Interviews with Ruoyong Hong
Designer profileDesigner of the Day Interview
13 May 2024
With over eight years of rich experience in the design industry, I am a seasoned professional with a track record of significant achievements. Throughout my career, I have had the honor of collaborating with prestigious organizations across various sectors, including Bosch, Collective Future, and Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab. These collaborations have allowed me to contribute significantly to groundbreaking projects, either as a key team member or as the lead designer.
One of my standout achievements was my role in developing the first comprehensive L2+ ADAS Design Guideline for Bosch. This pioneering project not only received widespread accolades but also demonstrated substantial business outcomes, influencing multiple real-world applications, including vehicles from the brand Chery. This guideline has also been widely recognized by industry experts for its impact on L2+ ADAS design.
My passion extends beyond professional assignments to personal projects, which have earned considerable acclaim. These projects have been recognized with prestigious awards, including a Gold Award at the Indigo Design Awards, multiple Silver Awards at both the Muse and Vega Creative Awards, and Bronze Awards from the International Design Awards and A’ Design Award.
Furthermore, I have had the privilege of serving as a distinguished judge at the Interaction Design Award, hosted by the Interaction Design Association (IxDA). In this role, I was responsible for evaluating over 216 project submissions from more than 20 countries, a testament to the global scope of my involvement in the design community. These milestones not only mark my journey but also fuel my ongoing commitment to creating designs that resonate and expand the horizons of creativity and innovation.
One of my standout achievements was my role in developing the first comprehensive L2+ ADAS Design Guideline for Bosch. This pioneering project not only received widespread accolades but also demonstrated substantial business outcomes, influencing multiple real-world applications, including vehicles from the brand Chery. This guideline has also been widely recognized by industry experts for its impact on L2+ ADAS design.
My passion extends beyond professional assignments to personal projects, which have earned considerable acclaim. These projects have been recognized with prestigious awards, including a Gold Award at the Indigo Design Awards, multiple Silver Awards at both the Muse and Vega Creative Awards, and Bronze Awards from the International Design Awards and A’ Design Award.
Furthermore, I have had the privilege of serving as a distinguished judge at the Interaction Design Award, hosted by the Interaction Design Association (IxDA). In this role, I was responsible for evaluating over 216 project submissions from more than 20 countries, a testament to the global scope of my involvement in the design community. These milestones not only mark my journey but also fuel my ongoing commitment to creating designs that resonate and expand the horizons of creativity and innovation.
Since high school, I've been drawn to the beauty and influence of architectural design on human behavior, which led me to study urban and architecture design at Peking University. However, as my studies progressed, I realized that the digital realm offered broader opportunities to impact society and would become a predominant medium of communication. This realization ignited a deep fascination with the intersection of digital innovation and technological advancement.
My journey took an exciting turn when I discovered the field of interaction and product design—a discipline where my natural creativity aligned perfectly with my desire to create products that leverage evolving technologies to shape the world. Eager to refine my skills and expand my expertise, I embarked on various projects, each shaping me into a proficient interaction and product designer.
Through these experiences, I have sharpened my design skills and deepened my understanding of design's role as a catalyst for positive societal change, particularly in enhancing respectful communication. Now, as a dedicated professional in intelligent interaction and product design, I utilize my skills to craft meaningful experiences that not only meet users' needs but also make a substantial difference in the world. This path has not only been a career choice but a fulfillment of my deepest aspirations to impact society positively through design.
My journey took an exciting turn when I discovered the field of interaction and product design—a discipline where my natural creativity aligned perfectly with my desire to create products that leverage evolving technologies to shape the world. Eager to refine my skills and expand my expertise, I embarked on various projects, each shaping me into a proficient interaction and product designer.
Through these experiences, I have sharpened my design skills and deepened my understanding of design's role as a catalyst for positive societal change, particularly in enhancing respectful communication. Now, as a dedicated professional in intelligent interaction and product design, I utilize my skills to craft meaningful experiences that not only meet users' needs but also make a substantial difference in the world. This path has not only been a career choice but a fulfillment of my deepest aspirations to impact society positively through design.
When designing, my priorities are centered around the logic of decision-making, respect for technology, and the inclusiveness of outcomes. These principles guide me in creating intelligent products that are both reasonable and respectful to all potential users. To achieve these goals, I conduct extensive research and testing with a diverse range of users to gather insights and utilize the expertise of those who develop the technology. This helps me fully understand the workings of the intelligent algorithms in the backend.
