Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassily Danwei Zhao
Hi Cassily Danwei, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am an industrial designer who recently graduated from ArtCenter College of Design with a major in product design. My journey into the field of design has been long yet straightforward.
A fun fact about me is that when I was three years old and was asked about my dream, I said I wanted to be a designer. Little did I know that design encompasses many different specialties. This early fascination set the stage for my lifelong curiosity and passion.
Growing up, I was always drawn to creativity, spending countless hours drawing, painting, and taking things apart. These early interests naturally evolved into a passion for more structured forms of product design, which led me to pursue a formal education in this field. I knew clearly what I wanted to do in the future back in high school, so I directly started pursuing this path after graduating.
I recently graduated from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, where I studied from 2019 to 2024. The rigorous and comprehensive program provided me with a solid foundation in various design disciplines, from traditional art techniques to advanced digital design, benefiting me in all aspects. During my college years, I also had the opportunity to participate in exchange programs and internships in different countries, which equipped me with a broader way of perceiving design.
My time at ArtCenter was transformative, allowing me to refine my skills, develop my unique design perspective, and understand the broader impact of design on everyday life. Upon graduation, I am now fully transitioning into the professional world, taking on various opportunities and collaborative projects.
Here I am, a three-year-old’s dream comes true.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I can imagine that compared to some of my peers, my journey has been relatively smooth, with no major obstacles. However, I did face significant struggles during my college years. I enrolled in ArtCenter right after graduating from high school, which was a challenging transition. Before ArtCenter, I had never pulled an all-nighter. The first term as a college student brought countless sleepless nights, which was a big adjustment for me.
As I soon discovered, being a designer is really about time management and prioritizing tasks, and this applies just as much when you’re in school. In the beginning, I struggled a lot with managing my time effectively. The workload and expectations were overwhelming, and I had to quickly learn how to balance my projects and meet deadlines without compromising the quality of my work. Gradually, I became better at managing my time and prioritizing tasks. I developed strategies to stay organized and focused, which helped me cope with the demanding schedule. These skills have been invaluable not only in my academic journey but also in my professional career. Overcoming these challenges made me more resilient and prepared me for the realities of the design industry.
Adapting to different design philosophies and the hands-on nature of the work at ArtCenter was another significant challenge. The transition from theoretical approaches in high school to practical application required time and effort. I grew a lot along the way, personally and professionally by fabricating my own products for classes, which helped me bridge the gap between concept and creation.
These experiences, though challenging, have been essential in shaping my approach to design. They have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of practical skills, preparing me well for the professional world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an industrial designer specializing in consumer lifestyle products, electronics, and furniture. At this stage, I am probably best known for my furniture design. My work is driven by a passion for creating designs that forge an emotional connection with people. I aim to convey feelings that users can easily resonate with and embrace, such as moments of delightfulness or peace of mind. I find great fulfillment in knowing that my designs can positively impact people’s lives by bringing them moments of happiness and tranquility.
Achieving an emotional connection through my designs is essential because I believe that the best products are those that resonate on a deeper level with users. When a design evokes positive emotions, it transcends mere functionality and becomes a cherished part of someone’s life. This emotional bond can transform everyday objects into sources of joy and comfort, enhancing the overall user experience. I want my designs to do more than just solve problems; I want them to enrich lives by creating memorable and meaningful interactions.
To create this emotional connection, I first ensure that the product meets its functional expectations. Once the functionality is assured, I focus on the appearance. I believe color is the most crucial element in resonating with users. I conduct extensive research to understand my target user group and their preferences. This research guides my choices in color, materials, and finishes, helping to create designs that are visually appealing and emotionally engaging.
One of my greatest achievements is the “Alskar” lounge chair, which has received multiple accolades, including the A’ Design Award, SIT Design Award, IDA, Spark Award, and New York Product Design Award. Most recently, it earned me Silver in A Design, my first recognition as an individual design professional rather than a student. The “Alskar” lounge chair excels in functionality, offering optimal comfort and support with its ergonomic features. Its natural and elegant aesthetics add sophistication to any space. Designed to create an emotional connection, the chair evokes feelings of relaxation and well-being.
What sets me apart from others is probably my secret recipe, a combination of empathy, continuous learning, and a user-emotion approach. Empathy is the secret ingredient, allowing me to deeply understand and connect with the needs, desires, and challenges of the end-user. Continuous learning keeps me updated with the latest trends in the design field, tools, and technologies, enabling constant innovation and improvement. By focusing on the user’s emotion, I ensure that my designs are not only visually appealing but also impactful, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and delight.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a curious and inquisitive child, always eager to explore and understand the world around me. My personality was a blend of creativity and analytical thinking. I spent countless hours taking things apart, from remote controls to toys, to see how they worked, which nurtured my problem-solving skills and deepened my interest in the mechanics of objects.
I was also deeply passionate about art. My free time was often filled with drawing, painting, and working on mixed media projects. This artistic inclination allowed me to express myself creatively and develop a strong visual sense, which has been invaluable in my design career.
My parents were very supportive of my curiosity and creativity. They encouraged me to ask questions and explore, and they took me on travels to various places. These journeys exposed me to different cultures, diverse environments, and new languages, broadening my perspective and sparking my passion for design.
Overall, my childhood was characterized by a relentless curiosity, a love for art and creativity, and a supportive environment that encouraged exploration and learning. These traits have significantly influenced my approach to design, enabling me to create products that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally resonant.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cassilyzhao.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_danxveiii/
Image Credits
Cassily Danwei Zhao
