We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jocelyn (ziying) Zhao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jocelyn (Ziying), so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I discovered my purpose through a continuous exploration of the intersection between art, technology, and design. My foundation in traditional painting provided me with a deep understanding of aesthetics and craftsmanship, but I always felt drawn to more dynamic and innovative forms of creative expression. My time at ArtCenter was transformative, as it was there that I began integrating technology with visual communication. This experience helped me realize that my true passion lies in pushing the boundaries of design by blending the digital with the physical.
Working on projects that involved creative coding, interactive design, and emerging technologies made me recognize the power of technology in unlocking new creative possibilities. At Google Creative Lab, my purpose has evolved further as I explore speculative design and generative AI, using these tools to imagine the future of design and human interaction. For me, design is not just a form of artistic expression but a vehicle for innovation, storytelling, and creating meaningful, immersive experiences that connect people in profound ways. My purpose is clear: to leverage design as a tool for reshaping how we engage with the world around us.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Jocelyn Ziying Zhao, a New York-based graphic designer currently working at Google Creative Lab, where I focus on integrating advanced technologies with visual communication. My expertise lies in bridging corporate technologies, such as generative design and creative coding, with forward-thinking design strategies. What sets my work apart is how I use technology not just to create visually engaging designs, but to develop immersive, interactive experiences that challenge the conventional boundaries of design.
What excites me most is the potential of generative AI to revolutionize the creative process. This technology allows for an incredible fusion of algorithms and artistic expression, unlocking new possibilities in design, art, and storytelling. Currently, I’m focused on projects that make creative fields—like art, film, and design—more accessible through technology, aiming to connect people to these fields in ways that enhance their own creativity.
My work is unique in its seamless blending of the digital and physical realms, creating experiences that resonate on multiple levels. Technologies such as AR, VR, and generative design are at the heart of my practice, as I continually push the boundaries of traditional design thinking. Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue exploring the intersection of AI and creativity, working toward a future where technology serves as a powerful tool for reimagining what’s possible in design and beyond. Through my work at Google Creative Lab, I strive to inspire others to embrace technology’s transformative potential in shaping the future of creative industries.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key factors that shaped my journey are adaptability, curiosity, and blending creativity with technology. Adaptability helped me embrace new tools like creative coding and AI, which are constantly reshaping design. For those starting out, I suggest staying open to learning and evolving with the field.
Curiosity has been essential, pushing me to experiment and explore new ideas, like how digital and physical spaces can intersect. I advise aspiring designers to stay curious and keep pushing boundaries.
Finally, merging creativity with technology has allowed me to create innovative and functional designs. Building skills in both creative thinking and technical tools will set you apart and prepare you for future challenges.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past year, I’ve grown most in my understanding of generative AI and speculative design. At Google Creative Lab, I’ve been exploring how AI can reshape creativity and merge with speculative design to envision future possibilities. This experience has expanded my thinking and pushed me to explore innovative ways technology can drive the future of design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jocelynzhao.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynzdesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-zhao-76838216b/
Image Credits
Jocelyn Ziying Zhao
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