Kotaro Shimogori

The Kotaro Shimogori Story

From CalArts to Global Innovation

A graduate of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Kotaro Shimogori's foundation in design has profoundly influenced his business ventures. His work, including a triangular paper clip holder housed in the Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, exemplifies his philosophy: stripping away the unnecessary to reveal core structures. This reductive approach informs his business methodology, where he seeks to identify and address root causes rather than surface-level symptoms.

Featured Project

Innovations at the Nexus of Design and Technology

Triangular Paper Clip Holder Redesigned an everyday object with geometric clarity and minimalist function. Now part of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum collection, it reflects Kotaro’s core principle: less is more, when design reveals purpose.

AI Tariff Code Translator Created a machine-learning tool that converts plain-language product descriptions into precise tariff codes. A user-focused solution that simplifies global shipping and turns complexity into clarity.

Digital Merchandising Innovations Developed and patented electronic merchandising systems that laid the foundational infrastructure for today’s major e-commerce platforms.

Whitespace Innovation Model Developed a framework to identify gaps in saturated markets by observing real user behavior. This approach helps brands discover untapped opportunities through design-driven insight.

Innovation & Patents

Designing the Future, One Patent at a Time

Kotaro Shimogori’s patented work reflects a disciplined application of design thinking—where artistic vision meets practical problem-solving. Each innovation combines clarity, function, and empathy to create scalable, real-world solutions.

Machine Learning for Global Trade Patent: NLP for Harmonized Tariff Classification Kotaro developed an AI system that translates plain-language product names into accurate customs codes, streamlining international shipping through intuitive, language-based automation.

“Design at its core—translating human needs into scalable systems.”

Digital Merchandising Infrastructure Patent:Interactive Systems for E-Commerce A foundational platform that reimagined digital product presentation. With a strong focus on visual hierarchy and user flow, it became the blueprint for enterprise-level e-commerce and was acquired by a global IT firm.

“Good design doesn’t just sell—it structures the experience.”

Structural Design Objects Patent: Minimalist Consumer Product Design Kotaro’s geometric paper clip holder, featured at the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, exemplifies his belief in removing excess to reveal essential form and function.

“When form follows insight, even small objects tell big stories.”

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