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.