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About Me

Based on the background of Furniture & Lighting design and product design, Jingyi Zhu possesses a unique talent for closely observing the nuances of everyday life and the diverse lifestyles of various communities. Her keen eye for detail enables her to design bespoke products tailored to the specific needs and preferences of different groups. Her innovative approach not only revolutionizes the functionality and aesthetic of the products she creates but also significantly transforms the way people interact with these items, thereby profoundly influencing their lifestyles and daily routines. Jingyi's designs are not just objects; they are catalysts for change, reshaping the very essence of how communities engage with their surroundings and use products in their everyday lives.

My Thesis focuses on

Two hundred years ago, when most of the world was agricultural and rural, the night shift did not exist. People worked long days, but mainly while the sun was shining. Perhaps the” harvest moon” allowed a little work by moonlight. But there was no one staying up all night just to work.

But look at our modern 24/7 society today. We want doctors, nurses, and hospitals available at night. We want an ambulance to respond when we call 911 at 7 society nowadays3AM. We need the police to protect us around the clock. We need the fire department to be ready day and night. We also think we need a 24-hour diner for the late-night party. The 24-hour gas station. The 24-hour grocery, and the all-night coffee shop. We want to watch the live news or weather forecast at 4 AM. In short, our society is now changing to a 24-hour availability. Because of that, there are more and more unknown workers working night shift jobs.

Special Thanks

There are so many people to thank for supporting this thesis process…

Important Links

Midterm Slide Deck (37 slides)

Thesis Blog
(updated weekly)

Thesis Blog (updated weekly)

Thesis Instagram (mostly process)

Thesis Instagram (mostly process)

Thesis Narrative

When I began my thesis journey, I didn’t set out to design for night shift workers. I started with a simple question rooted in my background as a lighting designer: What can artificial light do for us beyond visibility? Early explorations included color-changing light installations and ambient tools that could influence mood, focus, or appetite. But as I spent more time with the subject, I realized the deeper question wasn’t about what light can do — but who it impacts the most.