Meet Zhenghao Huang | Industrial Designer & Design Strategist

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

Hi Zhenghao, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk management has been one of the most challenging aspects of my life and career. Every decision involves some level of sacrifice, often without realizing it at the moment. For me, it’s about balancing the expected gains against the risks, considering both short-term and long-term impacts as far as I can foresee and control.

When I decided to transfer my master’s education from the EU to the US, I faced significant risks. I spent so much time working on my portfolio and applications that it impacted my focus on my EU studies, risking lower grades and affecting my progress. To manage this, I aimed to strike a balance by prioritizing passing all courses and selecting manageable ones within my ability range. Fortunately, I was accepted into ArtCenter and successfully transitioned from the EU to the US. However, new risks have emerged, such as the challenging job market and global tensions, which were beyond my control or prediction. Moving forward, my focus is on adapting to these challenges and maintaining a holistic perspective on the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From May to August 2024, I interned as an Industrial Designer at Harman International, where I had the honor of joining the Huemen design studio and contributing to the JBL professional team. This experience taught me valuable lessons in professional communication, both within and across departments. I’m known for my logical thinking and reasoning, which I apply to every conversation and design decision. For me, Industrial Design goes far beyond aesthetics—it’s about a deep understanding of how a product should function, considering human, business, and technological aspects.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges, but I learned to analyze key factors and find effective ways to achieve short-term successes. I also recognized the importance of accepting the environment and unchangeable factors, facing the future with a realistic perspective. I firmly believe that, in time, I will confidently speak as a recognized industrial designer, whether in my home country or the US. You can trust me as a thoughtful and dedicated designer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would love to start by taking them to visit my college in Pasadena. The ArtCenter College of Design’s hillside campus offers a unique mountain view and an environment that’s truly inspiring. The dedicated studios, designed specifically for creatives, are unlike any other university classrooms. The people who study and teach at ArtCenter are incredibly dynamic, offering refreshing ideas and always staying on top of the latest trends. A conversation with them can open up new perspectives, and after a thorough tour, it’s easy to see why this place has produced so many great artists and designers.

After exploring the campus, we can head down to downtown Pasadena. The area is rich with restaurants offering diverse cuisines from around the world, from Western to Eastern dishes and various drinks. There are also plenty of shops, from electronics to fashion, where you can find anything you need.

Once we’ve enjoyed the city, I’d love to take my friends to Santa Monica Beach, where nature meets modern life. We can soak in the ocean views and enjoy all the fun activities the area has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents have supported me every step of the way, taking care of both the financial costs and my emotional well-being. I also want to give a special shoutout to the professors who have significantly impacted my journey. Richard Appleby, my undergraduate professor and department head, guided me through my thesis design project and wrote several recommendation letters for me. Rhys Duindam, a former Industrial Design Consultant/Teacher at TU Eindhoven, led my team project and supported my application to ArtCenter after a deep discussion where he understood my perspective. Finally, Andy Ogden and Lan Yu, the heads of Grad Industrial Design at ArtCenter, who selected me as a candidate for Grad ID at ArtCenter—thank you for opening up my future.

Website: https://www.zhenghaodesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhenghao_h0104/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhenghao-huang-8a351821b/?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

Image Credits
Zhenghao Huang