We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yuwei Li ("YL").
Yuwei Li is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Yuwei Li Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yuwei Li.
Yuwei Li Design - Pengu Buddy Animal Health Tracking System
Designer Interview of Yuwei Li:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
YL : I started with a background in Visual Communication Design during my undergrad, where I learned how to craft visual narratives and clear communication. Later, I pursued a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, which really shaped how I think about user experience, systems, and inclusive design. Right now, I’m working as a UX designer at a major tech company in Seattle, focusing on internal tools and AI-powered solutions. I’m especially passionate about how AI can enhance design—whether it's making experiences more adaptive, accessible, or efficient.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YL : We're a small, cross-functional design studio composed of industrial designers, UX designers, and a video producer. Our work focuses on AI-driven design solutions that bridge physical and digital experiences. We collaborate closely with Georgia Tech’s ACI Lab to explore how AI can enhance interaction design, accessibility, and automation. The diversity of our team allows us to approach problems holistically—from user research to hardware prototyping to storytelling.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YL : What drew me most to design was its power to solve real-world problems creatively. Now, I see design not just as a profession, but as a way of seeing the world—empathizing with others, finding patterns, and shaping meaningful experiences.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YL : Rapid prototyping and brainstorming
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YL : One of my favorite designs is Stanford University's self-navigating smart cane—a $400 assistive device that integrates AI and robotics to enhance mobility for individuals with visual impairments. This project exemplifies the potential of AI-driven design to create affordable, user-centered solutions that significantly improve quality of life. It inspires me to explore how emerging technologies can be harnessed to develop intuitive, inclusive products that address real-world challenges.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YL : Figma, lovable, and some Gen-AI design tools
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YL : I feel the most creative when I come across surprising or even brutal truths—especially the ones that challenge my assumptions. Whether it’s an unexpected user behavior, a design failure, or a social insight I hadn’t considered, those moments force me to think differently. They spark curiosity and push me to explore unconventional ideas or solutions I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YL : Innovation
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YL : For me, creativity often begins with being uncomfortable—and letting that discomfort guide new ways of thinking.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YL : When my designs are realized, I mostly feel a deep sense of satisfaction—there’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing an idea take shape and actually impact users. At the same time, I often find myself reflecting on the details: what could have been clearer, more inclusive, or better aligned with the user’s context. It’s a mix of pride and critical thinking. For me, every delivered design is both a milestone and a starting point for improvement.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YL : To me, success isn’t just about how polished something looks, but how clearly it communicates, how inclusively it functions, and how well it adapts to the user’s context. It’s when the design disappears, and what remains is a seamless, meaningful experience.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YL : A successful design is one that solves the right problem in a way that feels effortless to the user. It should balance usability, accessibility, and purpose—while also aligning with real-world constraints like technology, time, and business needs.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YL : I believe designers have a responsibility to go beyond aesthetics or usability—we are shaping behaviors, systems, and ultimately the future we live in. Design decisions, even small ones, can influence how people interact with technology, with each other, and with the environment. One example I’m proud of is PenguBuddy, a project that combines a smart underwater robot and mobile experience to promote animal welfare in zoos. Our goal was not just to create an engaging interface, but to raise awareness about the emotional and physical well-being of penguins in captivity. By integrating real-time tracking and playful interaction, we encouraged empathy from visitors while also supporting zookeepers with actionable insights. To me, socially responsible design means building systems that are sustainable, inclusive, and ethically grounded. Whether it’s through accessibility, environmental awareness, or emotional connection, we have the power—and the duty—to create designs that leave a positive impact.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YL : The design field is evolving toward greater inclusivity, not just for humans, but across species—something ACI (Animal-Computer Interaction) has brought to the forefront. As we expand our definition of users, we're beginning to consider the cognitive, emotional, and physical needs of non-human animals in the design of technology. This signals a broader shift in design: from human-centered to more-than-human-centered approaches. The future of design lies in empathy-driven, ethically aware systems that enable meaningful interactions between humans, animals, and machines. With advances in AI, sensing technologies, and behavioral science, we’ll see interfaces that better support animal welfare, conservation, and interspecies collaboration. Designers will need to think beyond screens—to embodied experiences, environmental impact, and cross-species communication. In this future, design is not just about solving problems, but about redefining relationships—between species, between nature and technology, and between individual and ecosystem.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YL : My design inspiration comes from a deep curiosity about the world and a constant desire to explore it—from museums and exhibitions to unfamiliar cities and everyday moments. I often find sparks in unexpected places: a strange object in a gallery, a street sign in a foreign country, or the way animals interact with their environment. These encounters expand how I think about communication, perception, and interaction. To feed my creativity, I intentionally step outside of digital spaces. I sketch, travel, observe people, and talk to strangers. I also explore other disciplines like behavioral science, art history, and speculative design to keep my thinking fresh and multidimensional. At the core, it's my curiosity that drives me. I’m always asking: What if? Why not? How else could this be experienced—by a child, by a blind user, or even by an animal? That mindset keeps my work both grounded and imaginative.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
YL : I would describe my design style as a balance between rationality and innovation—a kind of thoughtful neutrality. I aim to create solutions that are clear, functional, and adaptable, while still leaving space for creative exploration and emotional resonance. I was drawn to this style because I often work on complex systems or accessibility-focused products, where clarity and structure are essential—but so is the ability to think differently and challenge assumptions. This duality helps me design with both logic and imagination.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
YL : I currently live in the United States, where design is deeply influenced by business innovation, technological advancement, and user-centered thinking. This environment encourages me to think strategically—about scalability, product-market fit, and how design can drive measurable impact. Living in the U.S. pushes me to integrate design with emerging technologies like AI, data systems, and automation. It sharpens my focus on efficiency, accessibility, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. At the same time, it challenges me to balance speed and innovation with ethics and long-term user well-being. The cultural emphasis here on entrepreneurship and experimentation has helped me grow as a designer—but it also means I need to be intentional about slowing down when needed, and not losing sight of human values in the rush to ship.