My ultimate goal transcends creating visually captivating experiences; I aim to evoke a sense of respect, spark innovation, and contribute to a better future for everyone. This approach ensures that the products I design are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also ethically grounded and inclusive, reflecting the values that are most important to the communities they serve.
My ultimate goal transcends creating visually captivating experiences; I aim to evoke a sense of respect, spark innovation, and contribute to a better future for everyone. This approach ensures that the products I design are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also ethically grounded and inclusive, reflecting the values that are most important to the communities they serve.
Nervous and Exciting.
As a designer, I often feel a sense of nervousness, a sentiment I believe is shared by many in my field. This nervousness arises from the pressure of making precise decisions and observations that are expected to positively impact the world. Design is fundamentally about venturing into the unknown and navigating a path that could lead to either success or unexpected challenges. This uncertainty heightens my sense of responsibility and encourages a meticulous approach to learning and creating, ensuring that each design decision is made with care and respect.
On the flip side, the process of turning abstract ideas into tangible, impactful designs is genuinely thrilling. There's an inherent challenge in this excitement, as every design project introduces a series of unknowns that need to be addressed and understood. By embracing these challenges, I delve into uncharted territories, fully embracing the unpredictability that comes with pioneering innovation. It is within these untapped areas that I often find unexpected opportunities to expand my creativity and push my capabilities to new limits, fueling my passion for design even further.
As a designer, I often feel a sense of nervousness, a sentiment I believe is shared by many in my field. This nervousness arises from the pressure of making precise decisions and observations that are expected to positively impact the world. Design is fundamentally about venturing into the unknown and navigating a path that could lead to either success or unexpected challenges. This uncertainty heightens my sense of responsibility and encourages a meticulous approach to learning and creating, ensuring that each design decision is made with care and respect.
On the flip side, the process of turning abstract ideas into tangible, impactful designs is genuinely thrilling. There's an inherent challenge in this excitement, as every design project introduces a series of unknowns that need to be addressed and understood. By embracing these challenges, I delve into uncharted territories, fully embracing the unpredictability that comes with pioneering innovation. It is within these untapped areas that I often find unexpected opportunities to expand my creativity and push my capabilities to new limits, fueling my passion for design even further.
My background at the intersection of design, technology, and environmental understanding, fortified by my studies in urban and architecture design at Peking University, has shaped me into a holistic designer. This education allowed me to grasp the complexities of the physical world and how to design within it effectively. My professional journey has been enriched by experiences in intelligent mobility, machine learning, and augmented reality, broadening my expertise across multiple disciplines. This diverse knowledge base enables me to transition smoothly from strategic planning to detailed technological implementations, and to collaborate effectively with stakeholders from various fields. Ultimately, I see my role as a designer as a bridge connecting business, technology, and user needs.
My future plans are threefold. Firstly, I intend to continue my work on the L2+ ADAS design guidelines, as more automotive brands adopt this framework. The need for ongoing innovation and technical enhancement in intelligent mobility remains high, and I plan to lead these advancements at Bosch, a leader in automotive technology. Secondly, I am committed to expanding my impact both globally and within my community. Building on past successes, I aim to extend my influence to address broader challenges that cross international borders. This includes pioneering innovative projects, collaborating with international organizations, and participating in global initiatives to foster significant, positive change worldwide. Thirdly, I will continue to develop the "Wel-AI" project, enhancing its capabilities to integrate cutting-edge intelligent technology into everyday user experiences.
To those just starting their careers in design, I advise embracing a 'thinking through making' approach. Engage directly with materials and processes through model-building, sketching, and prototyping. This hands-on method often reveals insights that purely abstract thinking cannot, accelerating the learning process and fostering innovative solutions. By actively creating, young designers can more effectively understand and solve the complex problems that define our world, paving the way for a successful and impactful career in design.
As someone who has navigated the path of design with some success, I would encourage fellow designers be bold in your endeavors and proactive in your engagement with the world of design. The journey of a designer is one of continuous learning and evolution. It involves cultivating your unique style and voice over time. While the process can occasionally feel tedious, the skills and critical thinking abilities you develop are invaluable. Embrace the challenges and sometimes monotonous aspects of the design process as opportunities to refine your craft and sharpen your professional capabilities. Engaging actively with your work and the community around you not only enriches your own experience but also contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of the design field as a whole.
As a morning person, I begin my day early with a routine that merges productivity with personal enrichment. I start by catching up on the latest technology news while enjoying my breakfast, ensuring I stay informed about recent advancements and trends. This habit helps me remain engaged and knowledgeable in my field. After a refreshing shower that helps sharpen my focus, I transition smoothly into work mode. My workday is filled with diverse activities ranging from project management to creative brainstorming sessions.
