-Julie Zhou, Former VP of Product Design at Facebook

My journey is not a straight path, and I see my career as a set of sailing tacks, moving this way and that, always headed in the same general direction with a bit more focus here or there in each role.

I began my career by spending 7 years in theater, working in costume shops, designing costumes, and running wardrobe during live shows. During that time, it occurred to me that much of what we did to facilitate quick wardrobe changes (lots of Velcro), could be re-purposed to help people with disabilities have more autonomy when getting dressed.

Being a young and energetic human, I started a business during the day designing accessible apparel, and worked at the theater at night.

Several years later, a former colleague's husband asked if I could sew. That simple request took me to the offices of IDEO and introduced me to the world of product design. Although previously acquainted with design through my undergraduate degree in costume design, this was a whole new level of design for use, design for real people. I worked on a project to create a bag to allow hemophiliacs to more easily transport their medication. I was hooked.

This inspired my decision to go to graduate school and get my chops firmly situated in the world of research and design. I chose Georgia Tech for their wearables work as well as the opportunity to work with the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA). I supported a project to make store check-out systems more accessible to workers.

Since then, I have focused on research and accessibility, informing and creating simple, inclusive experiences. I've worked for Intel and Cambia/Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dexcom and Hinge Health. As a consultant, I’ve partnered with companies from Microsoft to Providence, and IDEO to Ziba.

My experience in user research includes both quantitative and qualitative research methods. I have conducted usability testing, focus groups, surveys, and interviews to gain insights into user behavior and preferences. I have used these insights to inform product design and development, resulting in improved user experiences and increased customer satisfaction.

As someone who is passionate about creating accessible experiences, I believe that everyone should have access to technology and that it should be designed to meet the needs of all users. I am excited about the opportunity to work on projects that focus on accessibility and user research. I have been a strong advocate for accessibility throughout my career. Most recently, started Employee Resource Groups focused on accessibility at 2 companies, brought in training for the design teams and conducted research that led to more accessible products and services.

When not advocating for consumers of all types, I can be found designing new creations on my sewing machine or crochet hook, hiking, on the yoga mat, meditating and brushing up on MBSR, hanging out with my husband, or concocting ever new combinations of beans and rice.