XIANGGUI ZHU
                                   
                                                Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
                                                                                          +86 186-0081-7617  |  zhuxianggui66@gmail.com


Aspiring PhD candidate with a solid foundation in sustainable fashion design and cultural heritage preservation, along with interdisciplinary experience in interactive design for information products. Aiming to contribute to the academic community through rigorous research by integrating traditional craftsmanship into modern fashion and exploring sustainable design.


EDUCATION BACKGROUND

Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Master of Art (M.A.) in Fashion Design, Advisor:Prof.Yue Wang. GPA 3.76/4

09/2016-07/2019


Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tinajin, China. 
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)in Fashion and Art Design,Advisor:Prof.Hao Zhang.GPA 87.3/100

09/2012-/07/2016




ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant | Information System Optimization Team
Tsinghua University. Advisor by Dr. Bo Qiu

09/2019-01/2020


・Led a comprehensive optimization of the Patent Approval Workspace within Tsinghua University’s Research Information System, utilizing ethnographic study and contextual inquiry to identify and address core user pain points.  Collected and analyzed insights from over 60 user interviews, directly informing the redesign process that improved system efficiency and accuracy.

・Spearheaded a product upgrade that improved operational efficiency by 50%, enhanced user accuracy by 30%, and optimized overall user experience, resulting in the development of 27 key pages for mobile and web platforms.

・The project’s success provided a framework for future enhancements within the Research Information System, contributing to the overall productivity of the institution. According to the data, efficiency has been doubled




Research Assistant | Intangible Cultural Heritage's research and preservation Ramie Fabric
Tsinghua University. Advisor by Prof. Yue Wang.

04/2018-09/2019


・Focused on the research and preservation of handcrafted ramie textiles, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. Conducted three field visits to key ramie-growing regions (Chongqing, Hunan, and Jiangxi), interviewing six key artisans and compiled a report on ramie culture and the textile industry. Documented traditional techniques and organized fabric samples, with home decor designs were collected by the National Art Fund organization and exhibited at Beijing Design Week.

・Conducted a 9-month focused study in the Chongqing region on the traditional culture of ethnic minorities in Southwest China. This involved experiencing the fabric presentation effects of ramie fibers with varying precision on different widths of looms. The study also included reweaving and blending experiments using traditional materials' characteristics. The resulting fabrics were utilized in a series of modern fashion designs, and a research paper was published as a result.This research contributed to the preservation and promotion of ramie textile culture, provided valuable insights and multiple possibilities for contemporary designers in the application of traditional ramie materials garnering significant recognition and influencing both academic and public discourse. The project positively influenced community economic recovery by revitalizing traditional craftsmanship and supporting local artisans.


Research Assistant | Sustainable Fur Design Project | Beijing International Fur and Leather Products Fair  Tsinghua University. Advisor by Prof. Yue Wang.  
10/2017-01/2018


・Focused on sustainable fur design, with inspiration drawn from the historical and contemporary evolution of parkas. The research project was part of the 2018 Beijing International Fur and Leather Products Fair, aimed at exploring innovative and eco-friendly approaches in the fur industry.

・Conducted preliminary research on the historical evolution of parkas, including a comprehensive literature review, and investigated the current market trends of parkas and down jackets, culminating in the publication of a research paper.

・The project contributed to advancing sustainable practices in fur design, Redesigned and incorporated discarded fur scraps into fashionable clothing, adding functional assembly and disassembly structures, which increased the recyclability of fur and the versatility for different wearing occasions sparking discussions on eco-friendly approaches in fashion. The designs presented at the fashion show the potential for combining traditional garment inspiration with modern sustainability goals, gaining recognition within the industry.



PUBLICATIONS
Xianggui, Z. (2020). Joint Continued: A Case Study on the Craft and Culture of Ramie Cloth. Fashion CHINA, 05, 114‡118.
Xianggui, Z. (2019). On the Evolution of Parkas and Their Impact on Modern Women’s Fashion Design. Popular Literature and Art, 05, 66‡67.



TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant | Fashion Management Course | Tsinghua University, Beijing, China                                                                                                                      02/2016-11/2017

・Facilitated the Fashion Management course, focusing on global fashion trends and luxury brand management. Developed and updated course materials, including lecture slides, case studies, and industry reports. Conducted tutorial sessions on supply chain management and branding strategies, which led to a 15% increase in student engagement and comprehension, as reflected in course evaluations.

・Provide additional guidance on key concepts such as supply chain management, brand strategy, and market analysis. Evaluate students' assignments and projects, offering detailed feedback to enhance their understanding of course materials.

・Facilitate group discussions and workshops to encourage active participation and critical thinking among students. Played a key role in refining course design by integrating practical industry insights, thereby enhancing the learning experience



Lecturer | Fashion Illustration and Draping Design Course                                                                                                                                                                      10/2015-08/2016
Shuimu Zhishang International Education, Beijing, China

Led courses in Fashion Illustration, Flat Pattern Cutting, and Draping, with a focus on advanced techniques for fabric texture representation. Developed a curriculum that emphasized figure structure, color theory, and accessory coordination, resulting in a 20% improvement in student proficiency as demonstrated through end-of-term projects and exhibitions.