Keeping up with the latest design trends is crucial for staying relevant and innovative in the competitive field of design. I make it a priority to regularly read industry publications and updates, which helps me stay on top of new developments and ideas. Additionally, I participate in various courses and workshops to deepen my understanding and refine my skills continuously.
Importantly, I also contribute to the community by offering courses and leading workshops for colleagues. Teaching is a powerful tool for solidifying my own knowledge and understanding trends more deeply. It also sparks valuable discussions, offering different perspectives and interpretations of the information. This not only enhances my perspective but also enriches the collective knowledge within my professional network.
Regarding the importance of design trends, they are significant as they often reflect shifts in technology, culture, and user preferences. However, while it’s essential to be aware of these trends, it’s equally important to critically assess whether they align with the specific needs and contexts of my projects. Ultimately, the goal is to create designs that are both innovative and timeless, balancing current trends with classic principles of good design.
Importantly, I also contribute to the community by offering courses and leading workshops for colleagues. Teaching is a powerful tool for solidifying my own knowledge and understanding trends more deeply. It also sparks valuable discussions, offering different perspectives and interpretations of the information. This not only enhances my perspective but also enriches the collective knowledge within my professional network.
Regarding the importance of design trends, they are significant as they often reflect shifts in technology, culture, and user preferences. However, while it’s essential to be aware of these trends, it’s equally important to critically assess whether they align with the specific needs and contexts of my projects. Ultimately, the goal is to create designs that are both innovative and timeless, balancing current trends with classic principles of good design.
My most significant design endeavor to date is leading the creation of a comprehensive L2+ Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) design guideline for Bosch, which marks one of the industry's pioneering efforts in intelligent vehicle technology. L2+ ADAS represents a major advancement in automotive technology, utilizing AI to enable vehicles to autonomously navigate from point to point under driver supervision.
In this project, my primary responsibility has been to define the interaction and communication between the vehicle and the driver, ensuring that every journey is safe, efficient, and enjoyable. A key aspect of our design process was conducting complex high-fidelity eye-tracking simulation tests. These tests helped us develop a new mental model and interaction process tailored to enhance user experience and safety.
The guidelines we developed are now being implemented in real-world applications, starting with vehicles from the Chery brand, with plans to expand to other brands. Already, thousands of drivers are experiencing the benefits of these innovations, and the impact is expected to increase significantly.
After more than 20 months of dedicated work alongside my team, I take immense pride in this project. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that our efforts are improving safety and enhancing the driving experience for countless individuals. This project not only highlights my capabilities as a leader and innovator in design but also underscores my commitment to advancing automotive safety and technology.
In this project, my primary responsibility has been to define the interaction and communication between the vehicle and the driver, ensuring that every journey is safe, efficient, and enjoyable. A key aspect of our design process was conducting complex high-fidelity eye-tracking simulation tests. These tests helped us develop a new mental model and interaction process tailored to enhance user experience and safety.
The guidelines we developed are now being implemented in real-world applications, starting with vehicles from the Chery brand, with plans to expand to other brands. Already, thousands of drivers are experiencing the benefits of these innovations, and the impact is expected to increase significantly.
After more than 20 months of dedicated work alongside my team, I take immense pride in this project. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that our efforts are improving safety and enhancing the driving experience for countless individuals. This project not only highlights my capabilities as a leader and innovator in design but also underscores my commitment to advancing automotive safety and technology.
Design Interview
15 May 2024 · Wel AI Personal Email Assistant App
The inspiration behind the project “Wel AI” comes from observing that people often struggle with writing proper emails or messages for various situations. There are many potential solutions to this problem, ranging from searching for templates to purchasing writing services. However, one idea stood out – an AI assistant for composing emails.
While this is not a new concept, existing AI software still falls short in providing substantial help. Simply detecting tone and replacing words is not enough. We began with thorough user research and open conversations with various individuals. Through this, we learned about the current state of writing assistant apps and services, and we identified significant opportunities in this market.
While this is not a new concept, existing AI software still falls short in providing substantial help. Simply detecting tone and replacing words is not enough. We began with thorough user research and open conversations with various individuals. Through this, we learned about the current state of writing assistant apps and services, and we identified significant opportunities in this market.
The goal was to create a mobile-based writing assistant that integrates AI into daily email processes, facilitating analytical reading and offering a conversational approach to seamless email composition, guidance, and drafting. The design stands out for fostering a flexible and respectful collaboration between humans and AI, providing assistance that feels just right. It cultivates a personal writing style and a social relationship library, benefiting both the user and the AI, encouraging growth and improvement like a supportive buddy in life.
