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Executive Director, Co-Founder, Chief Design Strategist
Kristine Johnson is the Executive Director, Co-Founder, and Chief Strategist of Cognition Studio. She leads interdisciplinary teams at the intersection of design, science, and strategy—helping clients communicate breakthrough ideas with clarity, precision, and purpose.
With a background in BioCommunications (BFA) and a Master of Associated Medical Science, Kristine has also completed executive education at the Yale School of Management (Accelerated Management Program, Women’s Strategic Leadership Program) and the Stanford d.school, where she focused on design thinking, systems leadership, and innovation strategy.
Kristine’s role spans aggregator, editor, and audience advocate—filtering complex ideas through the lens of design, human cognition, and behavioral insight. She brings expertise in brand systems, visual communication, and whole-systems thinking, leading her team to build solutions that inform, inspire, grow brands and drive meaningful action.
A top award-winning designer, lecturer, and Forbes contributor, Kristine serves in national leadership roles with AIGA, the National Design Awards, and remains a vocal champion of ethical storytelling, health equity, and design as a force for public good.