Taught hands-on draping techniques, guiding students in creating three-dimensional garment prototypes on dress forms, with a focus on precision and creativity. Provided personalized feedback on student work,Developed 3D fashion creativity.

Organized student exhibitions to their completed designs, receiving constructive critiques from peers and industry professionals. Successfully enhanced students’ technical proficiency in both illustration. leading to high student satisfaction and positive feedback on course evaluations.



Lecturer | Mixed Media Creative Life Sketching Course | New Youth Art Education, Beijing, China                                                                                                 09/2013-01/2014

Instructed the Mixed Media Creative Life Sketching course, which explored various artistic techniques to capture everyday life through creative expression. The course catered to both beginners and advanced students seeking to expand their artistic skills.

Developed a diverse curriculum that introduced students to a range of sketching techniques using mixed media, including pencil, ink, watercolor, and composite materials, and provided individualized mentoring.

Significantly improved students’ versatility and confidence in using various media, leading to noticeable progress in their sketching abilities.The course culminated in a successful exhibition, which received positive feedback from attendees and highlighted the students’ growth and creativity.



PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Main Interaction Designer | Data Intelligence Department,Yonyou BIP.  Beijing, China                                                                                                 05/2022-06/2023
Led a comparative analysis of five data analytics products and conducted stakeholder interviews to design and implement 13 user interfaces for data analytics tools.  Developed intuitive workflows to facilitate quick user onboarding and usage.  These improvements resulted in a 25% increase in usability scores during subsequent user testing and significantly simplified the user experience for non-technical users

Organized and documented eighteen components, establishing a component library that streamlined future design projects. Created ten design templates to ensure consistency and efficiency.

This user-centric approach significantly improved the dashboard's usability and provided a solid foundation for future design initiatives.


User Experience Designer | User Experience Department, SenseTime. Beijing, China                                                                                                                     02/2020-03/2021

Contributed to the design and development of educational IP characters aimed at aligning with SenseTime Technology’s corporate culture. The project focused on creating a brand concept and character designs that resonate with the educational industry.

Developed a comprehensive brand concept and performed character analysis to ensure alignment with the company's corporate culture. Conducted a case study and led the character development process for educational industry IP characters, ensuring they met industry standards. Designed dynamic three-view character sketches and created additional peripheral visual materials to support the overall branding efforts.

The character designs and associated visual materials significantly enhanced the brand’s presence in the educational sector, creating a stronger connection with the target audience.The developed brand concept and character designs provided a template for future educational IP projects, contributing to a cohesive brand identity.


Chief Apparel Designer | New Chinese-Style Men's Wear Design Project                                                                                                                                           02/2017-09/2019
Fujian Qipai Fashion Technology Co., Ltd, Xiamen, China

Led the design of the 'Harmony' series, integrating traditional elements from the 'Compendium of Materia Medica' into contemporary men’s fashion. Successfully launched two seasonal collections that set new trends in Chinese-style men’s wear, leading to a 15% increase in market share and positive industry recognition.

Incorporated traditional Chinese elements into modern fashion design, successfully blending cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics. which included the customization of inspiration themes, style sketching, pattern design, fashion campaign presentations, and analysis of store display effects.

The designs set a new trend in men’s wear, emphasizing the fusion of tradition and modernity, and received positive reception in the fashion industry. The 'Harmony' series contributed to the brand’s identity, strengthening its market position as a leader in innovative Chinese-style fashion.



AWARDS AND HONORS

The Copenhagen Global Creative Rising Stars Competition (Selected as one of the Top 30 Finalist)                                            
Copenhagen Fur Studio, Denmark

2019

Appearance Patent for Xiabu Robe                                                            
China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)

2019

Outstanding Award in Character Styling Design                                                                                                                                                            
Beijing Municipal Education Commission, China

2019

Outstanding Award in Character Styling Design
Beijing Municipal Education Commission, China

2019

Top 100 Fashion Designers of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei
Beijing Fashion Designers Association, China

2019

Second Prize for Course Teaching Practice
Tsinghua University,Beijing, China

2018


Silver Award in the Dali  Costume Creative Design Competition  
Publicity Department of the Dali State Committee, China

2016

Tianjin university students entrepreneurship project outstanding at the municipal level  
Tianjin Municipal Government, China

2015

Mercedes-Benz Scholarship  
Mercedes-Benz Automotive Services Company

2014



SKILLS

Research Methods:
Qualitative Research: Ethnographic Study, Participatory Design, Contextual Inquiry, Phenomenological Design
Quantitative Research: Survey Design and Analysis, Experimental Design, Thematic Analysis
Mixed Methods: Triangulation, Case Study Research, User Experience Research, Prototyping and Usability Testing, Storyboarding and User Flows

Design and Prototyping:
User Experience & Graphic Design: Illustration, Brand Design and Management, Product Interface Design, Product Interaction Prototyping, Motion Design, Icon Design, Web Design, Service Design
Tools: Sketch, Figma, Principle, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc.

Fashion Design:
Fashion Illustration, Flat Pattern Cutting, Draping, Pattern Design, Tie-Dye, Batik, Clamp-Dye, Fabric Reconstruction, Hand Weaving, Embroidery

Technical Skills:
Programming Languages: Python
Data Analysis & Automation: Python for data analysis, automation, and design-related projects
Tools: Adobe AI, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Data Visualization