I design camera user interfaces (UIs) with every possible shooting situation in mind to ensure that the user doesn’t miss decisive moments in sports photography, and that smooth operation is always possible—even in harsh environments such as winter mountains. I am conscious of making sure the design is both intuitive and doesn’t interfere with the act of photography. None of the elements should be too prominent, yet the design must remain highly visible and easy to operate so users can fully concentrate on their shot . That’s the balance I strive to achieve.

Many fine adjustments, such as the menu layout and the path of transitions between screens, contribute to making our cameras easier to use. It is this certainty that drives me to never compromise. There can be more than 1,000 icons used in the UI of a single camera in total. Each one of these is fine-tuned down to the pixel level by us UI designers in pursuit of the best form. We even deliberate over subtle differences in shape and color that most users might not notice.

Additionally, to design the screens and icons, we research user needs and behaviors, and analyze issues that arise. Based on the information we gather, we examine and propose designs that create an attractive UI for users. We’ve received feedback from users who were delighted by the results of these steady efforts.

Before joining Nikon, I had no idea how deep the world of camera UI design really was. My knowledge of cameras was average at best, and to be honest, I didn’t have much experience with them. So why did I choose to join Nikon? During a company briefing session at my university, I was drawn to how Nikon employees thought from the perspective of others and radiated empathy. At the time, I thought that becoming a designer required being assertive, but Nikon’s designers left an impression on me by not only expressing themselves, but also by helping to ease the tension of the participants.

Upon reflection, UI design is not assertive either. What’s required of UI designers is the ability to empathize and understand. The key is to take the user’s perspective, find the unnoticed issues, and incorporate the solutions into the design. To better understand the user’s point of view, I naturally use the camera myself, but I also value opportunities to talk directly to actual users. When we let them interact with new products, I don’t just ask for their honest opinions and feedback—I also pay close attention to their facial expressions and the way they talk while operating the camera. What I aim to uncover are hidden issues that even the users themselves may not have noticed. By meeting them face-to-face and listening to them closely, I get plenty of inspiration for design.

Back in high school, before I even knew what a UI designer was, I wanted to do work that helped people who were struggling. This desire hasn’t changed. Design is also a means of solving someone’s unnoticed issues. By addressing potential issues, we can improve user experience. Every day, I feel the joy of doing the work I always wanted to do.

The job of a UI designer isn’t just solitary, focused work. In fact, much of the time is spent talking with others. We support each other when one of us is having trouble, and we often gather as a team to discuss matters. One of the charms of the Design Center is the welcoming atmosphere , where consulting with colleagues or chatting casually is easy.

In the process of UI design, we also hold many meetings with other departments. The most frequent are with departments involved in camera specifications and design. The engineers have often been involved with camera design for many years and have strong emotional attachments to the products. Discussions can get serious, and opinions differ, making it hard to reach a conclusion. To keep discussions moving forward, designers must logically explain why a particular design is necessary. Logic and beauty: In the development field, we seek compelling designs that achieve both. The question, “Is this UI compelling?” is one that often comes up in our team discussions.

Whether it’s priceless moments in everyday life or a defining event, cameras have the power to capture fleeting brilliance. Since starting this job, I’ve become increasingly aware of the power of cameras and the allure of photography. Recently, I was deeply impressed by an image taken by a professional photographer at an international sports event—the athletes’ movements, facial expressions, and the moment they crossed the finish line. The camera used was the Nikon Z9, for which I was involved in designing the UI. Although I was only responsible for part of the camera, I was profoundly moved to see that such an incredible photo could be created through the combination of the photographer’s skill, Nikon’s technology, and the dedication of so many people.

I hope to continue contributing through UI design, so more people can record their lives and express themselves freely through photography. By solving unnoticed issues, I hope to deliver the joy of photography to as many users as possible. As a UI designer, I’ll keep moving forward, one step at a time, with that goal in mind.

*Title and work duties are those at the time of interview