My Journey

2012
Wrote my first theatre play
2015
Made my first short film
2017
Moved to San Francisco
2018
Took my first UX design class
2020
Finished film school
2020
Started my second master's
2020
Moved to New York City
2021
Shipped my first design prototype
2023
Moved to Chicago
2024
Co-founded a startup
2025
Moved to Amsterdam
Yao Zhou profile photo

Thanks for taking a look around!

I'm Yao — most friends just call me Shay.

I'm a versatile designer, builder, and storyteller with a self-starter streak and classic INTP curiosity. My background spans UX design, startups, theater, and filmmaking, so I see design as more than problem-solving — it's interactive storytelling.

I've worked across small startups and unstructured teams, where I learned to adapt quickly, wear multiple hats, and push ideas from rough concepts into real products. I also co-founded and launched a wellness marketplace from the ground up, leading design and product through the full 0→1 journey.

If any part of my work or story resonates with you, I'd love to connect. I'm currently open to new design opportunities and collaborations, especially on early-stage products.

☕ Coffee in Amsterdam?

Always down to meet over coffee (or Zoom if you're not here).

Just send me a quick message and I'll reach out ☺️

Yes! Let's do it