Mike Guss
Experience
Google
2019–present
Instrument
2015–2019
Microsoft
2009–2014
Brands
Google
Nike
The New York Times
Specialized
Levi’s
Getty Images
YouTube
Android
Xbox
Microsoft
Focus
Digital Product
Brand Expression
Design Systems
Concept Envisioning
Art Direction
Visual Design
Contact
I’m a multi-disciplinary designer, blending traditional graphic design principles with experimental design, weaving in and out of motion, 3D, and sound.
I currently design artifacts for Google's Seed Studio, exploring new possibilities in human-centered technology.
Seed Studio
Designer
2024–Present
At Seed Studio, a design team within Google's hardware division, we've been focused on exploring what personal computing could look like in the future. This includes how existing devices might evolve and exploring entirely new ones. Our work tackles big questions like: What is the future of the phone? And how would AI change how we interact with technology?
Note: This project is currently in development and not ready to be shared publicly yet.
Google Design
Creative Director
2022–2024
As a Creative Director at Google Design, I was responsible for the content and publishing side of things, handling everything from managing vendors to create websites and social media content to working with artists and small studios on a variety of creative experiments.
Material You
Visual Design Lead (Android)
2020–2022
I was a key part of the team that defined the Material You design language. This was a massive team effort with more than 40 designers working across Android, Material, and ID. The whole journey was documented in a series of short films, "Making Material You," which explored the philosophy and design process.
Android
Visual Design Lead
2020–2022
As a design lead for the System UI and Essential Apps, I led a small team to focus on core design areas like grid systems, layout, typography, and icons, making sure everything felt cohesive across phone, foldable, and tablet.
TypeLoop
Co-founder + Designer
2018–2020
In 2018 I started a personal Instagram account to share my design experiments. Playing around with typography eventually led to an idea for an app called TypeLoop. The app offered a variety of customizable motion presets and effects for creating unique text animations for social media. The app was sold in 2020.
Instrument
Design Director
2015–2019
As a Design Director at Instrument, I worked on a variety of projects for major clients like Google, Nike, Levi's, YouTube, and The New York Times, including websites, digital experiences, and branding.
Microsoft
Designer + Art Director
2009–2014
During my time at Microsoft, I was involved in designing Windows Phone from the ground up, defining the design language for the Xbox One across product, brand, and ID, and early explorations for what eventually became Fluent Design.
