Meet Zilin Zhou | An Award Winning Digital Experience Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zilin Zhou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zilin, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success is never about just one thing; it’s about a blend of passion, perseverance, community, and support. For me, each of these elements has woven together to form the tapestry of my career in digital experience design.

From the very beginning, my passion was clear—I wanted to make a mark in the world of design. This wasn’t just a career choice; it was my calling. Envisioning myself as a leader in design motivated me to dive deeply into the intricacies of my field. It’s this passion that lights up my days and drives my pursuit of excellence. Every project is a chance to learn more, to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and to deliver designs that not only meet needs but also delight and inspire.

The journey of a designer is a marathon, not a sprint. My commitment to refining my skills has been relentless. Whether it’s late nights sketching out ideas or hours spent mastering the latest design software, each moment has contributed to my growth. There’s a profound satisfaction in seeing a concept evolve from a rough sketch to a polished product that impacts someone’s life.

Being part of the vibrant fintech industry has exponentially broadened my horizons. It’s a sector where innovation thrives and where I’m surrounded by brilliant minds that challenge and inspire me. The opportunity to collaborate with tech innovators and creative thinkers has been pivotal. These interactions have not just fueled my creativity but have also equipped me with the tools to turn visions into tangible successes.

Through all the ups and downs, my family has been my rock. Their support transcends the usual encouragement; they’ve instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience. They celebrated my victories and steered me through setbacks, always reminding me that pursuing what I love is worth every challenge. Their belief in me is a constant reminder that with determination and support, anything is achievable.

Each of these elements plays a vital role, and their convergence is where my success takes root. In the world of product design, where every detail counts and competition is fierce, it’s this unique combination of passion, perseverance, community, and unwavering support that shapes my journey and defines my achievements.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an award-winning digital user experience designer specializing in security experience design and inclusive product design. My unique skills and focused areas set me apart from others. I have dedicated my career to crafting digital experiences that enrich people’s lives, driven by my belief that technology should be accessible to everyone.

At PayPal, I am particularly proud of my work on digital security experiences, helping secure millions of users worldwide against fraud and identity theft. Concurrently, I strive to create inclusive product experiences, ensuring global accessibility. This dedication has been recognized with some of the most prestigious design awards, including the Red Dot Award and the iF Design Award, achievements that fill me with immense pride.

My career path, akin to the UX design process, has been anything but linear. Initially struggling to find my true calling, I once thought I would pursue pure art, but the dynamic intersection of art and technology captivated me. To meld these passions, I invested considerable time in studying, overcoming challenges such as learning coding, understanding technological terms, and building soft skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Despite moments of doubt, the drive to become the world’s best digital experience designer—to genuinely make a difference—kept me going.

Along this journey, I’ve sought guidance from seasoned designers and experts, whose advice has been invaluable. They taught me to shift perspectives and approach problems with fresh ideas, often the breakthrough needed to advance a project. I want the world to know that I continuously push beyond my limits, face challenges head-on, and never give up. My journey to become a top expert in digital experience design is filled with challenges still to be met and innovations waiting to be discovered.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure we had an unforgettable mix of activities lined up. We’d kick things off with a leisurely walk through Piedmont Park, soaking in the lush greenery and city views. Then, we’d explore the High Museum of Art for a dose of culture before diving into the diverse culinary offerings at Ponce City Market.

Also experiencing the wonders of the Georgia Aquarium and the nostalgic charm of the World of Coca-Cola. We’d also spend a relaxed day at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, possibly catching a live concert under the stars.

Midweek would be perfect for exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of East Atlanta Village and Little Five Points, where we could shop in eclectic stores and enjoy the local bar scene. For a taste of Atlanta’s outdoor adventure, we’d hike up Stone Mountain and maybe stay for the famous laser show. We’d wrap up the week with a hearty meal at Paschal’s to experience true Southern cuisine, and if time allows, catch a performance at the Fox Theatre or a comedy show at Dad’s Garage.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, I’d love to take a moment to recognize some key influences in my journey.

Firstly, a huge shoutout to my workplace, PayPal. The resources and opportunities provided by PayPal have been instrumental in my professional growth and success. The environment fosters innovation and pushes me to refine my skills constantly, enabling me to excel in digital design.

Next, I want to highlight ADPList, an incredible mentorship platform that has played a pivotal role in my development. Being recognized as a top mentor in the United States on ADPList is an honor, and it’s a testament to the vibrant community of professional designers on the platform. The encouragement and insights I’ve received from my peers there have been invaluable, pushing me to continually advance in my career.

Lastly, but most importantly, I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to my parents. Their relentless encouragement and belief in my abilities have been my foundation. They taught me to strive for excellence and supported every step of my path with love and guidance.

Each of these pillars—my employer, my mentorship network, and my family—has been crucial in my journey. They deserve immense credit and recognition for their role in shaping the designer and person I am today.

Website: https://www.jasonzhouzilin.com

Image Credits
All Image Credits: Zilin Zhou