I plan to continue researching and exploring how the latest AI technology can be integrated into this design concept. Building a personal contact library and offering writing assistance that is sensitive to people with different national backgrounds are key areas of focus. I also aim to promote “Wel AI” to a diverse audience to identify customization opportunities and ensure the app meets the needs of users from various backgrounds.
The design was initially conceived as a UX research initiative focusing on trust in human-AI collaboration in the summer of 2018. It has evolved significantly since then. With insights from the research phase and the expertise of AI scientists, I spearheaded the development of this proof-of-concept app as the lead designer in 2022. Therefore, it took approximately 3-4 years from concept to design, predating the popularity of ChatGPT.
At the time of the initial concept, suggestion-based AI systems were insufficient, and people continuously sought further help from AI for email writing. There was a growing desire for AI to assist in a customized way. However, when we turned this idea into a product, the issue of trust in AI emerged. Would people want a "robot" to represent them? How far would they like AI to help, and in what ways? This led me to explore a design that could bridge this gap and establish a new pattern of interaction with AI in writing.
This design distinguishes itself from two main concepts. Firstly, traditional email writing assistance products focus primarily on word or emotional detection, with the best ones helping to rephrase individual emails. In contrast, our design leverages previous conversations and emails to build a personal library, enabling users to write in their own tone and cater to their social connections. Secondly, unlike AI conversation products, Wel AI introduces a more integrated interaction by providing AI assistance step by step, rather than controlling everything through typing or talking to the AI. Users can choose the level of assistance they feel is just right from Wel AI.
I utilized a variety of design tools to aid in the development and execution of the design. Using Figma and Photoshop, I created an intuitive interaction flow and polished visual system. The project followed a human-centered approach, starting with user research, transitioning to design exploration, and concluding with prototype testing. The product integrates GenAI for text tone and intent analysis, drawing insights from prompts in a writing and relationship library. It reviews users' daily actions and selections to continually optimize performance and closely align with their personalities. Key design tools included user research methods such as interview guides, note-taking apps, and audio/video recording devices.
Beyond its AI features, the most unique aspect of Wel AI is the intuitive swipe interaction logic and clear visuals that separate user input from AI input. Wel AI uses tags throughout the app to make text-heavy tasks easier. On launch, it shows a brief of emails with tags indicating their purpose. Swiping up reveals a detailed list, while swiping left or right transitions between Assistant and Librarian modes, representing work and training mindsets. In the email view, swiping up displays in-depth analysis or seeks AI guidance. The use of blue and white shades subtly communicates the depth of AI involvement, blending trust with clarity, much like a supportive buddy in life.
Yes, my design is heavily influenced by data and analytical research. We conducted user interviews using AI prototypes alongside scientists to understand user needs and how users would interact and grow with AI, as well as to assess the feasibility of the technology. We invited more than 10 users from diverse backgrounds to try and use the prototype of this design. Additionally, we conducted multiple rounds of quantitative research to gather detailed design feedback.
Our research included a diverse group of email users, ranging from students to professionals. We utilized tools such as user personas, flow maps, affinity maps, and process mining to reveal how fluctuating AI assistance and trust are based on user confidence and task context familiarity. Combined with a human-centered UX design approach, these insights significantly shaped the core concept of our design.
Our research included a diverse group of email users, ranging from students to professionals. We utilized tools such as user personas, flow maps, affinity maps, and process mining to reveal how fluctuating AI assistance and trust are based on user confidence and task context familiarity. Combined with a human-centered UX design approach, these insights significantly shaped the core concept of our design.
Design Legend Interview
13 May 2024
I began my academic journey in urban and architectural design at Peking University, and later pursued further education in the United States. I earned a Master's degree in Media Design Practice from the ArtCenter College of Design, which set the stage for a fulfilling career with leading global entities, including Stanford's Innovation Lab, Collective Future, and Bosch.
At Bosch, in the realm of mobility, I significantly contributed to the creation of the L2+ Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) design guidelines—a pioneering effort in the industry. My leadership in this project was pivotal to Bosch's strategy in the pre-installed ADAS market, which achieved a valuation of several billion dollars in China by 2022. My designs have markedly improved safety and user satisfaction in vehicles equipped with this system, benefiting thousands of Chery customers and counting. My role was critical in driving the evolution and enhancement of Bosch's product offerings in this sector.
