Designing for utility is only the beginning.

The products we remember, the ones we come back to, often offer something more: a moment of joy, a spark of curiosity, and a sense of play. In this talk, Ryosuke shares what he discovered about creating these moments while working on games, despite not being a gamer himself. 

Through this unexpected journey, he began to recognize the underlying principles that make playful experiences so engaging, and how those same principles can be thoughtfully applied to product design as well. Blending personal reflection with practical insight, this talk offers a new lens on how to make digital products that transcend functionality, creating experiences that resonate, engage, and truly matter to the people who use them.

Ryosuke Arichi is a Japanese American designer born and raised in Los Angeles, currently based in Tokyo.

 
As a UX designer at Niantic, he leads the design of AR products and location-based games, crafting experiences that inspire people to connect with each other and explore the world.

 
Prior to Niantic, Ryosuke worked at Sony, creating products that enhanced music listening experiences.

Drawing from his Japanese and American heritage, he approaches design with a unique, multicultural perspective, blending insight and creativity to produce solutions that are both innovative and delightful.