Blog (Freshtrax)

Btrax is a creative design firm located in both San Francisco and Tokyo, focusing on UX and Service Design to develop groundbreaking products and services worldwide. Our talented team, made up of professionals from design, technology, and marketing, works collaboratively to achieve impactful results.

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Articles

Why Are Companies Leaving Japan? Let’s Break It Down

2 months ago | blog.btrax.com | John Hayato Branderhorst |Brandon Hill |Mana Hashimoto

Japan may be the world’s third-largest economy, but lately, we’re seeing some big names pack their bags and head out. What’s going on? Time to dive into why companies are scaling back or leaving Japan altogether, and what this means for businesses eyeing the Japanese market. Who’s Heading Out? The list of companies planning to or have already left Japan reads like a who’s who of global business.
Why Round1’s Japanese-Style Arcades Are a Hit in America

2 months ago | blog.btrax.com | Brandon Hill |Mana Hashimoto

What Kind of Business Thrives in the U.S.? One of the most common questions I get from Japanese entrepreneurs is: “What kind of business can succeed in the U.S.?” Many ambitious founders come to Silicon Valley with dreams of launching tech startups, yet history shows that very few Japanese entrepreneurs have achieved major success in the American market.
Uncovering Google Ventures’ UX Research Secrets: Insights I Learned from Michael Margolis

Jan 24, 2025 | blog.btrax.com | Mana Hashimoto |Brandon Hill

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to a podcast featuring Michael Margolis, UX Research Partner at Google Ventures. This episode titled “Finding Your Bullseye Customer” stood out because Michael’s insights on UX research aligned with many of the practices my team and I use at btrax. Michael Margolis and his team also put together a handbook called Learn More Faster, which is available as a free PDF and has been a go-to resource for me lately.
Six Japanese Products to Watch at CES 2025

Jan 5, 2025 | blog.btrax.com | Brandon Hill |Hironori Aihara |Reagan Butler

CES 2025, one of the world’s largest technology events, kicks off on January 7 in Las Vegas. As always, the event will gather leading companies and startups from around the globe, and showcase cutting-edge technologies and products across various fields, including AI, IoT, robotics, automotive technology, healthcare, and smart homes.
Exploring the Characteristics of Popular Music Among Gen Z

Nov 15, 2024 | blog.btrax.com | Hironori Aihara |Reagan Butler

In recent years, the music preferences of Gen Z have come into sharp focus, especially as this tech-savvy generation shapes global music trends. From the songs that gain fleeting fame on social media to those that have staying power, certain characteristics make music resonate with Gen Z listeners. A Strong Beat, Minimal Intro, and Immediate MelodyMany popular songs skip lengthy intros, jumping straight into a memorable, punchy melody.
How Starbucks Made the Pumpkin Spice Latte a Cultural Icon

Oct 11, 2024 | blog.btrax.com | Reagan Butler |Brandon Hill |Suzuka Ito

Crisp air accompanied by the sound of leaves beginning to fall with a whiff of sweet pumpkin spice. It’s that time of year and Starbucks’ iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) makes its triumphant return, heralding the start of autumn. Since its debut in 2003, the PSL has become more than just a beverage—it’s a cultural symbol, inspiring a dedicated fan base and spawning a market for pumpkin spice-flavored everything.
The Future Is Now: 5 Revolutionary Designs That Have Defined the Last 20 Years

Sep 27, 2024 | blog.btrax.com | Reagan Butler |Brandon Hill |Jared Javier

In the last two decades, the world has witnessed extraordinary advancements in design and product innovation, fundamentally transforming how we live, work, and interact with technology. From the rise of the smartphone to recent breakthroughs in generative AI, these innovations have had a profound global impact, changing industries and human behavior. Let’s look at five of the most influential developments in design and innovation from the past 20 years. 1.
What’s Wrong with Design Thinking? Its Limitations and the Possibilities Ahead

Sep 9, 2024 | blog.btrax.com | Brandon Hill |Reagan Butler |Jared Javier

Trying to implement design thinking, but not seeing any results? It’s been a few years since the design thinking craze began, and it’s probably time to examine its effectiveness. Design thinking plays an important role in modern business, but at the same time, there is much discussion about its limitations and challenges.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity: The Redesign of Nostalgic Characters

Aug 30, 2024 | blog.btrax.com | Reagan Butler |Jared Javier

Characters, especially those we grew up enjoying, hold a special place in our hearts. The nostalgia associated with our beloved characters is often tied to long-lasting brand loyalty and general positive associations. Whether from beloved childhood cartoons, iconic advertisements, or classic films, these characters often evoke strong memories and emotions. However, as times change, so do audience expectations. New characters are popping up all the time, so how can the classics compete?
The Best UI/UX Design Podcasts to Keep You Inspired and Informed

Aug 14, 2024 | blog.btrax.com | Jared Javier |Reagan Butler |Suzuka Ito

IntroductionThe world of UI/UX design is always changing, this makes keeping up with the latest trends and finding inspiration crucial for any designer. From my experience, podcasts are a fantastic way to learn from industry experts, discover new ideas, and stay motivated. Whether you’re looking for practical advice or creative insights, these podcasts have you covered.