Hello, my name is Andi Zhou. I am a designer and user researcher with a mixed academic background in Design and Art History. I specialize in understanding human sentiments and translating them into empathetic design actions that foster well-being and spark joy. With a proven track record of understanding how people operate under stress, I am deeply passionate about designing for underserved communities.

Currently, I work as a full-time Sr. UX Researcher at Amazon, leading user experience research for global warehouse operations. In the past, I have also worked in the automotive industry as a UX designer and design strategist.

Beyond the significant global impact of my work in corporations, I am actively involved in conceptual designs that provoke thought for a more inclusive future. My work has been recognized and showcased in international design awards and exhibitions.

I have always been captivated by the power of “crafts” in human societies. When I studied art history at Sichuan Fine Arts Institute for my undergraduate degree, I conducted desk research on traditional craftsmanship in southwest China, which sparked my interest in the utility of objects and the human aspect of design. This experience led me to design school and ultimately to a career in design.

Whether through hands-on design or conducting research for design, I believe that good design can make the world a better, more inclusive place for humans to live in. Good design encompasses both the utility aspect for humans and the provocative aspect that drives innovation and raises social awareness—both of which, I believe, are equally important for our society.

I bring nearly six years of corporate experience to my role as a Sr. UX Researcher at Amazon, leading user experience research for global Last Mile and Middle Mile delivery warehouse innovation. My role blends analytical skills, strategy, and creativity, navigating the complexities of the delivery business while prioritizing user well-being.

Even though my role title doesn’t explicitly include “design,” I remain deeply involved in the creative process alongside other designers, beyond the usual scope of conducting user research in the field or over video calls.

My philosophy on designing in a corporate environment, where scopes can be vast, is that successful design requires collective wisdom, close collaboration, and a shared foundation of empathy.

As cheesy as it may sound, design is my everyday philosophical questioning of how the world should operate better for people. Design is a way of problem-solving that makes the complex more approachable, the invisible visible, and ultimately, the world more equitable.

But design isn’t just about solving problems—it’s also a way to push boundaries and provoke thought. Whether it's a tool that makes everyday tasks easier or a concept that challenges societal norms, design has the power to change how we think and act.

I don’t have a single favorite kind of design, as I believe the beauty of design lies in its ability to adapt to various contexts and needs. I work primarily in user experience design, spanning different platforms and devices, software and hardware. What excites me is the challenge of creating seamless, human-centered experiences, no matter the medium.

Whether it's digital interfaces, physical products, or systems-level thinking, I find joy in understanding how people interact with each. What matters most to me is the opportunity to solve real-world problems in ways that are meaningful, inclusive, and empathetic. For me, it’s not about the medium but about the impact that design can have on people's lives.

I believe in a balance between functionality and creative exploration, where the practical and the imaginative work together to shape a better, more inclusive future.

At its core, good design always begins with empathy—it’s about understanding people, their struggles, and their goals, and crafting something that resonates with them on a deeper level.

A good design solves real problems while creating a positive experience for users, both functionally and emotionally. It pushes boundaries, adapts to changing needs, and fosters inclusivity. Additionally, good design is iterative, benefiting from constant refinement and collaboration to evolve alongside user expectations.

Finally, sustainability is key in today’s context—a good design should always consider its long-term impact on both people and the world.

My design process is deeply rooted in empathy, collaboration, and iteration. I don’t want to recite the “double diamond” human-centered design process, as it’s such a classic for designers.

My process typically starts with understanding the user—who they are, their needs, their pain points, and their context. I believe the best design solutions stem from deeply understanding the people I’m designing for.

This might be controversial to some: not every project needs thorough research because each might have different resource constraints, but having empathy is key.

For example, when we first had the idea for Grain&Gather, our award-winning project, we started by analyzing food assistance content available online, including watching many videos through the lens of people who couldn’t afford food in difficult times.

Then, I typically move into synthesis and brainstorming. Collaboration is critical in this phase as we explore a variety of ideas, build on top of them, and refine our direction before converging on anything “good.” Next, in the prototyping phase, the most important mental model for me is iteration.

No design is perfect on the first try, so I embrace an iterative approach, gathering feedback from real users and refining the solution to make it as effective and impactful as possible.

In essence, my process is all about staying user-focused, being open to iteration, and finding the right balance between innovation and practicality.

Absolutely, my Chinese heritage has deeply influenced my design process. Growing up in China, I was surrounded by a rich history of craftsmanship and cultural symbolism, which shaped my early appreciation for the power of design in everyday life.

