I draw inspiration from everyday objects, using them to create designs that feel intuitive and meaningful.
I was born in Harbin, also known as the "Ice City" in northeastern China. Every winter, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with stunning theme parks and entire landscapes built from pure ice and snow. Growing up there, it's always been proud to share this unique experience with people from all over the world.
At 17, I moved to Beijing for college, where I spent four transformative years studying business. During that time, I not only expanded my academic knowledge but also grew personally. One of the most memorable spots on campus was a building covered in ivy, which turned a stunning shade of red in the fall.
After graduation, I pursued my academic goal in supply chain management in the US. A unique tradition on campus involved "Testudo," the statue of a turtle in front of the library. Before final exams, students would touch its head for good luck, and over the years, this ritual made the turtle's head gleam brightly from all the well-wishing hands.
I joined Apple immediately after completing my graduate program. As an operational specialist, I gained insights into the responsibilities and challenges faced by different teams. Along the way, I developed a strong interest in the manufacturing process as I learned more about it.
After transitioning to the role of global supply manager, I managed iPhone component production for three generations in a more operations-focused capacity. My first on-site experience with factories in Shenzhen was a turning point. Seeing the production lines and the entire manufacturing process up close, I realized that my true passion lay in product design.
27. California, USA - ArtCenter College of Design
Bachelor Candidate in Product Design
After three years of preparation while working, I’m proud to now be a product design student at ArtCenter. I’ve come to realize that the saying, “passion and hard work make dreams come true,” is far from a cliché — it's my reality.
Thank you for seeing my story.
Let’s make dreams come true.
Zoe Ren
Let’s make dreams come true.
Zoe Ren