Kat Zhou

Kat Zhou is a prominent product designer and the creator of the Design Ethically project, which focuses on integrating ethical practices into design and research processes. Currently, she serves as a Senior Product Designer at Epidemic Sound and has previously held positions at Spotify and IBM. Her work emphasizes the importance of creating accessible, empowering products that respect users and do not exploit or manipulate them.134

Background and Career

• Education: Kat Zhou initially studied public policy and ethics, with a focus on issues like codified racism and refugee resettlement. She later transitioned to design, realizing her passion for creative problem-solving.3
• Professional Experience: Before her current role at Epidemic Sound, she worked at Spotify and IBM, where she contributed to projects in public service and cybersecurity. At IBM, she collaborated with the AI Design team to implement the Design Ethically methodology within their product teams.123

Design Ethically Project

The Design Ethically initiative began as a framework aimed at helping product teams consider the ethical implications of their designs. It has evolved into a comprehensive toolkit that encourages designers to forecast the societal impacts of their products. This project reflects Kat's commitment to advocating for inclusive design practices that prioritize marginalized communities.46

Advocacy and Speaking Engagements

Kat is also an active speaker on topics related to design ethics, having presented at various conferences and educational institutions, including SXSW and Harvard Kennedy School. She is known for her insights into how ethical design can combat systemic inequalities within technology.25

Personal Interests

Beyond her professional commitments, Kat Zhou is engaged in community activism and enjoys activities such as biking and exploring creative outlets like pole dance. Her multifaceted background includes interests in literature and social justice, which inform her approach to design.5

In summary, Kat Zhou is a leader in ethical design, advocating for practices that respect user rights while promoting inclusivity and accountability in technology.