I was also instrumental in the development and launch of the Smart Life platform. This initiative not only achieved widespread user adoption but also played a crucial role in the success of the lidar scanning products. My efforts here significantly enhanced Bosch's market standing and broadened its influence, largely due to the success of the Smart Life products.
These experiences have not only showcased my capability to make substantial contributions but have also deepened my understanding of the industry's intricate and evolving nature. I am eager to leverage my expertise to drive innovation and contribute to significant projects that will influence the future of design and technology.
At Bosch, in the realm of mobility, I significantly contributed to the creation of the L2+ Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) design guidelines—a pioneering effort in the industry. My leadership in this project was pivotal to Bosch's strategy in the pre-installed ADAS market, which achieved a valuation of several billion dollars in China by 2022. My designs have markedly improved safety and user satisfaction in vehicles equipped with this system, benefiting thousands of Chery customers and counting. My role was critical in driving the evolution and enhancement of Bosch's product offerings in this sector.
I was also instrumental in the development and launch of the Smart Life platform. This initiative not only achieved widespread user adoption but also played a crucial role in the success of the lidar scanning products. My efforts here significantly enhanced Bosch's market standing and broadened its influence, largely due to the success of the Smart Life products.
These experiences have not only showcased my capability to make substantial contributions but have also deepened my understanding of the industry's intricate and evolving nature. I am eager to leverage my expertise to drive innovation and contribute to significant projects that will influence the future of design and technology.
From a young age, I've been profoundly interested in design and technology. This interest spurred me to study urban and architectural design at university, focusing on the interaction between humans and their environments. However, as technology evolved, my fascination shifted towards the digital landscape and its endless possibilities. This shift fueled my desire to use my creative talents to develop solutions that benefit society. Driven by a commitment to use design and technology for social good, I have dedicated myself to creating impactful and meaningful experiences that enhance people’s lives. This dedication has guided my professional path, motivating me to find innovative ways to apply design principles in ways that positively affect society.
My design ambitions are deeply rooted in creating intelligent products and enhancing communication. I am committed to the principle that design and technology should be respectful and accessible to all, irrespective of their abilities or backgrounds. By concentrating on intelligent solutions, my goal is to empower individuals, ensuring that everyone can meaningfully interact with products and services. Moreover, I view intelligent product design as a crucial medium for societal communication. Design holds the tremendous potential to shape perceptions, dismantle barriers, and drive positive societal changes. Through my efforts, I aim to tackle technology challenges and devise solutions that leave a significant and enduring impact on the development of the intelligent product for the human being.
Several factors are pivotal in determining the excellence of a design. Among these, empathy is paramount for me. Understanding the purpose and the audience for whom the design is intended is essential. A design that exhibits deep empathy for its users, along with a robust understanding of the technology it leverages, reflects the designer's passion and dedication. Furthermore, attention to detail is critical in assessing the quality of a design. The careful consideration of every element, from the broad composition to the minutest details, significantly enhances a design's excellence. It's the thoughtful execution and sharp attention to detail that contribute to the cohesiveness and refinement of the final design solution.
The value of good design lies in its ability to redefine the boundaries of emerging technologies, particularly in the realm of intelligent products. When the functionalities and potential of a new technology are not widely understood, well-crafted design can showcase the best possibilities and spark the imagination regarding how the technology can benefit humanity. This, in turn, encourages adoption and emulation, setting a standard that propels industries and societies toward beneficial advancements. Investing in good design is crucial as it not only promotes innovation but also directs the development of technology in ways that positively impact society.
My most accomplished design to date is Wel AI, a personal AI email assistant that utilizes advanced large language model (LLM) technology. This design has garnered international recognition, earning a Gold Award at the Indigo Design Awards, Silver Awards at both the Muse and Vega Awards, and a Bronze A’Design Award. These accolades not only underscore the excellence of the design but also validate the innovative approach and thoughtfulness behind Wel AI.
What sets Wel AI apart is its dynamic capability to adapt and evolve with its users, illustrating the expansive potential of future AI products. The journey of Wel AI, from an early concept developed before the enabling technology was fully mature, to a sophisticated product with comprehensive technological integration, has been profoundly fulfilling. It is exhilarating to witness how Wel AI has progressed and how it continues to influence the AI product landscape.
What sets Wel AI apart is its dynamic capability to adapt and evolve with its users, illustrating the expansive potential of future AI products. The journey of Wel AI, from an early concept developed before the enabling technology was fully mature, to a sophisticated product with comprehensive technological integration, has been profoundly fulfilling. It is exhilarating to witness how Wel AI has progressed and how it continues to influence the AI product landscape.
