Xiaoyi (Jan) Chen

She/Her/Hers
MIIPS, 2026

This is how to say my name:

 

What unique skills or interests do you bring to the iii?

I bring a creative, curious mindset shaped by my homeschooling experience, where learning was hands-on, flexible, and driven by exploration. I’ve always approached problems by thinking differently, often without even knowing there was a “right” way to do things. That’s helped me become resourceful, resilient, and open to new perspectives. I also love using storytelling and empathy in my design work, drawing from literature and life experiences. These skills help me connect ideas in unexpected ways and design with meaning. At iii, I hope to bring this open-minded, thoughtful energy into a community of other curious, driven makers.

Why MIIPS?

What really draws me to the MIIPS program at CMU is how it brings together engineering, design, and business in such a hands-on, collaborative way. In my past projects, I’ve often felt stuck between not being able to fully engage in every part of a complex product and not having the resources to do it all myself. MIIPS feels like the perfect balance, where people with different skills come together to build innovative, real-world solutions. I also love that the program welcomes people at different stages of their careers, works with companies in so many industries, and keeps a big-picture, future-focused mindset while tackling real issues. It seems like the kind of environment where I could both grow and give back.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Product Design at the Pratt Institute 

Experience

Working as a CMF co-op at SharkNinja

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

After graduation, I’m aiming for a role where I can design innovative, user-centered products that improve daily life while addressing broader challenges like mental wellness and sustainability. I’m especially interested in positions that allow me to work at the intersection of design, technology, and human experience. I’d love to join a forward-thinking company that values collaboration across disciplines, or eventually start my own design studio focused on lifestyle and wellness. Either way, I want to help bring thoughtful, inclusive, and tech-integrated products into the real world.