{"id":36853,"date":"2025-03-24T10:44:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T10:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/muse.international\/?p=36853"},"modified":"2025-03-26T04:25:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T04:25:36","slug":"how-andi-zhou-senior-ux-researcher-at-amazon-created-graingather-to-aid-refugees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/muse.international\/index\/how-andi-zhou-senior-ux-researcher-at-amazon-created-graingather-to-aid-refugees\/","title":{"rendered":"How Andi Zhou, Senior UX Researcher at Amazon, Created Grain&Gather to Aid Refugees"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Andi Zhou, a Sr. UX Researcher at Amazon, leads global warehouse experience research. With a background in Design and Art History, Zhou has shaped UX in the automotive industry and explores conceptual designs for a more inclusive future. Zhou\u2019s work has earned recognition in international awards and exhibitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your background.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hello, my name is Andi Zhou. I am a designer and user researcher with a mixed academic background in Design and Art History. I specialize in understanding human sentiments and translating them into empathetic design actions that foster well-being and spark joy. With a proven track record of understanding how people operate under stress, I am deeply passionate about designing for underserved communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, I work as a full-time Sr. UX Researcher at Amazon, leading user experience research for global warehouse operations. In the past, I have also worked in the automotive industry as a UX designer and design strategist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the significant global impact of my work in corporations, I am actively involved in conceptual designs that provoke thought for a more inclusive future. My work has been recognized and showcased in international design awards and exhibitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q2. What made you become\/why did you choose to become a product designer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have always been captivated by the power of \u201ccrafts\u201d in human societies. When I studied art history at Sichuan Fine Arts Institute for my undergraduate degree, I conducted desk research on traditional craftsmanship in southwest China, which sparked my interest in the utility of objects and the human aspect of design. This experience led me to design school and ultimately to a career in design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether through hands-on design or conducting research for design, I believe that good design can make the world a better, more inclusive place for humans to live in. Good design encompasses both the utility aspect for humans and the provocative aspect that drives innovation and raises social awareness\u2014both of which, I believe, are equally important for our society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q3, Tell us more about your business \/ company \/ job profile and what you do.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I bring nearly six years of corporate experience to my role as a Sr. UX Researcher at Amazon, leading user experience research for global Last Mile and Middle Mile delivery warehouse innovation. My role blends analytical skills, strategy, and creativity, navigating the complexities of the delivery business while prioritizing user well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though my role title doesn\u2019t explicitly include \u201cdesign,\u201d I remain deeply involved in the creative process alongside other designers, beyond the usual scope of conducting user research in the field or over video calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My philosophy on designing in a corporate environment, where scopes can be vast, is that successful design requires collective wisdom, close collaboration, and a shared foundation of empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q4. What does design mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As cheesy as it may sound, design is my everyday philosophical questioning of how the world should operate better for people. Design is a way of problem-solving that makes the complex more approachable, the invisible visible, and ultimately, the world more equitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But design isn\u2019t just about solving problems\u2014it\u2019s also a way to push boundaries and provoke thought. Whether it’s a tool that makes everyday tasks easier or a concept that challenges societal norms, design has the power to change how we think and act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q5. What’s your favorite kind of design and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dieter Rams’ 10 Principles of Good Design are at the core of my creative philosophy. While studying at the University for <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t have a single favorite kind of design, as I believe the beauty of design lies in its ability to adapt to various contexts and needs. I work primarily in user experience design, spanning different platforms and devices, software and hardware. What excites me is the challenge of creating seamless, human-centered experiences, no matter the medium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it’s digital interfaces, physical products, or systems-level thinking, I find joy in understanding how people interact with each. What matters most to me is the opportunity to solve real-world problems in ways that are meaningful, inclusive, and empathetic. For me, it\u2019s not about the medium but about the impact that design can have on people’s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grain&Gather<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the journey of Baoqi Ding & Chuoer Liang<\/a>, the Silver Winners of the 2024 NY Product Design Awards. They are UX designers with distinct strengths and a shared passion for innovation. Baoqi Ding develops AI-powered solutions at QuillBot under Learneo, while Chuoer Liang enhances e-commerce experiences at Inmar Intelligence, creating features that drive sales and loyalty. Together, they also collaborate on side projects like Furco.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Andi Zhou, a Sr. UX Researcher at Amazon, leads global warehouse experience research. 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