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Mass Productive
Make Products More Productive.
Mass Productive
Make Products More Productive.
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Personal Profile
Hiromi Matsumoto

Digital Product Designer, specializing in business processes, UI/UX, and storytelling.

Scroll down to read about my journey, or download my CV here.
At an opening with some of my paintings in 1996.
Fueled by Creativity 
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, I was always drawn to creative pursuits. Art, especially oil painting, became a much-needed escape as I spent countless hours working on pieces that would eventually find homes in local galleries and national exhibits.
Exploring a New Device  

With a portfolio of artwork and a few personal web projects, I landed my first job as an Art Director at Risdall Advertising Agency in Minneapolis, MN, in 2000. At Risdall, I worked on websites and digital ad campaigns for a mix of B2B and B2C companies. It was an exciting start, blending my love for art with a growing interest in technology.

At my first desk in a corner of the Digital Media wing of Risdall Advertising Agency in 2000.
My wife Robbie and I playing a show with our band, “Akai” in Minneapolis somewhere around 2010.
Learning to Collaborate 
In my early twenties, I met my wife, and we started making music together. We formed a band called "Akai" and released a couple of albums. Touring, recording, and collaborating with friends taught me the value of sharing the creative process with others.
Embracing Start-Up Culture

In 2008, I became Creative Director at Refactr, a small consulting firm that helped launch start-ups. One of these start-ups was SmartThings, which Samsung eventually acquired. This role was a game-changer, helping me think about the business requirements of the solutions I was designing.

My wife Robbie and I at an event in 2013 celebrating a product launch.
Collaborating with a product development team in 2014.
Focusing on Products 
By 2013, my focus shifted to product design and user experience. After Refactr merged into SmartThings, I decided to start my own consultancy, Mass Productive. This gave me the chance to diversify my product design experience, allowing me to design mobile apps, museum exhibits, and even podcasts.
Getting More Productive 

In 2023, I teamed up with my long-time friend Rob Trahan to grow Mass Productive. We aimed to create a company that helps digital products succeed by crafting great visions, removing obstacles, and finding the right market. Together, we've turned Mass Productive into a productivity powerhouse.

Rob Trahan and I taking a break from Covid life to get sweet on the boat.
My wife Robbie and I designing our own experience in Palm Springs.
Designing Experiences 
Over the last couple of decades, I've seen the value of creating great experiences. This drives me to design quality products that people will want to use. But it also extends to the interactions we foster with people. Open and respectful communication is key, and I strive to bring out the best in everyone I work with. If you value this approach, I think we could create something amazing together.
Our Newsletter
This is our inspiration.
We regularly speak with successful product owners and project managers who've conquered common obstacles to kept their teams moving forward. Here’s what they tell us:
interview
Velocity in Leadership: Cultivating Culture and Empowerment in the Workplace
A Conversation with Morgan Lopes, CTO of SupportNow
interview
Leadership, Creativity, and Trust
A Conversation with Damon Wellman
interview
Winning Teams, Humility, and the Art of Leadership
A Conversation with Mathew Caldwell, Founder of RocketPower
interview
Embracing Innovation, Empathy, and Community
A Conversation with Dustin Haugland, Executive at Bosonic
“Mass Productive provided a clear roadmap leading to our goal.”
— David White, Entrepreneur