What’s interesting about my Chinese background is that I have lived and played in different regions of the vast country, giving me a broad view of the culture as a whole and the nuances between those places. But overall, traditional Chinese craft and design often emphasize balance, harmony, and thoughtfulness, which I carry with me in my work today.

Having spent the last several years in the United States, I’ve gained a broader perspective on design that fuses my cultural roots with the innovative, user-centered approaches prominent in Western design thinking.

This blend of influences allows me to approach design challenges with both a deep sense of cultural empathy and a commitment to innovation and inclusivity.

Winning the 2024 NY Product Design Award is an incredible honor for me and my team. It validates the hard work, passion, and creativity we bring to every project and reaffirms our belief that design can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

On a personal level, this award recognizes the journey I’ve taken in design. I have explored many different facets of the field, and having worked as a researcher for a global corporation, it takes commitment and effort to step back, form a team outside of everyday work, and create something provocative and innovative out of passion.

Winning this award feels like a milestone for both me and my teammate. It motivates us to continue striving for excellence and designing with empathy, inclusivity, and sustainability at the forefront. We hope this award encourages others in the design community to pursue their passions and create meaningful change through their own designs.

The winning project, Grain&Gather, is a packaging and service design concept aimed at providing dignified food assistance to international refugees in urban areas.

We designed it with a strong focus on mental and physical well-being, striving to make food support more accessible to newly arrived individuals. This project addresses common barriers refugees face today, such as language differences, dietary needs, and the fear of authority, which can hinder their access to vital food assistance.

We chose to enter this project into the 2024 NY Product Design Awards because it embodies our belief that design can make a significant difference in people's lives, particularly for underserved communities. Grain&Gather represents the culmination of my commitment to empathetic, inclusive design.

I felt it was crucial to showcase a project that not only solves practical problems but also fosters a sense of dignity and belonging for those who need it most. Receiving recognition for this work is not just a personal achievement—it highlights the importance of addressing social issues through thoughtful design.

Winning the 2024 NY Product Design Awards has validated the hard work and passion I pour into my projects, reinforcing my belief that design can bring meaningful change to people’s lives. This recognition has not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in design.

Additionally, this award has inspired me to take on more ambitious projects that address pressing social issues. It has encouraged me to explore ways in which my design practice can further engage with underserved communities and create impactful solutions.

Overall, winning this award has been not only a significant milestone in my career but also a catalyst for growth and exploration in my design journey.

Commitment to user-centered approaches: I like how the design industry has evolved to be more focused on empathy and user needs. There’s a growing understanding that design isn’t just about aesthetics but about creating meaningful, human-centered experiences.

This approach allows us to design solutions that resonate deeply with people, and it’s something I’m deeply passionate about.

Endless opportunities for innovation: With the evolution of technologies, the design industry has limitless opportunities to innovate and experiment with new technologies, materials, and processes.

I love that design always has room for pushing boundaries and exploring the next big thing.

Impact on everyday life: One of the most rewarding aspects of design is its impact on people’s lives. From the products we use to the environments we interact with, design shapes how we experience the world.

It’s fulfilling to know that the work we do can make a positive difference in how people live, work, and connect.

Everybody is talking about AI and machine learning and how they will change the design industry. Personally, I don’t see AI replacing creative roles, but it will enable designers to work smarter and faster, from taking away the “busy work” to creating more personalized user experiences.

However, designers will need to ensure that AI-driven solutions remain ethical and inclusive, which I believe will be a growing responsibility in our field.

Sustainability will also become an even more critical focus. With the urgent need to address environmental challenges, I expect the design industry to move toward more circular design practices—using sustainable materials, reducing waste, and creating products that can be reused or repurposed. Designers will be key players in leading this shift by making eco-friendly design decisions.

If I had to leave one piece of advice, it would be to stay adaptable. The design landscape is constantly evolving with new tools, technologies, and trends. Being open to change and willing to pivot when necessary will help you stay ahead.

But most importantly, remember to stay true to your values as a designer. Design has the power to shape the world, and it’s up to us to ensure that we’re using that power for good—creating solutions that are inclusive, thoughtful, and impactful.

I’d just like to emphasize how grateful I am for the recognition and to highlight the importance of design’s impact beyond aesthetics and functionality. In my opinion, design should be a tool for social change, and I hope to continue working on projects that not only meet user needs but also address larger societal issues like inclusivity, sustainability, and mental well-being.

I believe that as designers, we have the responsibility and privilege to create a better world through our work, and I’m excited to see how the field continues to evolve in this direction.