My next design initiative involves continuing to evolve the award-winning "Wel-AI" project. My focus remains on enhancing this platform to empower users by integrating cutting-edge intelligent technology seamlessly into their daily lives. My design philosophy centers on fostering respectful and effective communication—not only between individuals but also between individuals and society as a whole. Moving forward, you can expect my projects to further this mission, aiming to create more intuitive and impactful interactions through design. This dedication to meaningful innovation is what drives my work, aspiring to set new standards in how technology facilitates human connections.
Reflecting on my career, the design projects that have given me the most satisfaction are those that have had a significant, measurable impact. Particularly, the projects I led at Bosch, such as the intelligent vehicle system, the internet-connected vehicle, and the L2+ ADAS system guidelines, stand out due to their broad influence and recognition.
These projects not only resonated within the organization but also made a lasting impression on the wider industry. A great source of satisfaction came from their public recognition, including acknowledgments by leaders at national exhibitions and positive receptions from industry peers who valued the innovation and practicality of my designs. The extensive media coverage and social media engagement these projects received amplified their impact, enabling them to reach and influence a larger audience. Additionally, the accolades and awards these projects garnered validated the effort invested and affirmed their excellence.
Moreover, these initiatives played a crucial role in driving business growth, directly contributing to the organization’s objectives and success. The tangible results and the positive effect on the company’s bottom line provided immense satisfaction. Seeing firsthand the growth and success fueled by these projects confirmed the value and effectiveness of my designs.
Ultimately, the projects that have brought me the most satisfaction are those that have not only achieved public acclaim and industry recognition but also contributed significantly to the growth and success of the organization. It’s the knowledge that my work has made a meaningful difference both internally and externally that is truly rewarding and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of design.
These projects not only resonated within the organization but also made a lasting impression on the wider industry. A great source of satisfaction came from their public recognition, including acknowledgments by leaders at national exhibitions and positive receptions from industry peers who valued the innovation and practicality of my designs. The extensive media coverage and social media engagement these projects received amplified their impact, enabling them to reach and influence a larger audience. Additionally, the accolades and awards these projects garnered validated the effort invested and affirmed their excellence.
Moreover, these initiatives played a crucial role in driving business growth, directly contributing to the organization’s objectives and success. The tangible results and the positive effect on the company’s bottom line provided immense satisfaction. Seeing firsthand the growth and success fueled by these projects confirmed the value and effectiveness of my designs.
Ultimately, the projects that have brought me the most satisfaction are those that have not only achieved public acclaim and industry recognition but also contributed significantly to the growth and success of the organization. It’s the knowledge that my work has made a meaningful difference both internally and externally that is truly rewarding and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of design.
Think through making
In my design practice, technology plays a critical role, especially as I focus on designing intelligent products. The underlying technology, particularly AI, provides a clear framework for understanding user enablement. My role is to translate these technical capabilities into accessible and effective communication methods for humans. Moreover, AI serves as a powerful tool and assistant in my design work, enhancing my creativity and efficiency. The use of AI-enabled digital tools has significantly improved my productivity, and I believe these advancements are beneficial for anyone in the design field.
For designing and prototyping, I primarily use digital tools like Figma and ProtoPie. Miro is my go-to platform for brainstorming and documenting design ideas. Additionally, AI tools like GPT and Midjourney are integral to my toolkit, enhancing my efficiency and helping me to iterate designs more effectively.
I hope people ask about the insights that drive my design decisions and how I envision the future through my designs. Understanding the thought process behind my work and discussing potential future trends are conversations I find incredibly enriching and informative.
I thoroughly enjoy collaborating in the design process and believe that co-design is invaluable. There is no single "ideal design partner" for me; each partnership brings a unique perspective that enriches the project. I value flexibility and openness in collaborations, striving to learn from others and contribute my own insights, creating a synergistic environment.
Receiving numerous awards is certainly exhilarating, but it also marks the beginning of new challenges and responsibilities. These accolades are not just recognitions of past achievements but also reminders of the obligation to continue contributing meaningfully to design, particularly in areas of inclusion and accessibility. While the awards are affirmations of my work’s impact, they also spur me on to pursue further improvement and innovation. My passion for creating inclusive and accessible designs is what drives me forward, not the fame that comes with the awards.
Designer Interview
13 May 2024
My journey into design began with my studies in urban and architectural design, where I first encountered how humans interact with the physical world. As digital experiences and applications gained popularity in the early 2010s, I recognized the exciting opportunities within the digital realm. This realization spurred my pursuit of further education and practical experience in interaction and product design. In this field, I have been particularly fascinated by exploring how people might use intelligent products, such as AI or augmented reality.
