Chengxing (Johnny) Zou

He/Him/His
MIIPS, 2025

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About

I possess a fervent interest in devising user experience design projects which leverage emergent technologies to drive the evolution of existing products and present innovative solutions to tangible issues. A case in point is SnowVision, which encapsulates the amalgamation of entertainment and groundbreaking technology. The genesis of this project is rooted in my aspiration to reconfigure and augment the skiing experience by weaving in AR technology with snow goggles. After comprehensive market analysis, background study, and user research, I designed assistance features to amplify user safety, gamification elements to stimulate indulgence, and a social system to coordinate group activities. The design is endeavored to magnify the safety and entertainment quotient for users across all proficiency levels in skiing. This emulation is representational of the potential harbored in merging avant-garde technology with real-world applications to overhaul the outdoor sports experience. It stands as a testament to my dedication to honing my skills in designing more innovative and user-centric amenities to enrich the user's future experiences. During my experience as a UI/UX designer for a Web 3.0 product company. I participated in and led vibrant projects like Tanglepay Wallet, a Web 3.0 crypto wallet app designed for P2P transactions leveraging the new IOTA technology. I created project narratives and storyboards to convey the value proposition to potential users and stakeholders, which enhanced my understanding of Web 3.0 technology and improved my skills in creative thinking and visual communication. I also honed my research and analysis skills by initiating and optimizing user and market studies to tailor the product's feature plan and functionality. Through collaborating with other departments, I have aligned project goals and user needs and assisted in developing business strategies. After the successful launch, I continued implementing design improvements based on user feedback and research, which improved user satisfaction. This experience not only nurtured my professional growth but also improved my ability to collaborate and lead within a team. My journey within the company has prepared me to embrace the opportunities offered in the MIIPS program at CMU, where I aspire to develop my skills further, collaborate with talented individuals, and contribute to create more innovative products.

Why MIIPS?

I believe the interdisciplinary and progressive curriculum, from introducing the central concepts of product innovation and design to critical skills of user research and visual communication to essentials of business strategies, including project incubation, development, and management, the program teaches could help refine my existing projects. Under the guidance of esteemed faculty and industry practitioners and in collaboration with talented peers, I will receive and assimilate valuable insights and further improve my thinking and skills in creating, developing, and managing an innovative project. With enriched perspectives and project experience, I eagerly anticipate contributing, learning, and pioneering new paths in MIIPS program at CMU.

Education

Interior Design at the Pratt Institute

Experience

User Experience Designer for a Web 3.0 product company

What type of role are you looking to obtain after you graduate?

My immediate objective is to establish a venerated career as a user experience designer and project manager—driven by an unwavering commitment to formulating holistic, user-centric designs that seamlessly bridge the gap between innovative technology and the intrinsic needs of individuals. My goal is to create user experiences that are not merely useful but also delightfully engaging, making everyday interactions with technology a source of joy and continuous discovery. 

In the long term, my aspirations encompass establishing an interdisciplinary design studio dedicated to crafting innovative and integrative solutions for contextual problems, while spearheading the development of groundbreaking products that redefine the very essence of existing technology. I envision translating abstract concepts and designs into tangible and palpable manifestations through the power of collaborative teamwork—ultimately providing definitive answers to societal needs and questions, while leaving an indelible impact on the community and the world at large.