We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Yongwen Dai ("YD").
Yongwen Dai is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Yongwen Dai Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Yongwen Dai.
Yongwen Dai Design - Hive AI Knowledge Mapping Platform
Designer Interview of Yongwen Dai:
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?
YD : We come from a background in interactive media and UX design, which naturally led to our interest in human-AI interaction. Our journey into design began with a curiosity about how technology could be reimagined as a companion rather than just a tool. We've always been driven by a desire to create intuitive, exploratory systems that bridge logic and emotion in meaningful ways.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
YD : Hive is a collaborative project built by a team of designers and researchers from both academic and industry backgrounds. United by a shared mission, we aim to rethink digital learning environments—creating platforms where AI empowers rather than dictates, and where learners are active authors of their own knowledge journeys.
DI: What is "design" for you?
YD : Design is a conversation between structure and possibility. It’s about creating systems that are both intuitive and empowering—tools that feel natural, yet open doors to new thinking. To me, good design enables autonomy while guiding curiosity, especially in the way people interact with information.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
YD : We love to explore and create systems that encourage critical thinking and exploration. Projects like Hive AI—where users are invited to build, question, and evolve their own learning journeys—are where we feel most connected to our work. We're especially drawn to data visualizations and adaptive interfaces that reveal patterns in human thought.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
YD : Hive AI is the first project we collaborated on—and naturally, our favorite. It challenges the dominance of traditional AI learning models by inviting users to become architects of their own knowledge systems. Through dynamic data visualizations and AI-supported node mapping, it transforms passive learning into an active, intuitive, and empowering journey.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
YD : The first design we contributed to professionally was a multi-layered dashboard for an accessibility-focused health tech platform. It taught us how deeply clarity and empathy matter in interaction design—and how powerful a well-structured interface can be in empowering users.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
YD : Notion is our go-to tool thanks to its clean, intuitive interface combined with impressive flexibility and functionality. We frequently use it to embed task boards, calendars, delegated tasks, notes, and databases all in one place. Its adaptability to different workflows, while remaining easy to use and efficient, makes it stand out from other tools we've used.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
YD : We feel most creative when we share insights about users, visuals, and tools to shape meaningful, thoughtful design. Together, we explore relationships between abstract concepts—whether through visual systems, speculative frameworks, or collaborative prototyping.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
YD : We focus on interaction flow, user autonomy, and visual structure. It’s critical to us that design guides users without dictating their actions. We often ask: Does this interface encourage exploration? Does it reduce friction in thought?
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
YD : There’s a feeling of synthesis—like we’re distilling chaos into clarity. Sometimes it’s exhilarating, sometimes meditative. Often, it’s a mix of empathy for the user, curiosity about the unknown, and the joy of solving a structural riddle.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
YD : When we see our designs come to life, it’s a mix of gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. Knowing that our ideas have evolved from abstract concepts into tools that others can use to learn and grow is both humbling and motivating. It’s a reminder that design has the power to shape how people think and interact with the world.
DI: What makes a design successful?
YD : A design is successful when it solves a real problem while empowering the user. Success isn’t just about aesthetics or functionality—it’s about creating something that feels intuitive and meaningful, something that invites curiosity and sparks exploration. In Hive AI, success means enabling learners to make unexpected connections and build their own understanding of complex ideas.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
YD : We look at clarity, flexibility, and emotional resonance. A good design feels natural to use, but also leaves space for personal interpretation and growth. We ask: Does it reduce cognitive friction? Does it help users feel capable and in control? If the answer is yes, it’s a good design.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
YD : Designers hold the responsibility to create not just for today’s needs, but with awareness of long-term impact. We believe in designing systems that empower individuals without exploiting them—protecting user agency, privacy, and mental well-being. Environmentally, we strive for minimalism in our digital solutions, reducing unnecessary cognitive load and promoting thoughtful engagement.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
YD : Design is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary—blurring boundaries between technology, ethics, and human experience. The future of design lies in creating systems that adapt to human needs, not the other way around. AI will play a larger role, but the core of design will remain human: creating meaningful, empowering, and ethical tools for exploration and growth.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
YD : Hive AI was invited to participate in the international juried exhibition "Fractured Horizons," presented as part of the NYX-DESIGN Festival in New York City in May 2025. Hive AI will be exhibited at the A' Design Award exhibition in Como, Italy, in July 2025. We'd love to showcase Hive AI at an academic conference focused on AI and education, where it can inspire dialogue among educators, technologists, and learners.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
YD : Our inspiration often comes from observing how people learn and make sense of information—whether it’s in a classroom, an online discussion, or a research setting. We also draw from systems thinking, information architecture, and data visualization. Exploring different disciplines fuels our curiosity and helps us imagine new ways of connecting ideas.
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?
YD : Our style is structured yet open-ended—minimalist interfaces that invite exploration. We favor geometric structures, clean visual hierarchies, and interactive systems that grow with the user. This style reflects our belief that learning is a nonlinear, evolving process, and design should mirror that complexity while offering clarity and guidance.
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?
YD : We live in the United States, but our team members bring diverse cultural perspectives, including backgrounds from China and Europe. This diversity enriches our design process—helping us think critically about user needs across different contexts. The U.S. tech culture encourages bold innovation, but we also remain cautious of over-automation and strive to balance efficiency with meaningful engagement.
