The USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy proudly celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of its students, who consistently push the boundaries of design and innovation. Today, we shine a spotlight on Ryan Zhang, a visionary designer and current Academy student, who has recently been honored with one of the most prestigious accolades in the global design community: the 2025 Red Dot Design Concept Award.

Zhang's journey into the world of design began early, sparked by a pivotal gift from his parents: a book about Steve Jobs. He became deeply fascinated with Jobs’ unwavering dedication to design and its power to shape experiences. This initial spark led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in interior design, but his passion quickly evolved. By his second year, he recognized the broader scope and impact of product design and switched his major, laying the groundwork for his future innovations.

The Red Dot Design Award, established in Germany in 1955, stands as a testament to design excellence, recognized globally alongside the iF Design Award and IDEA. To win a Red Dot is to be acknowledged among the international elite, a true mark of distinction and a validation of exceptional design thinking. Zhang's triumph in the highly competitive Design Concept category underscores his forward-looking approach, focusing on innovation that demonstrates remarkable design quality and problem-solving potential. With thousands of entries submitted worldwide each year, Zhang's success is a monumental achievement, reflecting immense dedication and passion to international standards of design excellence.

Zhang’s award-winning project, CoolDrip, exemplifies the innovative spirit fostered at the Academy. The inspiration for CoolDrip came from a personal desire: Zhang wanted to truly enjoy coffee as a mindful experience, rather than simply using it as a means to get through the day. This is where his passion for design and coffee converged. CoolDrip is a smart ice drip coffee machine meticulously designed to cultivate mindful, personalized, and health-conscious coffee consumption. Inspired by the elegant form of an hourglass, CoolDrip is more than just a coffee maker; it’s a sophisticated tool for time management and precision. Users gain control over extraction speed, temperature, and brew time, allowing for a truly tailored coffee experience. Complementing the device is an app that tracks caffeine intake, provides personalized reminders, and empowers users to make informed decisions about their daily coffee rituals, transforming a simple habit into an intentional and enjoyable practice.

While the official award ceremony is set for October 15, 2025, at the Capitol Theatre in Singapore, Zhang's win means his groundbreaking work, CoolDrip, will soon take its place among the world's most innovative designs. It's not just a certificate; his project will be prominently featured in the Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore, celebrated in the official yearbook, and showcased in the online exhibition, giving his visionary creation global visibility. This widespread recognition truly solidifies his achievement and highlights the caliber of talent fostered at the Iovine and Young Academy.

Ryan Zhang's Red Dot Award is not just a personal triumph; it's an inspiring testament to the passion and creative innovation that is present throughout the Iovine and Young Academy. His dedication to innovative design, coupled with a deep understanding of user experience and problem-solving, perfectly embodies the Academy’s mission to cultivate the next generation of creative leaders. We eagerly anticipate the future contributions Zhang will undoubtedly make to the world of design.

Visionary Designer and Academy Graduate Student Wins 2025 Red Dot Design Concept Award