Craft meets
clarity

Learn how I partner with teams to design the future in the age of AI

Vaara & Co

I’m Matias Vaara, founder of Vaara & Co — a boutique strategic design studio partnering with early-stage teams and internal ventures to build new products and experiences.

I also work closely with design teams navigating the shift toward AI — helping them design responsibly with emerging technologies.

Before starting Vaara & Co, I was a design director at Idean (now frog), and I’ve worked with global brands for over 15 years.

How I can help

I work with companies navigating change — bringing clarity to product strategy, elevating product experiences, or exploring AI's untapped value.

I operate solo or with trusted collaborators based on scope, always tailored to your needs.

Whether creating from scratch or evolving existing products, I transform ambiguity into momentum — helping teams advance with confidence.

How I Work

01
Small, senior teams
Every project is led by me, Matias. Sometimes I work solo, sometimes with trusted collaborators — always shaped to fit the challenge, never bloated.
02
Clarity before action
We cut through the noise early. Before designing, we align on what matters — your users, your edge, and your opportunity.
03
Fast cycles, real outcomes
We iterate quickly on tangible prototypes, not just slide decks. Weeks, not months — with momentum baked in.
04
Quality with intention
Moving fast doesn’t mean cutting corners. We care about details, impact, and designing experiences that feel thoughtful and real.
05
Direct and honest
No middle layers. You work directly with the person doing the work — with clear feedback loops and sharp decisions.
06
Transparent, fixed pricing
We scope projects clearly and price them up front — so trust stays high and incentives stay aligned.

How I can help

01

Product Roadmap

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Move slow to go fast.

Sometimes it pays to think a few steps ahead. We work with early-stage teams to lay out a clear and strategic roadmap for their launches — including how emerging technologies like AI might play a role.

A solid roadmap is grounded on a few insights: what are the “jobs” our customer is trying to do, where our business potential lies, what’s feasible to implement — and where AI could meaningfully enhance the experience or operations.

Based on an understanding of these elements, we’ll work together in a nimble project to define an actionable roadmap to chart your path forward — with or without AI as part of the solution.

Typical timeframe: 3-4 weeks   

02

Experience Concept

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In this project, we’ll craft an exciting vision for the future experience of your product.

In the end, you’ll have a concept presentation, interactive prototype, and roadmap that shows the future of your digital product —  enhanced with AI where it adds value.

The future vision will be grounded in a deep understanding of your business strategy, user needs, and technical feasibility — including AI might play a  role.

After the project, you’ll have a shared and concrete big-picture view of your product’s future experience.

With the prototype and roadmap in hand, your team can move forward confidently and start developing smaller, validated increments — including any AI-powered elements where they make sense.

Typical timeframe: 4-6 weeks

03

Brand Design

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Your brand is your face to the world.

For early stage companies, crafting a world-class brand is a multiplier for your science and technology.

In this project, we’ll craft a fresh brand identity for your company.

In the end, you’ll have a brand blueprint that will reflect your internal aspirations and connect with your market.

Your new brand will be based on a deep understanding of your business goals, mission and vision. We will also dive into your customers world and understand their world and how they currently see you.

Typical timeframe: 4-6 weeks

04

AI Training

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In addition to partnering with early-stage teams on design, I help design teams understand and apply AI in their day-to-day work.

My Designer 2.0 training program has helped over 800 designers boost their creativity, improve efficiency with AI tools — and learn how to design AI-enabled experiences that are ethical, intuitive, and user-centered.

Teams at Futurice, KONE, and Siili have taken the training, and I’ve also taught as a visiting lecturer at Aalto University and the LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts, exploring how AI is reshaping the role of design in product development.

Typical timeframe: 0,5 - 2 days