DI: How do you work with companies?
YD : We collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to understand their goals, challenges, and audiences. Our approach is iterative—we co-create prototypes, test ideas with users, and refine solutions based on feedback. Communication is key; we see ourselves as partners who bridge user needs and business objectives through thoughtful design.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
YD : Companies should look for designers who are not just skilled, but also collaborative and open to feedback. A good designer is curious, asks the right questions, and understands both the user’s perspective and the company’s goals. It’s important to build trust—give the designer space to explore, and listen when they challenge assumptions. Great design happens when there’s mutual respect and shared purpose.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
YD : Our process is iterative and exploratory. We start by understanding the problem—talking to users, mapping out information, and identifying pain points. Then we prototype ideas, often starting with low-fidelity sketches and moving into interactive mockups. Throughout, we focus on feedback loops: test, refine, test again. We also prioritize storytelling—every design decision should have a clear rationale that connects back to the user’s goals.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
YD : A vintage Braun alarm clock—simple, functional, and timeless. A mechanical keyboard—its tactile feedback sparks joy during long hours of work. A handmade ceramic cup from a local artist—organic forms remind us of the human touch in design. A magnetic whiteboard—an analog space to map thoughts and ideas. A modular bookshelf—adaptable, functional, and a visual metaphor for how we approach knowledge design.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
YD : Our days start with a quiet morning—reading, journaling, or sketching ideas. We usually have team stand-ups to align on priorities, followed by focused design sprints. Afternoons are often for deep work: prototyping, testing, or writing documentation. Evenings are a time to recharge, whether through a workout, cooking, or a long walk to let ideas settle in the background.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
YD : Stay curious. Learn to observe—how people think, how systems work, how problems emerge. Don’t be afraid to ask “why” repeatedly. And remember: design is not just about making things look good, it’s about making things work—for real people, in real contexts. Finally, be patient with yourself. Great design takes time.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
YD : The positives: you get to shape the world in meaningful ways, solve problems creatively, and make an impact on people’s lives. The negatives: it can be mentally taxing, especially when facing ambiguity, tight deadlines, or balancing user needs with business constraints. It’s easy to get attached to ideas, so learning to detach and iterate is key.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
YD : Design for clarity, not control. Give users space to think, explore, and make their own connections.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
YD : Empathy, systems thinking, and communication. A designer needs to understand human behavior, think holistically, and clearly articulate ideas to different audiences. Visual skills and technical proficiency are important, but they are in service of a greater goal: solving the right problems in the right way.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
YD : We use Figma for prototyping, Miro for mapping ideas, and Notion for documenting processes. For inspiration, we explore design blogs, academic journals, and systems thinking frameworks. We also sketch by hand—it’s a fast way to think. Books like The Design of Everyday Things and Thinking in Systems have been foundational.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
YD : We set clear milestones and embrace the idea of "good enough for now." Time-boxing and regular feedback loops help avoid perfectionism paralysis. We also build in rest—stepping away from a design often brings fresh perspective.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
YD : It varies—some ideas crystallize quickly, others need weeks or months of iteration. For Hive AI, the core concept developed over several months, while specific components, like the data visualization templates, took focused sprints of a few weeks each.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
YD : People often ask: "How do you balance creativity with usability?" Our answer is: they’re not opposites. A great design is both functional and expressive—creativity enhances usability when it helps users see possibilities they didn’t know existed.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
YD : Working on Hive AI has been our most important experience as a team. It’s taught us how to navigate complex, interdisciplinary challenges and collaborate across design, AI, and learning science. It’s also shown us the impact a thoughtful design system can have on empowering users.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
YD : Our primary focus has been on Hive AI, an independent project. However, team members have also collaborated with educational platforms, research institutions, and startups focused on AI and knowledge management.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
YD : We love creating systems that help people make sense of complexity—whether it’s a knowledge platform, a data visualization, or an adaptive interface. It’s deeply rewarding to turn abstract information into tools that spark curiosity and understanding.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
YD : We plan to refine and expand Hive AI—introducing new visualization formats, enhancing AI-driven recommendations, and integrating with more learning platforms. We’re also exploring collaborations with educators and researchers to adapt Hive for different fields, from history to healthcare.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
YD : We work as a team—designing is a collective, iterative process. Each member brings different strengths, whether it’s interaction design, research, or technical implementation. Collaboration helps us refine ideas and create more thoughtful, holistic solutions.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
YD : We’re currently exploring new AI-driven templates for Hive AI—ways to help learners create their own knowledge maps tailored to different disciplines. For example, visualizing the interconnections between scientific theories or mapping the evolution of cultural movements. We’re excited about the potential to make learning even more intuitive and engaging.
DI: How can people contact you?
YD : People can reach us through the Hive AI website or our professional email. We’re always open to conversations, collaborations, and new ideas.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
YD : We believe design is not just about creating artifacts—it’s about shaping ways of thinking. Hive AI is a manifestation of that philosophy: a space where learning becomes a personal, exploratory, and evolving journey. We hope it inspires others to reimagine how we interact with information and build knowledge together.