Throughout numerous explorations and projects, my appreciation for design's role in facilitating respectful communication—whether between individuals or between humans and their environments—has deepened. These experiences have solidified my belief in the transformative power of design, especially in emerging digital and intelligent contexts. Consequently, I am fully committed to my path as a designer, driven by the potential to innovate and enhance human interactions within these new environments.
Throughout numerous explorations and projects, my appreciation for design's role in facilitating respectful communication—whether between individuals or between humans and their environments—has deepened. These experiences have solidified my belief in the transformative power of design, especially in emerging digital and intelligent contexts. Consequently, I am fully committed to my path as a designer, driven by the potential to innovate and enhance human interactions within these new environments.
My journey into design began with my studies in urban and architectural design, where I first encountered how humans interact with the physical world. As digital experiences and applications gained popularity in the early 2010s, I recognized the exciting opportunities within the digital realm. This realization spurred my pursuit of further education and practical experience in interaction and product design. In this field, I have been particularly fascinated by exploring how people might use intelligent products, such as AI or augmented reality.
Throughout numerous explorations and projects, my appreciation for design's role in facilitating respectful communication—whether between individuals or between humans and their environments—has deepened. These experiences have solidified my belief in the transformative power of design, especially in emerging digital and intelligent contexts. Consequently, I am fully committed to my path as a designer, driven by the potential to innovate and enhance human interactions within these new environments.
Throughout numerous explorations and projects, my appreciation for design's role in facilitating respectful communication—whether between individuals or between humans and their environments—has deepened. These experiences have solidified my belief in the transformative power of design, especially in emerging digital and intelligent contexts. Consequently, I am fully committed to my path as a designer, driven by the potential to innovate and enhance human interactions within these new environments.
To me, design is a synthesis of technology and art. It involves translating artistic creativity and interpreting technological logic to create products or services that enhance human interaction and experience. More importantly, I view design as a medium of communication—whether between humans, AI, or the physical world. It's about infusing courtesy and respect into our interactions, making the world a more considerate place.
From a personal perspective, design is also a lens through which I understand the world and society. The process of design thinking aids me in gathering information and viewing situations from diverse perspectives. This, in turn, shapes a flexible yet confident worldview and enables me to make a positive impact on my life.
From a personal perspective, design is also a lens through which I understand the world and society. The process of design thinking aids me in gathering information and viewing situations from diverse perspectives. This, in turn, shapes a flexible yet confident worldview and enables me to make a positive impact on my life.
As evident from my achievements, I particularly enjoy designing for intelligent products and services. These don't necessarily have to be robots or physical items; they can also encompass interactions and system flows that integrate into daily life, whether at work or within vehicles. The intelligence that AI technology introduces opens up numerous discussions about capabilities akin to human-like intelligence.
In designing these systems, it’s crucial to understand the underlying technology as well as the human reactions to it. My approach involves using a human-centric design process in tandem with exploring new principles of intelligent technology. This blend of understanding both the technological and human aspects is what I find most fulfilling and is where I like to focus my design efforts.
In designing these systems, it’s crucial to understand the underlying technology as well as the human reactions to it. My approach involves using a human-centric design process in tandem with exploring new principles of intelligent technology. This blend of understanding both the technological and human aspects is what I find most fulfilling and is where I like to focus my design efforts.
My favorite design is Wel AI, a personal AI email assistant that leverages cutting-edge large language model (LLM) technology. This design has earned international acclaim, receiving numerous accolades including a prestigious Gold Award at the Indigo Design Awards, Silver Awards at both the Muse and Vega Awards, and a Bronze A’Design Award. These recognitions not only highlight the design quality but also affirm the innovative logic and thought process behind Wel AI.
What makes Wel AI particularly significant is its ability to evolve intelligently alongside its users over time, showcasing the potential of future AI products. Witnessing its transformation from a nascent idea, born before the technology was fully available, to a fully realized product with robust technological integration, has been incredibly rewarding. It's thrilling to see how Wel AI has grown and how it continues to shape the landscape of AI-driven products.
What makes Wel AI particularly significant is its ability to evolve intelligently alongside its users over time, showcasing the potential of future AI products. Witnessing its transformation from a nascent idea, born before the technology was fully available, to a fully realized product with robust technological integration, has been incredibly rewarding. It's thrilling to see how Wel AI has grown and how it continues to shape the landscape of AI-driven products.
