Interview with Yongwen Dai

Yongwen Dai ("YD") interviewed on Saturday, 31 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

YD : We are a collaborative team of five designers with backgrounds in interaction design, UX research, data visualization, and AI systems. Our journey spans across academic research, industry collaborations, and independent projects. Hive AI is the culmination of our shared passion for reimagining how people interact with knowledge. Together, we combine diverse perspectives—blending design thinking, technological innovation, and user-centered approaches—to create systems that support curiosity and critical thinking.

How did you become a designer?

YD : Each of us arrived at design from different paths—some through formal design education, others through engineering, research, and creative exploration. What unites us is a shared curiosity about human behavior and a belief that design can shape more meaningful learning experiences. We were drawn to design because it allows us to solve real problems by creating thoughtful, intuitive systems that empower users.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

YD : Our priorities center around three core principles: User autonomy—designing systems that give users control over their learning journeys. Clarity in complexity—visualizing information in ways that make it accessible without oversimplifying. Interdisciplinary thinking—bridging AI, education, and design to create tools that support exploration. We prototype extensively, blending digital tools like Figma with conceptual sketches and research. Our style emphasizes structured yet flexible interfaces, with a visual language that invites engagement without overwhelming the user.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

YD : Designing evokes a sense of creative tension—balancing logic and intuition, structure and freedom. There’s excitement in the early stages of ideation, a sense of challenge during problem-solving, and deep satisfaction when we see ideas come to life in ways that genuinely help users.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

YD : Our diverse backgrounds—ranging from AI research and interaction design to visual arts and education—shape how we approach problems. We value empathy, systems thinking, and curiosity. Beyond design skills, we draw from non-design areas like cognitive science, learning theory, and communication. These perspectives help us design for real human needs, not just theoretical models.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

YD : Our growth path is centered on expanding Hive AI as a platform that adapts to different learning contexts—whether in education, research, or professional development. We plan to explore partnerships with educators and researchers, refine AI capabilities, and make Hive AI more accessible globally. Our dream project is to build a collaborative knowledge ecosystem where learners worldwide can connect, exchange ideas, and co-create understanding across disciplines.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

YD : Stay curious, ask questions, and never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions, and remember that design is about solving problems for people, not just creating visuals. Be open to feedback, embrace iteration, and take time to develop your voice as a designer. Trust that your perspective matters.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

YD : Always design with intention—understand the “why” behind every decision. Collaborate across disciplines, seek out diverse perspectives, and stay grounded in real user needs. Avoid chasing trends blindly; instead, focus on timeless principles like clarity, usability, and ethical responsibility. Great design is not about ego—it’s about impact.

What is your day to day look like?

YD : Our day typically begins with team stand-ups where we align on priorities. Mornings are often dedicated to deep work—designing, prototyping, or researching. Afternoons include feedback sessions, testing ideas, and refining solutions. We balance focused design time with collaborative discussions, and always leave space for reflection. Little joys—like a breakthrough on a tricky problem or seeing a prototype resonate with users—make the workday fulfilling.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

YD : We stay informed about design trends but don’t follow them blindly. We believe in understanding trends as signals of broader shifts in user behavior and technology, while ensuring our designs align with long-term goals and user needs. Our priority is creating tools that remain relevant and useful, even as trends evolve.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

YD : A well-designed product empowers users—it's intuitive, thoughtful, and serves a clear purpose. We define good design as a balance of clarity, functionality, and emotional resonance. It should solve real problems without creating new ones. We ask: Does this design reduce friction? Does it spark curiosity? Does it make users feel capable?

How do you decide if your design is ready?

YD : We consider a design ready when it meets user needs, aligns with our goals, and feels cohesive in its flow and purpose. That said, we recognize that no design is ever truly “finished”—there’s always room for improvement. But at some point, we have to release, observe how users engage, and iterate based on feedback. It’s about balancing progress with perfection.

What is your biggest design work?

YD : Hive AI is our most ambitious and meaningful project. It challenges traditional learning paradigms and empowers users to build their own knowledge systems. The design process was complex, requiring us to blend AI, interaction design, and educational principles into a cohesive experience. Hive AI embodies our philosophy of designing for curiosity and exploration.

Who is your favourite designer?

YD : We admire designers who think systemically and ethically—like Dieter Rams for his clarity and timeless principles, and Buckminster Fuller for his visionary approach to systems thinking. Their work reminds us that good design is about improving lives, not just creating products.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

YD : We are a globally connected team, working across time zones and cultures. Our design approach is shaped by diverse perspectives—from Eastern philosophy’s emphasis on balance and flow, to Western design traditions of functional minimalism. We value continuous learning, community engagement, and the belief that good design contributes to a more thoughtful, connected world.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

YD : Our team culture is collaborative, open-minded, and focused on impact. We believe in clear communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. We encourage each other to ask tough questions, challenge assumptions, and stay curious. For us, design is a process of collective problem-solving—where diverse ideas lead to stronger outcomes.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

YD : We see Hive AI as a form of giving back—by creating tools that make knowledge more accessible and empower learners to think critically. We also engage in design mentorship, sharing our insights with early-career designers, and contribute to community discussions around ethics, AI, and design for social good.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

YD : Participating in the A' Design Award has been an incredible experience that opened doors to a global design community and brought valuable feedback from fellow creatives. It also significantly amplified the visibility of Hive AI. The top benefits we've gained include broader exposure through media and new audiences, validation of our design approach, and fresh inspiration from the diverse range of projects and designers we encountered. We're truly honored to be part of the A' Design Award community and excited about the ongoing growth, connection, and dialogue it continues to inspire.

Yongwen Dai Profile