Product design where hardware, software, and people connect.
Hold Fast Studio is an independent design studio specializing in seamless, functional experiences where hardware meets software meets context. Helping visionary teams bring next-generation consumer products to life.
One client spot available July 2025.
To get started,
Designing seamless, user-friendly interfaces for products where hardware and software meet. From on-device screens to app-connected experiences, I ensure every interaction feels effortless and intuitive.
Helping you turn big ideas into actionable plans. I’ll work with you to define your product’s vision, outline the user journey, and set a clear roadmap for development. Perfect for teams at the discovery phase or preparing for their next big milestone.
User research and competitive analysis.
0
1 digital MVPs
From napkin sketches to launch-ready designs, I specialize in bringing your product ideas to life. Together, we’ll craft a first version that’s functional, scalable, and ready for user feedback.
Smooth collaboration with engineering.
Great products don’t stop evolving. Whether you need ongoing or short-term design support, I’ll help refine and enhance what you’ve built to keep it fresh and competitive.
Data-driven UX improvements.
Visual refreshes and modernizations.
Wherever you’re starting, whether it’s an idea, a prototype, or something already out in the world, I’ll adapt to what you need. We can tackle the big stuff, fine-tune the details, or both. If the project needs more hands, I’ve got a solid network of folks to pull in and build a killer team.
Design Retainers
Starting at $8,000 / Month
Project-based Scope
Optional discovery and planning phase
50% upfront, 50% on delivery
Starting at $12,000
Hold Fast Studio is the independent design practice of Kevin Korpi, a Bend Oregon-based designer, writer, and product strategist.
I like to think deeply about how things work, why they matter, and how they can be better. I’m drawn to big shifts in technology and design—how AI changes workflows, how new tools shape creativity, and how physical and digital experiences evolve. The best work happens through collaboration, iteration, and rethinking assumptions.
I started my design career in Tokyo, designing for DoCoMo phones when screens were the size of a couple postage stamps. Since then, I’ve worked across hardware, software, and AI-driven experiences, leading design teams and projects at Google, GoPro, Moment, Amazon, and Microsoft and helping startups go from 0 → 1 as a first-design hire and consultant. My focus is on solving complex problems and making things simpler, faster, and more intuitive.
Outside of work, I'm usually on a board or bike or behind a camera. I’ve been snowboarding since before most resorts allowed it and spent a year in Hokkaido, Japan, chasing winter. These days, I live in Bend, Oregon, splitting my time between trying to be a rad dad, design, cameras, mountain biking, and snowboarding.
Bonus points if you're working on:
Creator Tools
Connected Hardware
Health & Wellness
Gen A.I.
Maps
Years working with founders, agencies, and enterprise teams.
Startups, agencies, and Fortune100 companies partnered with.
Customers have used products I've helped manage, design, & build.
Trusted by
"With a discerning eye for detail and commitment to excellence, Kevin consistently pushes the limits of product development, while simultaneously driving the process forward, unearthing numerous avenues for enhancing team dynamics and business efficacy. Kevin is a valuable asset to the world of product development, and his contributions to GoPro and the field of UX are elevated having worked with him."
"Kevin was a critical asset in the relaunch of Google Fonts. He worked as the lead product designer collaborating with Research, Engineering, and Product under tight deadlines. His work was high quality and always on time. Although Kevin was remote, he had tremendous impact as the design lead and strategist. Our launch would not have been possible without Kevin's ability to quickly ramp up and fit into the existing team."
Director of UX, Google Material Fonts & Icons
"We hired Kevin to help with product incubation and future roadmap articulation. He delivered consistently with great quality and with a great attitude! I'd recommend Kevin without hesitation for his natural product acumen and collaborative approach."
Wearables Design Lead, Google Pixel
"If I were starting a company and needed a kick-ass designer, Kevin would be the first person I’d call. I was especially impressed with how creative and thorough Kevin is in his design work. One of the best designers I’ve worked with at Google."
Director of Product Management, Google
"Kevin brought maturity, perspective, and passion to evolving our software and hardware products at Katalyst. In addition to refining our design language, he revamped our onboarding experience. What I appreciated most was Kevin's end-to-end thinking, mapping out the user journey from when they see our product from the first time to completing their first workout."
VP of Product, Katalyst Fitness
"Kevin embodies leadership by example, inspiring trust and creating a culture of opportunity and vision. He provides the means to execute and the just-right structure for people, across disciplines and organizations, to generate fresh ideas and unlock complex puzzles. Kevin’s his sense of business and his humanity make him a first class organizational leader, designer and mentor to many."
Senior UX Manager, Google Cloud
"Working with Kevin is not only fun but you get to experience how world class products are being built today. I'd recommend Kevin to any company that requires top notch Design and Product direction. Kevin brings professionalism, quality and efficient communication to every interaction. A total pleasure to work with him."
Founder & CTO, Empirical LLC
"Kevin is one of the most gifted creative talents in the business. While working together his vision in creative consulting working directly with clients and leading a bi-lingual design team helped us win multiple global projects. Kevin's keen sense of design and ability to deliver under pressure can really go unmatched."
VP, Renaissance Japan