I’m Erika Kodama, a product designer specializing in fintech and complex systems.

For over five years, I’ve led the design of products that help people feel informed and in control of their finances, including driver earnings tools, savings features, and onboarding frameworks used by millions.

I bring a balance of structure and empathy to every project, partnering closely with product, engineering, and compliance teams to turn ambiguity into clarity and design experiences that build trust and confidence.

Outside of work, I teach Pilates, a practice that sharpens how I guide others, communicate with clarity, and build structure with intention. It’s the same mindset I bring to design.

AI & my design practice:

I see AI as a collaborator, not a replacement.

In my design work, I use AI to clear space for the parts of the process that matter most: understanding people and solving meaningful problems. It helps me summarize research, explore early directions, generate UI ideas, and fine-tune microcopy so I can focus on insight and craft.

I believe great design still comes from human curiosity, empathy, and context — things no model can replicate. For me, AI works best when it amplifies thoughtful design, not replaces it.

Some bragging rights:

Adam, Director of Product Design at Branch

“Over the past three years, Erika has helped shape nearly every product experience we offer- from core wallet features to our new tips offering. Her impact runs deep across the team and our products. Her creativity, user-centric approach and hard work have been instrumental in shaping our products and processes. We’re lucky to have her shaping the designs our users rely on everyday.”

Jooyoung, Product Designer at Branch

“Erika’s attention to detail is unparalleled, and her work ethic is second to none. She consistently demonstrates a strong desire to learn and improve, and her openness to feedback enables her to iterate on designs quickly and effectively. Beyond her technical skills, Erika’s warm and approachable personality makes her an absolute joy to collaborate with. She fosters a positive, inclusive team environment where critique is embraced, and everyone is encouraged to grow into their best selves as designers.

Erika also excels in leadership, particularly when it comes to supporting new team members. She played an instrumental role in my own onboarding process, making sure I felt truly included and cared for as I settled into the team. Her genuine approach to mentorship helps new employees feel comfortable and confident, and her guidance accelerates their growth within the company.

Her combination of positivity, strong problem-solving skills, leadership, and diverse design expertise makes Erika a valuable asset to any team. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a top-tier product designer.”