Sam Keene

Sam Keene is the Head of UX Engineering at Google Maps. Since 2021, he has led the global UXE team across all surfaces, including Driving, Search, and AR. Most recently, Sam has driven Geo UX’s AI transformation through the scaling of vibe prototyping, the redesign of Driving navigation, and the launch of the AI-powered “Ask Maps” experience.

A creative technologist at heart, Sam’s passion for blending design and code started in the late 80s programming a Commodore 64. Over his career (including a decade at Google and time at R/GA and Nike in the US) he has helped build game-changing products like the Nike FuelBand, YouTube VR, and Google Maps World-Scale AR. His work has been recognized globally with Cannes Gold Lions, D&AD, and One Show awards. Sam is the author of the Google Daydream VR Cookbook and a former Interactive Media lecturer at RMIT.