Meet Zhaodi Wang | Senior Interaction Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zhaodi Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zhaodi, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose the creative career because I’ve always been curious about the world. I’m drawn to what’s new, and what’s unfolding, and I find joy in learning and discovering. Design, for me, is like a window—it lets me see into different lives, hear untold stories, and connect with the world in ways that feel alive and exciting. It’s more than just solving problems or making things functional; it’s about reaching into the heart of what makes us human. Art and design have this quiet power to move people, to make them feel something deeper. And creativity? It’s the magic that makes it all possible. It’s my way of exploring, understanding, and leaving a little piece of myself in the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My design work is deeply rooted in the belief that technology should feel human. As an interaction designer, I specialize in creating experiences that are not only visually compelling but also intuitive and meaningful. What sets me apart is my ability to blend cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of human behavior, crafting designs that resonate on both functional and emotional levels. One project I’m particularly proud of is the Redox Website Design, where I designed an interactive platform that revolutionized how users engage with healthcare information. This project not only won multiple international design awards, including the London Design Awards and Muse Creative Awards, but also brings innovative ideas for user-centered design in the healthcare space. Additionally, as the Design Lead for the Design System at Verily Life Sciences, I created one of the most accessible design systems in the market, powering innovative health products that improve lives.
My journey hasn’t been linear. Early in my career, I faced challenges in figuring out how to make a bigger impact with my design skills and voice. By shifting my focus from physical space to the digital world, I found fulfillment in seeing my work benefit millions of users worldwide. Today, as a Senior Interaction designer at Google, I lead the design of next-generation payment experiences, making day-to-day payments more enjoyable, fun, and accessible to people in over 75 countries, particularly in developing regions.
I want the world to see my work as a testament to the power of design to connect, inspire, and transform. Through my designs, I aim to create experiences that not only meet users’ needs but also enrich their lives in meaningful ways. My work has been recognized by prestigious organizations such as the W3 Design Awards, CICA Museum, and AVA Digital Awards (Platinum Winner), etc. I’ve also had the privilege of participating the Google Research Conference, Google User Accessibility Conference about creating accessible products, and I’ve contributed to publications from MIT Senseable City Lab and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. As co-chair of the Harvard xDesign Conference, I brought together over 1,600 attendees and industry leaders from Microsoft Research, McKinsey, and other leading organizations. These experiences have solidified my reputation as a leader in interaction design, and I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries in this field.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting NYC, I’d take them to the Upper West Side for the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and great food. Here’s how we’d spend the time:

1. Culture & Nature: Start with the American Museum of Natural History—iconic and fascinating. Then, stroll through Central Park, hitting highlights like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. Grab lunch at Zabar’s for classic NYC deli vibes.
2. Food & Drinks: Brunch at Jacob’s Pickles for hearty comfort food, followed by coffee at Joe’s on Broadway. For dinner, try Dovetail for upscale dining or Barney Greengrass for a casual bagel and lox. End the night with cocktails at The Dead Poet.
3. Local Hangouts: Shop at West Side Market, catch a show at Lincoln Center, and browse The Strand Bookstore’s pop-up. Take a peaceful walk along Riverside Park for stunning skyline views.

The Upper West Side is my favorite neighborhood in Manhattan, with its charm, history, and laid-back vibe—it’s the perfect spot for a memorable week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my professor, Mr. Zhang Yujun, who taught Design 101 during my freshman year of college. I’m not even sure if he still remembers me (laughs), but his class was a turning point for me. I’ve always loved art and design since I was young, but it was in his class that I first experienced it in a structured, meaningful way. Every week, we spent four hours together exploring the works of artists and designers from around the world. Those moments were filled with such pure joy and curiosity—no pressure about careers or jobs, just a shared love for design and creativity. Through studying countless design cases with Prof. Zhang, I began to develop my own taste, experiment with different styles, and ultimately shape my perspective as a designer. He planted the seeds that grew into my design career, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhaodi-wang/

Image Credits
Ibuki Iwasaki, Lulu Tian, Google, René Ramos, Redox