Forging the Future Together:
Google × HERALBONY on Accessibility Forging the Future Together:
Google × HERALBONY on Accessibility

Since launching in Japan in 2018, Google Pixel has often been seen mainly as a technology-driven product. But today smartphones are part of our everyday lives and should be more than just functional devices. They should inspire emotional connection and genuine affection. With this in mind, we wanted to share the heart of Google Pixel’s design philosophy called Emotional Design.
Beyond simply communicating our design philosophy, we knew we needed a creative partner who could help more people truly connect with it through experiences and spaces. We felt that the art created by HERALBONY’s contracted artists was vivid and instinctively expressive of emotion, making them the perfect creative partner. Another reason was that many people within our company are fans of HERALBONY.
Thanks to the diverse artworks from the artists involved in this collaboration, we were able to bring a variety of expressions to a space themed around the five colors of Google Pixel. We were thrilled that so many HERALBONY fans came out to experience the space. It really added to what made it so unique.

Thank you. Through this project, we really came to see how design and art can positively impact people’s well-being.

Yes, I think by placing artworks with different tones in each room, we were able to create a journey where emotions could shift dramatically as people moved through the space. A bedroom filled with calm, soothing pieces offered a sense of quiet reflection, while the dining room, with its vibrant and joyful atmosphere, sparked a completely different kind of energy. I think that contrast created a powerful shift in how people felt as they moved through the environment.

I see the work of HERALBONY’s artists as “living art,” a raw, honest expression of their lives. I felt a strong sense of connection with Google Pixel’s approach to Emotional Design, which shares that same spirit. The thoughtful use of all five Pixel colors throughout the space also made the experience feel even more vibrant and engaging.

This project was our first time working with a fully private lodging, which presented a new kind of challenge for us. Designing a space for overnight stays made us realize just how complex it is to create an environment that feels comfortable for a wide range of people.
As our conversations progressed, we also learned that the Google team had already given deep thought to accessibility from the early stages. That made us feel a strong sense of alignment, not just in terms of design but also in our shared commitment to creating fair and inclusive experiences. With that in mind, we submitted an accessibility checklist we had developed early in the process to help support a wide variety of guests.

From the very start, there was a shared understanding across our team that if we were going to collaborate with HERALBONY, we had to create an experience that was truly accessible. Once the venue was set, we spent a lot of time discussing how to bring that intention to life, using the checklist we received as a foundation for more detailed planning.
Since the space was a traditional Kyomachiya townhouse, we faced limitations in terms of structural changes. But rather than alter the building, we focused on how to make the most of the beautiful space as it was. For example, we prepared to offer activities or experiences that were originally planned for the second floor on the ground floor when needed, so that more people could enjoy the space comfortably.

What really stood out to me was how everyone took so many videos during the on-site visit and generously shared them with us. Thanks to that, our DE&I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) team was able to join the process remotely and contribute to developing the operations manual. It created a truly thoughtful and collaborative atmosphere, and I felt we were able to have open, constructive conversations with the Google team throughout.

It was truly a pleasure working together. The HERALBONY DE&I team brought such depth and insight to the process, and it was incredibly eye-opening for all of us.
One thing we talked about often was that not everyone needs to have the exact same physical experience. What’s more important is that everyone walks away feeling the same sense of value. With that in mind, we explored different ways to shape the experience, and it was great to see team members openly sharing ideas and building on each other’s thoughts through our ongoing conversations with HERALBONY.

For example, when we envisioned everyone sharing traditional sweets from the Kyoto confectionery shop “Kashiya Nona,” we faced an important question: what if someone was unable to eat it? This led to the idea of allowing participants to bring their own food if needed, which felt like a truly creative and thoughtful solution.
Instead of expecting everyone to have the exact same experience, the goal was to create a space where each person could feel comfortable in their own way. That kind of flexible and inclusive mindset was only possible thanks to the open and collaborative spirit we shared with the Google team.

I feel we had a very productive conversation that brought new insights for both parties.

We worked closely with the on-site staff to make sure everyone truly understood the importance of accessibility and was fully prepared. We also sent out a survey before the event so guests could let us know about any special needs ahead of time, which helped us provide the right support and make everyone feel welcome.

When Miki offered to arrange caregivers, it really touched me. It showed just how much care and dedication they brought to this collaboration.

I also felt that HERALBONY’s fans have a strong awareness and expectation around accessibility, so we knew we couldn’t let them down.

One thing we really focused on was making accessibility information available to participants ahead of time. While many places are welcoming once you arrive, having that information in advance helps people feel more confident about joining. I believe that made a big difference and was an important step forward.

Absolutely. The most important thing was making sure everyone felt comfortable throughout their experience.

It was truly inspiring to have the artists behind the featured works visit the space and see their genuine delight. Everyone seemed to connect with the experience in their own unique way, making it a deeply creative and rewarding moment for all involved.

It’s wonderful to hear the artists really enjoyed themselves. We had a guestbook at the venue, and many guests, including the artists who stayed overnight, left messages and drawings. Reading through it and seeing the drawings was truly inspiring and filled me with so much positive energy.

In the end, we didn’t receive any inquiries from guests requiring special accommodations. I take that as an indication that we were able to provide sufficient information in advance, allowing everyone to feel prepared and comfortable.

That was a point of ongoing consideration. Since there is no clear definition of what constitutes a fully accessible experience, we continuously reflected on how far we needed to go. The absence of inquiries suggested that we had met expectations to some degree, which we saw as a quiet but meaningful success. I also feel that we were able to convey the spirit of this project in an honest and thoughtful way, which was very important to us.

I completely agree.

Yes, absolutely. Reflecting on this initiative, we gained valuable knowledge that we hope to apply to future events and activities. Since Google Pixel aims to be an accessible product, this experience reminded us that accessibility considerations are just as important in marketing and user experiences. It was a significant learning opportunity that we intend to carry forward.

At HERALBONY, we’ve been using an internally developed accessibility checklist for some time when organizing pop-up stores and exhibitions. This collaboration with Google gave us the opportunity to share that checklist externally for the first time, and we were very pleased to see it make a valuable contribution to the overall outcome. For us, it was also an important milestone.
Accessibility efforts are sometimes viewed as “additional costs,” but Google approached them quite differently, seeing them as a necessary investment. I was deeply impressed by their flexible and constructive approach.

At its core, Google Pixel is designed to be accessible. We’re committed to continuing our efforts so that people of all backgrounds and abilities can use Pixel as a tool for self-expression and engagement in their everyday lives.
This commitment goes beyond Pixel. Across Google, we’re using technology to help solve real-world challenges. For example, we are advancing projects such as “Project Guideline,” which aims to enable people with visual impairments to run independently using the power of Google AI, and “Project Voice,” which uses AI to support more inclusive communication. We believe technology has the power to make the world a better place.

I am genuinely moved by what you shared. The idea that technologies like AI can lower the barriers to self-expression feels deeply significant. While art and technology may seem worlds apart at first, this collaboration with Google helped me see how technology can spark entirely new forms of creativity and expression. It really opened my eyes to the creative potential that can emerge when the two come together.

Google’s mission is to make information universally accessible. And we’ll keep working to advance accessibility so we can support the diverse needs of people around the world.

At HERALBONY, we’re working toward a society where everyone can live authentically. We see the uniqueness born from our differences as value and are committed to embedding that value in business, creating a sustainable cycle that actively circulates through society. Embracing our differences and finding joy in them together is key. There is no single “right answer” to accessibility. I want to continue reflecting on whether anyone is being unintentionally left behind in how it’s shared, and how we can keep moving forward.