DI: How do you work with companies?
YL : When I work with companies, I see myself as a collaborator and a strategic partner—not just a service provider. I believe the best design outcomes come from open communication, mutual trust, and shared goals. I work closely with cross-functional teams to understand business needs, but I also advocate for user value and long-term design vision. I’m not afraid to ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, or push back when necessary to protect the integrity of the user experience. My approach is transparent, research-driven, and iterative—balancing creativity with feasibility, and ensuring design is not just functional, but meaningful and scalable.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
YL : My suggestion to companies is to treat designers as strategic partners, not just executors. Good design happens when companies respect the designer’s perspective, trust the process, and avoid forcing short-term business demands at the expense of long-term innovation. A great designer isn’t just someone who can make things look good—they’re someone who can solve the right problems, communicate ideas clearly, and bring both users and business closer together. Look for designers who ask why, not just how, and who are comfortable challenging assumptions with empathy and evidence. Ultimately, the best outcomes come from mutual respect—where companies share context and constraints transparently, and designers are empowered to experiment, iterate, and lead meaningful change.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
YL : 1. Understand Deeply I start by immersing myself in the problem space—through user research, stakeholder interviews, and data analysis. I focus on understanding real needs, including edge cases like accessibility or non-human users (in ACI), to frame the right design questions. 2. Explore Boldly Next, I brainstorm and prototype iteratively—sketching ideas, testing concepts, and exploring diverse perspectives. I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to co-create solutions, always balancing innovation with feasibility. 3. Refine Responsibly I validate designs through testing, feedback, and real-world observation. Then I refine details with care—prioritizing clarity, inclusiveness, and long-term impact. My goal is to ship experiences that are not only functional but also meaningful and respectful to all users.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
YL : Eat，sleep, design, repeat.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
YL : To young designers, my biggest piece of advice is: be patient and keep refining your craft. Opportunities don’t always come right away, but the more you invest in sharpening your skills and building meaningful work, the more prepared you'll be when the right moment arrives. Don’t rush to chase trends or titles—focus on learning deeply, asking good questions, and building a portfolio that reflects your thinking, not just your visuals. Every project, even the small ones, is a chance to grow. Great design takes time, and so does becoming a great designer. Stay curious, stay humble, and trust your process.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
YL : One of the biggest positives of being a designer is that it trains you to constantly observe and reflect on the world around you. It sharpens your ability to question assumptions, find meaning in details, and develop deep empathy—even for people or situations you’ve never personally experienced. But on the flip side, this constant thinking and emotional awareness can become exhausting. Overanalyzing problems, navigating complex feedback, and facilitating communication across teams can sometimes lead to mental fatigue or self-doubt. Being a designer means carrying both sensitivity and strategy—and learning how to protect your energy while still staying open and curious.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
YL : My golden rule in design is: Design with intent, not assumption. Every decision—visual, functional, or strategic—should be grounded in purpose and empathy, not personal preference or guesswork. I believe good design solves real problems and respects the context of its users.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
YL : Figma, AI-driven tools, etc
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
YL : Designing can definitely be time-consuming, especially when you're aiming for both quality and innovation. I manage my time by breaking down the process into clear phases—research, ideation, testing, refinement—and setting focused goals for each stage. I also prioritize progress over perfection in early stages. Getting feedback early helps me stay on track and avoid over-investing in ideas that may not work. Tools like timeboxing, clear milestones, and frequent check-ins with the team help keep the process efficient and collaborative. Ultimately, it’s about balancing structure with flexibility—giving enough space for creativity, but staying grounded in timelines and outcomes.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
YL : It depends. From 1 week to 1 year.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
YL : One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a designer is: "Can you make it look better?" It’s often asked with good intentions, but it usually points to a deeper need—clarity, usability, or emotional resonance. So instead of just adjusting visuals, I take it as a chance to revisit the why behind the design and understand what’s truly not working. It’s a reminder that design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about solving the right problem in the right way.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
YL : My most important job experience is working as a UX designer at Amazon.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
YL : I enjoy fast prototyping the most because it turns ideas into tangible experiences quickly. It’s a powerful way to test assumptions, gather feedback, and explore possibilities without overcommitting. I love how it encourages collaboration, sparks creativity, and keeps the momentum going. Prototyping helps me think through interaction, flow, and edge cases early—so the final product is not just polished, but purposeful. It’s where design feels most alive.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
YL : My future plans involve continuing to design for impact—especially in areas where technology, accessibility, and social equity intersect. I’m particularly interested in exploring how AI and inclusive design can shape more ethical, meaningful digital experiences. What’s next for me is growing as both a designer and a design advocate—taking on more cross-functional challenges, mentoring others, and contributing to work that not only solves problems, but also empowers underrepresented voices. I also hope to bring more of my ideas into public platforms—through speaking, writing, or design awards—to spark conversations that move our industry forward.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
YL : I collaborate with a small team.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
YL : Under NDA.
DI: How can people contact you?
YL : My personal email: yuweili0509@gmail.com