About Me

Elaine Zhang

I design tools, systems, and experiences for interaction, collaboration, and education.

Hello! My name is Elaine and I am a senior studying Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design with a concentration in Computation. I take a research-driven, systems-thinking approach to design and I’m fascinated by how people learn, interact, and adapt - especially in spaces where technology meets everyday life.

When I’m not designing, you’ll find me in different cafes, on a mountain, or exploring new ways to make the fastest and tastiest recipes. I’m always excited to connect and hear about what’s fueling your curiosity, so feel free to reach out and share!

I design tools, systems, and experiences for interaction, collaboration, and education.

Hello! My name is Elaine and I am studying Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design with a concentration in Computation. I take a research-driven, systems-thinking approach to design and I’m fascinated by how people learn, interact, and adapt, especially in spaces where technology meets everyday life.

When I’m not designing, you’ll find me in different cafes, on a mountain, or exploring new ways to make the fastest and tastiest recipes. I’m always excited to connect and hear about what’s fueling your curiosity, so feel free to reach out and share!

My Superpowers

Designing for Understanding + Learning

I’m drawn to complex ideas - then making them simple, clear, and human. Whether I’m working on a website, set of curriculum, or system flow, I focus on how people absorb information and learn through interaction.

Curiosity-Driven Collaboration

Curiosity-Driven Collaboration

I work best when asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, and building off others’ strengths and experiences. I very much enjoy working in teams where learning from engineers, strategists, and users leads to more effective outcomes.

Clarity Over Noise

I believe in design that communicates, not decorates (though decoration is at the core of all design!). From wireframes to pitch decks, I strip ideas down to their clearest, most engaging form, especially when explaining new technologies or systems.

Momentum, with Purpose

I balance thoughtfulness with forward motion, knowing when to explore and when to build. I take initiative to move things toward new possibilities, but always with intention and attention to user impact.

Work Experience

Creative Intern @MARA Holdings

UX and visual design for a publicly traded company at the intersection of digital assets and energy infrastructure.

Teaching Assistant @RISD

Delivered instruction for an adult abstract drawing course as part of the Continuing Education program.

Branding Intern @Shaya Pets

Created social media visuals and contributed to content strategy and PR initiatives for a small pet accessories brand.

Marketing Intern @The LYCRA Company

Revamped visual identities for subsidiary brands to support an international trade show launch and the opening of a new regional office.

Features

Sensescape: Beyond Boundaries

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Article detailing the 2025 new media conference organized by a group of students across RISD and Brown University @Microsoft Research Lab in NYC.

Evolving Design Critique for a Changing Industry

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Critique Notes project published on college repository.

Student orgs

Co-President @Brown | RISD XR

Led and managed 50+ members in the VR/AR Club across Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design, hosted an inaugural new media exhibition in partnership with Microsoft Garage.

UX Designer @NASA SUITS (Student User Interface Technology for Students)

Worked with 20+ members across design, engineering, and project management teams and competed at the NASA headquarters in Texas. Received 1 of 5 finalists positions, and won the Best design award; competed with over 100 teams from universities (e.g UCB, UW, CMU) nation wise (Sep 2023 - May 2024).

Conduct Board Student Rep @RISD

Served as a student representative on the college Conduct Board, upholding community standards and participating in case reviews to support a fair and respectful campus environment.