Designing at the Intersection
of Physical and Digital.
Hold Fast Studio is an independent design practice specializing in seamless, functional experiences where hardware meets software. With a focus on craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration, we help visionary teams bring next-generation consumer products to life.
Now accepting partnerships for 2025.
Designing Where Hardware, Software, and People Connect.
No matter where you’re starting: an idea, a prototype, or a live product, I can jump in to help. From defining the vision to refining the details, the way we work depends on what you need.
We design user interfaces and experiences for hardware-connected systems, blending on-device UX like screens, LEDs, audio, and haptics with digital ecosystems. Prototyping is integral to ensuring seamless interactions between hardware and software.
Discovery, Strategy, and Roadmapping
Through strategy sprints and roadmap development, we align your vision with actionable plans. Prototyping and early explorations help identify opportunities and validate concepts for impactful, user-focused solutions.
Zero-to-One Digital MVPs
We bring bold ideas to life through native apps, wearables, and consumer web applications. From early prototypes to polished deliverables, our designs prioritize usability and scalability to meet the needs of early- to mid-stage products.
Design Systems and Frameworks
We create robust design systems and UI frameworks to support product scalability. From component libraries to interaction guidelines, our solutions ensure consistency across every touchpoint while adapting to evolving needs.
Product evolution & optimization
Ideal for teams that need ongoing design support, this monthly retainer ensures continuous progress without the need for a fully scoped project. From refining UX and expanding features to updating design systems and addressing evolving needs.
Hold Fast Studio is the independent design practice of Kevin Korpi, a Bend Oregon-based designer, writer, and product strategist.
I've spent well over two decades obsessing about product design, working with teams at GoPro, Moment, Contour Cameras, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, plus dozens of startups and agencies across Japan and the US. My sweet spots? Hardware/software integration, AI interfaces, consumer tech, B2B apps, and health & fitness products.
I've tackled everything from 0-1 products to refining experiences used by millions. What gets me excited is teaming up with forward-thinking folks to build stuff that matters. To me, design isn't some mysterious art—it's about solid collaboration and getting things done.
Whether you're sketching ideas on napkins or innovating at enterprise scale, I bring a practical, hands-on approach. Having worked from Tokyo to SF to Seattle to the mountains near Bend, OR, I'm comfortable jumping into any team setup.
Bonus points if your're working on:
Health & Wellness
Connected Hardware
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."
Principal Designer, Cameras & Hardware, GoPro
"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 really is one of the most gifted creative talents in the business. While working together Kevin's vision in creative consulting working directly with clients and leading a large 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
