Xinyi Zhao

About

I’m a Product Designer with a focus on AI and UX for complex software interfaces. My Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction and Design (MHCI+D) at the University of Washington gave me a strong foundation in user-centered design principles, combining research, usability heuristics, and interaction design. Through my capstone project in collaboration with Adobe, my team explored innovative solutions to enhance the layer list interface in creative tools, transforming user pain points into actionable design improvements. This experience strengthened my prototyping, interaction design, and cross-functional collaboration skills. I’m passionate about creating intuitive, human-centered digital experiences that balance user needs with business goals. I’m eager to contribute to teams building impactful products that leverage AI and design to help users work smarter and more creatively.

Experience

• Product Designer | UW MHCID Capstone Project · Adobe2025-03-01 – 2025-08-01

  - A 6-month UW HCID capstone project focused on rethinking the layer list interface in creative tools, in partnership with an industry advisor from Adobe. - Collaborated weekly with Adobe advisor to align on design goals, technical feasibility, and iteration feedback. - Conducted user research and competitive analysis to uncover core pain points in managing complex layer structures. - Designed and prototyped interaction models for layer grouping and selection, aiming to reduce user friction and improve cognitive flow. - Applied UX principles and usability heuristics to guide ideation and validation phases. - Facilitated co-design sessions and user testing to refine concepts and evaluate impact on task efficiency and mental load.

• Designer · Hudson Wilder2023-12-01 – 2024-04-01
• Creative Design Intern · Hudson Wilder2023-04-01 – 2023-12-01
• Design Intern · Once–Future Office2023-10-01 – 2024-04-01
• Design Apprentice · AREA 172022-07-01 – 2022-12-01
• Design Intern · BlueTown Architects2021-05-01 – 2021-08-01

Education

• University of WashingtonMaster's degree, Human Computer Interaction
• Parsons School of Design - The New SchoolBachelor of Fine Arts - BFA, Communication Design

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