Life & Work with Qiaozhi Zhuang of Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Qiaozhi Zhuang.

Hi Qiaozhi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey with design began in middle school when I discovered how much I enjoyed drawing and creating visuals that communicated ideas. Over time, this simple hobby turned into something much deeper. I realized design was not only a form of expression but also a way to understand problems and shape the way people interact with the world around them.

As I continued my studies, I moved into interaction design and later into digital product design. I gained experience at Tencent Maps, where I worked on mobility and navigation experiences, and at TikTok, where I explored design systems and large-scale product improvements. These opportunities helped me understand users more deeply and taught me how design can create measurable impact at scale.

Where I am today is the result of curiosity, persistence, and many years of loving the craft of design. The passion I discovered as a teenager is still the thing that drives me forward, and I continue to build my career around creating thoughtful, user-centered experiences.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a completely smooth road. Early on, I struggled with confidence and with understanding how to balance creative ideas with real product constraints. Working on large-scale products also taught me how important communication and alignment are, and there were moments when my ideas were changed or not adopted.

The design industry itself can be competitive, which brought its own pressure. But those challenges pushed me to grow, refine my skills, and develop a clearer sense of how I want to design. Looking back, the difficult moments were the ones that helped me mature the most as a designer.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am not an artist in the traditional sense, but my creativity comes from understanding users and exploring how design can support their needs. I work on digital products that simplify complexity and create clarity, focusing on structure, flow, and interaction.

What I enjoy most is using creativity in a purposeful way, turning insights into experiences that feel intuitive and meaningful. I am proud of my ability to bring calmness and coherence to products through thoughtful details. What sets me apart is my sensitivity to how people move through a digital space and my commitment to designing experiences that feel both functional and quietly expressive.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I see risk as something meaningful when it aligns with a larger purpose. I do not take risks casually, but I am willing to step into uncertainty when it supports my growth or allows me to create deeper impact through design.

A major risk I took was committing to design as a career at a time when the industry felt unstable. I chose it because it felt true to who I am, even without guaranteed outcomes. I also took risks by entering new environments where I had to learn quickly and adapt, from large tech companies to fast-paced startups.

I do not think of myself as a dramatic risk-taker, but I believe in intentional risks. The uncertain moments often became turning points that helped me grow, stay curious, and move toward work that feels meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ennisz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qiaozhi_03/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qiaozhi-zhuang-aa3395259/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ennis_zhuang