About Me

Hi, I’m Silvia Jiarui Mao—a designer exploring the intersection of industrial design, UX, and human-centered technology. I graduated from Pratt Institute with a B.I.D. in Industrial Design and a minor in UX/UI, and I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Human-Centered Design & Engineering at the University of Washington.

My journey began with tangible product design but has evolved into creating interactive, digital-physical experiences. From Interweave, a therapeutic bamboo weaving instrument, to Scavenge Pro, protective gear designed for waste pickers. Across my projects, I strive to bridge tradition and innovation, empathy and technology, designing not only for usability but also for social impact and human connection.

At the core, I believe design is a bridge—between people, cultures, and disciplines—shaping solutions that are both meaningful and inclusive.