​About
Personal Profile
From animations and movies to games, Siyu Xiao has always been passionate about exploring these virtual worlds and have integrated them into his daily life—not just through screens but through collecting as well. Figures, toys, LEGOs, and posters immerse him in the intersection of the digital and physical worlds, constantly revealing connections between them. This spirit of exploration has shaped his design journey, from industrial design to user experience, where he strives to connect people, technology, and the environment.
As a multidisciplinary designer currently studying Engineering Design Innovation at Northwestern University, Siyu focuses on user experience design and product management. His internships have given him experience in UX design, brand strategy, and industrial design, working on projects that span from automotive accessories to smart home experiences.
Driven by curiosity, attention to detail, and dedication, Siyu explored user experiences through a human-centered perspective—from the interactive interfaces of games to the spatial planning of modular healthcare buildings, and the tactile feel of products. He firmly believe that human-centered design is a bridge connecting people, technology, and the environment, traversing both the physical and virtual realms. Siyu's goal is to continuously push boundaries, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change through innovative and sustainable design, creating a positive impact in all his endeavors.
EDUCATION.
Northwestern University
Sep. 2024 - Present
MS, Engineering Design Innovation
Pratt Institute
Aug. 2020 - May. 2024
BID, Industrial and Product Design
Minor: Sustainability Studies
GPA:3.9
WORK EXPERIENCE.
Segal Design Institute, Northwestern University
Design Coach
Jun. 2024- Aug 2024
-
Guided undergraduate students in improving design sketching skills through personalized feedback and demonstrations.
-
Assisted the professor in enhancing students’ proficiency in 2D representation techniques, contributing to overall course success.
American Honda Motor
UX Design &
Brand Strategy Co-op​
Jun. 2024- Aug 2024
-
Developed brand strategies and advanced UX designs for future Acura and Honda models in close collaboration with the design team, ensuring cohesive technology-integrated, and forward-thinking user experiences.
-
Drove creative designs for future products by leveraging research, storytelling, and interdisciplinary skills, offering unique perspectives as a next-generation designer to shape innovative solutions.
Carfu Car Accessories
Industrial Design Intern​
Jul. 2023 - Jan 2024
-
Led the design of auto accessory products from concept to production, with a focus on market trends and cost-effectiveness. Collaborated closely with engineers to meet technical standards and ensure manufacturing feasibility.
-
Represented the company at AAPEX 2023, introducing products to international clients. To date, over 50,000 units of my design have been sold globally, with sales continuing to grow, strengthening business relationships and expanding market reach.
Huawei Technologies
Smart Home Intern
Jun. 2023 - Jul 2023
-
Designed layouts and exhibition spaces for the OpenLab, enhancing visitor engagement through interactive displays, leveraging modeling and rendering skills to support the company's strategic vision.
-
Supported cross-disciplinary teams in creating interactive exhibition boards for Shenzhen Anju Group and contributed to the Smart Elderly Care initiative, integrating graphic and industrial design expertise.
HONORS.
FIT SPORT DESIGN AWARDS 2024, Winner — May. 2024
​
European Product Design Award 2024, Top Design in Gaming Appliances
— Feb. 2024​
​
European Product Design Award 2024, Winner in Outdoor Equipment & Accessories — Feb. 2024​
​
European Product Design Award 2024, Winner in HOME / Bathroom Accessories — Feb. 2024​
​
European Product Design Award 2024, Winner in Sustainable: Home Products — Feb. 2024​
​
IDA Design Awards 2023, Gold in Home / Bathroom Fittings/Appliances — Jan. 2024
​
IDA Design Awards 2023, Silver in Eco Design / Sustainable Home Products
— Jan. 2024
​
IDA Design Awards 2023, Silver in Healthcare Architecture Design / Other Healthcare Designs — Jan. 2024
​
IDA Design Awards 2023, Silver in Toys, Gaming & Leisure / Gamepads
— Jan. 2024
​
IDA Design Awards 2023, Silver in Home / Home: Lighting Outdoor — Jan. 2024
​
LIT LIGHTING DESIGN AWARDS 2023, Winner (Student Category) — Dec. 2023
​
2023 NYC x DESIGN Awards, Winner (Student Category) — May. 2023
​
Red Dot Award: Design Concept, Finalist — Jun. 2023
​
The A' Design Award and Competition 2022 - 2023 Period, Runner-Up (Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Category) — Apr. 2023
​
2023 Rowena Reed Kostellow Award, Nominee — Apr. 2023
​
2022 IESNYC Student Lighting Competition, Honorable Mention — Apr. 2022​
PROJECT & ACTIVITIES.
Home Care Product Development: Procter & Gamble / NU Design Studio
Designer
Sep. 2024 - Present
Developing dishwashing products for P&G under a user-centered approach with a team of cohort students
ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) 2024
Exhibitor
May. 2024
Curated the exhibition layout for the Honda/Pratt workshop and presented project outcomes.
Speculative Design Project: Honda / Pratt Workshop - The Future You Wish For
Conceptualized speculative solutions for the future of mobility with the Honda design team.
Designer
Jan. 2024 - May.2024
AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) 2023
Exhibitor
Oct. 2023
Promoted products to international clients through clear communication and managed the showroom setup.
Collaborate Design Project with Corticeira Amorim
Designer
Jan. 2023 - May. 2023
Designed cork products for the sponsor, exploring innovative applications of cork material.