Stella Zhou
[ˈstɛl.ə dʒoʊ] • Product Designer
I believe design has the power to make everyday moments a little brighter and more human. The best design isn’t just something you notice, it’s something you feel.
I enjoy bringing structure to messy, ambiguous problems, balancing user needs with business goals and technical constraints, and shaping solutions that are thoughtful, practical, and creatively driven.
MY Journey ↓
How it shifted from industrial design
I thought I enjoyed designing tangible products, but somewhere along the way, my focus shifted toward people: their stories, their frustrations, and the small moments they wish worked better. Now I design to advocate for users while balancing business goals and product requirements.
When design sparks joy
I never set out to be an artist, but art found its way into my work. It taught me that good design, like good art, makes people feel something. At Harman, I saw a light show and a song turn into a shared, joyful memory. That was the moment it clicked. The best experiences aren't just used. They are felt and remembered. And that’s the kind I want to create more of.
Then things got messy (in the best way)
HCI didn’t give me answers. It gave me questions. Questions about ethics, systems, and consequences. At IUB, I learned that good design is not a straight line. It’s messy, full of trade-offs, and sometimes uncomfortable. But that is also where the real work happens: asking better questions, sitting with complexity, and knowing when to pause instead of push.
Now: Designing with Impact in the People Business
At BCG X, I help clients turn chaos into clarity. I work closely with consultants, PMs, engineers, data scientists, researchers, and external stakeholders to design thoughtful solutions and bring value to every collaboration. I'm not just focused on shipping outputs; I'm committed to owning outcomes. I believe thoughtful design drives change, builds trust, and leads to real-world impact.
If i'm not designing
I will probably write half-finished short stories on my typewriter or dream up entire worlds while lost in a book or a show.
I turn memories into watercolor sketches. It’s how I slow down and remind myself that some things just can’t be digitized.
I see movement as meditation and believe change is the only constant. If I ever disappear from tech, check the stationery café where the Wi-Fi is slow but the pens are excellent.
