PEGATRON

    "Nico's broad and deep knowledge created an inspiring working environment by spreading his empathic ability to understand and identify the users desires while incorporating the client’s business and branding perspectives. His keen eye for design and care about the quality of his work is truly contagious. Nico became a great mentor on strategic topics in a way that shows great wisdom, a truly considerate mind and a genuine passion for innovation, business and branding. And he´s great fun to work with!"

    Kyrill Zlobenko

    Founder - COO, eCOZY

    "He was extremely helpful and shared so many profound tips. His feedback was invaluable to further the development of our concept. He's able to convey the philosophy of great design, being very practical at the same time. I recommend him to any client/firm that strives to build a great design-driven product."

    Matt Esecson

    Founder, A-TEAM COLLABORATIVE

    "Nico is one of the most intuitive and talented designers I have had the pleasure of collaborating with - ever. He has a real gift and is one of the 'go-to' TALENTS"

  • Nils Radau

    Director Product Experience Design, KISKA

    “Nico is a gifted and ambitious designer, striving to think beyond borders, providing real content and facilitating the user experience in his product designs. He understands complex correlations paired with very good analytic skills. Nicolás is always seeking for the latest trends in design and technologies to share with his colleagues. As a constructive team-player, he is always strongly committed to the quality of the project result…and by the way, he is a very cool guy…”

  • Po-Hsien Yang

    Sr. Director of Advanced Design Research, COMPAL

    "Nico did an exceptional job on the innovation program at Compal Experience Design.... Strong, open minded and smart. When you get to connect with him, you'll discover an amazing person with unique skills! Working with him is a signature of success."

  • Debbie Huang

    Design Director, PEGATRON

    “...He is a very creative designer with business & strategy senses, always gave me a big hand on design management issues...”

  • Stefan Lindner

    Lead Designer, KISKA

    "I enjoyed working with Nico for his conceptual strength and his deep-grounding approach to all design topics in general. He was a constant inspirator to the team and regularly brought in new tools, updates, work examples so we could share the experience. His dry humour helps to release the pressure that sometimes lies in the nature of project work."

  • Kuo Tienan

    BM Manager, ACER

    "Nico is one of few Industrial Designers with strong design and marketing background... We saved a lot of time on cross team negotiation due to his deliveries were always creative and well thought."

  • Anton Breman

    Design Strategist, PEGATRON

    "Nico's broad and deep knowledge created an inspiring working environment by spreading his empathic ability to understand and identify the users desires while incorporating the client’s business and branding perspectives. His keen eye for design and care about the quality of his work is truly contagious. Nico became a great mentor on strategic topics in a way that shows great wisdom, a truly considerate mind and a genuine passion for innovation, business and branding. And he´s great fun to work with!"

  • Kyrill Zlobenko

    Founder - COO, eCOZY

    "He was extremely helpful and shared so many profound tips. His feedback was invaluable to further the development of our concept. He's able to convey the philosophy of great design, being very practical at the same time. I recommend him to any client/firm that strives to build a great design-driven product."

  • Matt Esecson

    Founder, A-TEAM COLLABORATIVE

    "Nico is one of the most intuitive and talented designers I have had the pleasure of collaborating with - ever. He has a real gift and is one of the 'go-to' TALENTS"

questions? answers.

questions? answers.

boom!

Boom!

What’s your superpower as a designer and leader?

How do you connect design decisions to business results?

Can you work hands-on when needed, or do you only lead?

How do you build and lead high-performing creative teams?

Why would a company be lucky to work with you?

What's your process?

What’s your approach to working with strong personalities?

What excites you most about the future of design and technology?

Why do you like space so much?

Did you use AI to create your playlist?

What else can you tell about yourself?

Do you always have a joke ready?

What’s your superpower as a designer and leader?

How do you connect design decisions to business results?

Can you work hands-on when needed, or do you only lead?

How do you build and lead high-performing creative teams?

Why would a company be lucky to work with you?

What's your process?

What’s your approach to working with strong personalities?

What excites you most about the future of design and technology?

Why do you like space so much?

Did you use AI to create your playlist?

What else can you tell about yourself?

Do you always have a joke ready?

What’s your superpower as a designer and leader?

How do you connect design decisions to business results?

Can you work hands-on when needed, or do you only lead?

How do you build and lead high-performing creative teams?

Why would a company be lucky to work with you?

What's your process?

What’s your approach to working with strong personalities?

What excites you most about the future of design and technology?

Why do you like space so much?

Did you use AI to create your playlist?

What else can you tell about yourself?

Do you always have a joke ready?

If you've read this far, we should probably talk.

Curiosity didn't kill the cat.

Here’s a gift, for you to hear. But carefully read!

And with joy, drop a tear.

shall we?

shall we?

If you’re reading this, we likely share a passion for meaningful design, innovation, and creating experiences that truly resonate. (Or did you just skip to the end?)


I believe everyone could use a bit more poetry and fun in their lives—if you feel the same, let’s connect. Reaching out could be the start of a rewarding journey filled with creativity, growth, and plenty of fun.

If you’re reading this, we likely share a passion for meaningful design, innovation, and creating experiences that truly resonate. (Or did you just skip to the end?)


I believe everyone could use a bit more poetry and fun in their lives—if you feel the same, let’s connect. Reaching out could be the start of a rewarding journey filled with creativity, growth, and plenty of fun.

BETTER GET NICO

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

©2025 NICOLAS GONZALEZ-GARRIDO

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©2025 NICOLAS GONZALEZ-GARRIDO

GO BACK TO TOP

©2025 NICOLAS GONZALEZ-GARRIDO

GO BACK TO TOP