about me

interaction and interface design

My skill set is broad and ranges from creating initial concept sketches, user flows and prototypes to final visual design.

In addition to web design, I also enjoy designing brand identity and advertising projects for a multitude of clients, from non-profits like The Tech Interactive to global brands like Apple, Autodesk, and Hewlett Packard to publishing organizations such as O’Reilly Media and National Geographic.

Image of Michael Kohnke Graphic Designer on San Jose hilltop

I'm an optimist and all-round design aficionado who keeps up with the latest industry developments, and I always remain eager to learn new trades. I love solving just about any type of creative problem, it's as simple as that. Work aside, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my family, hiking a mountain, or exploring historical sites.

illustration 1

My Mission

Provide a spectrum of services and do so with professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication. A primary goal is to make the design process itself an enjoyable experience for every client.

My Values

I always keep a grounded perspective and maintain the core principles of service, clarity, respect, and inclusion.

"Where you innovate, how you innovate, and what you innovate are design problems."

Tim Brown, CEO and president of IDEO

UX design

I create flow diagrams, wireframes, and prototypes to define the best possible product user flows, functionality, features, and information delivery. These are the foundations and structures needed to build a good product and serve as a living document throughout the entire process. TOOLS: Index cards and sticky-pads, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe XD, Figma and InVision.

Michael Kohnke interface design

UI design

My core passion is visualizing the essential parts of the user experience for software applications and devices. I create interfaces that users find easy to use, pleasurable, and compliant with identity requirements. Next to designing layouts, I also feel it’s important to illustrate interactive states and how specific UI elements react to user interaction. TOOLS: Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe XD, Figma.

Branding & Identity

Every organization must make a great first impression and be a familiar face users come back to. I have helped build and transform many exciting brands for over thirty years. The objective is always to create world class creative, media, social, design and strategy, and to be driven to use creativity and influence to change the world and impact culture. TOOLS: Notepads, Adobe Creative Suite.

Michael Kohnke interface design

Graphic design

With years of experience, I deliver extensive, quality work while making every deadline. I visualize text and imagery concepts, either by hand or using the Adobe Creative Suite. And every project is a mission to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. TOOLS: Paper and pens, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe XD, InDesign, WordPress, Stensul.

Michael Kohnke graphic design and consulting

Consultation

I have directed and consulted on a wide range of layout and production design projects, including advertising, print media, information design, corporate events, web sites, and mobile apps. Helping teams realize and accomplish their goals leads to inspiring collaboration. It all starts by solving complex design problems. Five minutes or five months, any project is worth a talk.

Network

While I do know my fair share of HTML, CSS and all the possibilities of Javascript, I can’t build or code products myself. That’s why I rely on a strong network of developers and creatives who can get the job done, perfectly and beautifully.