Articles by Aiko Yokoyama
Engineering
There Is No Single Best Authentication Method
Face authentication, passkeys, SMS authentication, voice authentication—which is the "best" method? People are different, and so are the environments in which they use systems. Instead of choosing one method and stopping there, let's think about authentication design that includes alternative paths to help people reach their destination safely.
2026/09/14 ·
Engineering
Authentication Has Become an Entrance
Authentication is no longer just about confirming who someone is. It can record attendance, retrieve information, and start the next workflow. In this Engineering Time, we look at authentication not as a barrier that stops people, but as an entrance that helps them move forward safely and smoothly.
2026/09/07 ·
Engineering
Disaster Prevention Day: Does Your System Have an "Escape Route"?
In Japan, September 1 is Disaster Prevention Day—a time to review evacuation routes and communication plans. But what about the information our systems need to deliver? When one communication method is unavailable, what comes next? Let's use Disaster Prevention Day as an opportunity to think about the "escape routes" built into our systems.
2026/08/31 ·
Engineering
Automation Is Not About Reducing People
Is the purpose of automation to eliminate human work? By letting systems handle repetitive tasks and the work machines do well, people can spend more time thinking, making decisions, communicating, and caring for others. Let's think about automation that gives people more time to do the work humans do best.
2026/08/24 ·
Engineering
Don't start with the code. Start with the change you want to create.
An engineer's job is about more than writing code. It's about understanding people's problems and using technology to create meaningful change. A single line of code that makes someone say, "That's useful!" or "That really helps!" can be worth more than thousands of lines that solve the wrong problem.
2026/08/17 ·
Engineering
Don't Create More Work for People
Engineering time is one of your most valuable resources. Good system design is not only about deciding what to build, but also what not to build. By making smart use of well-established shared services, your team can focus on the parts of the system that truly create value.
2026/07/24 ·
Industry
Connect Only What You Need
A great customer support system doesn't have to be complete from day one. Start with what you need today, and design a system that can grow with your business. In the final chapter of the Warm Automation series, we explore why small, incremental design often leads to better customer experiences.
2026/07/17 ·