# Carina Lee

> Lead Product Design Engineer @ ApplieWaste | Master’s degree in AI-Integrated Product Design

Location: Berkeley, California, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/carinalee

Hello, I am an Industrial and CMF Designer. Driven by a passion for inclusive, minimal aesthetics and intuitive user experiences, I bring a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring how design can harmonize the needs of humanity, society, and the environment. I'm a fast learner, constantly pushing my limits to master new tools that bring my creative visions to life. While my methods may be unconventional, my dedication to the craft is unmatched. I thrive on discovering unexpected solutions and believe that with the right perspective, design can elevate the human experience.

My creation prioritizes the impact of products on users, integrating the dynamic between society and nature. My work promotes natural interactions and long-term sustainable relationships, advocating for balance akin to an ecosystem. At Nissan Design America, my focus as a CMF Intern melds academic insights from my ongoing Master's in Design at UC Berkeley with hands-on experience. This role allows me to apply my empathic design approach, enriching the user experience with every project we undertake.

## Work Experience
### Lead Product Design Engineer @ Appliwaste
Jan 2025 – Jan 2025 | San Francisco Bay Area
- Led the product design and refinement of the Re_Loop™ Kit, a sustainable consumer electronics solution within Appliwaste’s circular economy ecosystem.
- Spearheaded the Beta 01 design phase for Re_Loop™, an innovative mobile app reward system aimed at optimizing electronic waste recovery and recycling.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with UI/UX and engineering teams to deliver end-to-end design solutions, from concept to Beta launch.
- Oversaw product design strategy, design execution, and hardware–software integration, while maintaining creative autonomy and design leadership throughout the development sprint.

### Industrial Designer @ Ra Labs
Jan 2025 – Jan 2025 | New York, United States
- Led the end-to-end design process for the Uniboard Project, from initial concept to final implementation
- Conducted user and usability testing to validate design decisions and improve user experience
- Designed for both form and function, integrating aesthetics with practical usability
- Developed detailed CAD models to support prototyping and manufacturing

### CMF Design Internship @ Nissan Motor Corporation
Jan 2024 – Jan 2024 | San Diego, California, United States
- Collaborated with exterior and interior teams to develop innovative CMF strategies for two concept projects and future production models.
- Conducted trend research and translated insights into CMF solutions to enhance user experience and emotional engagement.
- Presented an internship project to the entire studio, introducing an innovative CMF design for future automotive spaces. Utilized immersive projection mapping and interactive motion-sensing visuals to inspire the design team.

### Product Designer @ Nouv Studios
Jan 2021 – Jan 2023 | New York, United States
- Integral to inclusive and sustainable design projects, contributing to a 20% increase in client satisfaction.
- Advanced CAD modeling and rendering skills instrumental in product conceptualization.

### Product Designer, CAD Designer @ NASA x RISD Rover
Jan 2021 – Jan 2023 | Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- Designed and developed carbon fiber seat and wheel assemblies, improving the Rover's durability and performance for competition, which won the FeatherWeight Award
- Reduced material costs by 15% and extended the product lifecycle by 20% through innovative design and material optimization.

### Physical Product Design Internship @ ATLASON
Jan 2022 – Jan 2022 | New York, United States
- Engaged in a collaborative effort with a diverse team of 5 designers and engineers, contributing to the development and successful delivery of five furniture prototypes and two consumer electronics products. These projects notably enriched the studio's portfolio with innovative designs.
- Participated in market research and design for the Limbo Chair for Heller Furniture which garnered significant industry
recognition, securing both the 2023 Interior Design HP Award and the Metropolislikes Award.
- Led market research for a new furniture line, predicting a 20% market growth.
- Improved usability scores by 30% through user-centric design solutions.

### Design Internship @ Fou Tai Enterprise Co, LTD
Jan 2021 – Jan 2021 | Taipei City, Taiwan
Conducted research to revamp website branding and product packaging, leading to a 10% increase in brand recognition and a 15% rise in customer engagement.

### UX Designer @ Emergency Design Council
Jan 2021 – Jan 2021 | Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Led the design of a solution for India's misinformation crisis, enhancing public awareness.
Streamlined the design process using Figma, focusing on user-centric designs.


## Education
### Master's degree in Design
University of California, Berkeley

### Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Industrial Design
Rhode Island School of Design


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/chingwenlee
- Portfolio: https://www.carinaleeportfolio.com/

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Source: https://flows.cv/carinalee
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/carinalee/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-13