The first—and ongoing—project I designed for Bosch is a comprehensive L2+ advanced driving assist system (ADAS) design guideline, one of the first of its kind in the industry. For those unfamiliar, L2+ ADAS utilizes AI to autonomously control a vehicle from point to point, with the driver supervising. This system represents a significant leap towards intelligent automotive technology in the coming years.
My role in this project was to define how the vehicle should communicate and interact with the driver to ensure a safe, efficient, and satisfying journey. The guidelines have been implemented in real-world vehicles, initially with the Chery brand, with more brands to follow. Thousands of drivers have already benefited from these innovations, and the impact is set to grow. This work fills me with immense pride, knowing it enhances driver safety and experience on a large scale.
My role in this project was to define how the vehicle should communicate and interact with the driver to ensure a safe, efficient, and satisfying journey. The guidelines have been implemented in real-world vehicles, initially with the Chery brand, with more brands to follow. Thousands of drivers have already benefited from these innovations, and the impact is set to grow. This work fills me with immense pride, knowing it enhances driver safety and experience on a large scale.
AI is my favorite technology because it revolutionizes how we interact with products and services. I am deeply involved in this field, constantly expanding my expertise. The more I learn about AI, the more I appreciate its capacity to liberate us from tedious tasks and significantly enhance our capabilities across virtually every conceivable domain. It’s a transformative technology that continually inspires my work.
I feel most creative after testing phases, particularly when I observe people interacting with my designs and gather their feedback. It's always enlightening to see unexpected ways in which users engage with what we've created. This feedback sparks a "chemical reaction" of ideas within me, fueled by previous groundwork combined with new insights. This creative surge isn’t just limited to me; my entire team thrives on this dynamic, generating a flurry of innovative ideas.
During the design process, I primarily focus on two aspects: the logic of decision-making and innovation. Each design decision is rooted in insights and observations about the target users, leading to logical, well-founded solutions. Innovation is equally crucial; it involves thinking outside the box, often challenging and expanding the conventional boundaries of thought. This approach helps disrupt the status quo and introduces fresh, transformative ideas to the design landscape.
When I design, the dominant emotion I feel is nervousness, which I believe is common among designers. This nervousness stems from concerns about whether my decisions and observations are precise and whether they will make a positive impact on the world. Design is a journey of exploring the unknown and finding the right path, where you might encounter anything, good or bad, that can surprise you. This sense of nervousness makes me more careful and respectful towards what I learn and create.
A design is successful when it has a positive impact and the ability to attract followers. A truly successful design not only improves the quality of life but also introduces new concepts for living or working. It should be elegant and replicable, allowing others to adopt and adapt it. With a following, the positive impacts of a design can endure and expand, influencing broader societal or technological trends.
Having had the honor of serving as a juror for the International Design Association (IxDA) awards, I approach design evaluation comprehensively. I consider the clarity of the problem framing, the logic behind decision-making, and the impact on society or business. These aspects are equally important and form the basis of my assessment, ensuring a holistic view of the design’s effectiveness and relevance.
The design field is rapidly evolving with the integration of AI, shaping both how we design with AI and how we design for AI. As AI transforms nearly every facet of our lives, it challenges us to redefine our targets and reconsider how we coexist with this powerful new tool. AI will inevitably automate many repetitive and some explorative tasks, placing a higher value on the uniquely human aspects of design. This shift demands that we deeply consider what these human elements are and how we can accentuate them in our work.
My inspiration largely comes from engaging directly with the real world—observing and conversing with people from all walks of life. Each person's unique story and perspective fuel my creativity. I am particularly fascinated by the everyday creativity of non-designers, which provides an endless stream of inspiration. This approach helps me stay grounded and continually refreshes my creative outlook.
My design style is respectful and logical. I view design as a medium for communication, aiming to create a world that fosters respect not only among individuals but also between humanity and the environment. This philosophy has deeply influenced my design approach, steering me towards solutions that prioritize clarity, function, and ethical considerations. I'm continually exploring how design can play a significant role in achieving this vision, shaping my style in a way that perhaps even affects it unconsciously.
Companies should seek designers who are inherently curious about the world and maintain this curiosity in their daily work. This quality is vital because it drives designers to constantly seek new ideas and solutions, keeping their work innovative and relevant. When selecting a designer, look for evidence of this curiosity in their portfolio and through their problem-solving approach during the interview process.
My design process is structured around four main steps: observe and understand, ideation, testing, and iteration. Initially, I focus on observing the problem and understanding the target audience to grasp the core of what needs to be addressed. This leads to the ideation phase, where I encourage a free flow of ideas without self-imposed restrictions to broaden the scope of potential solutions. Testing these ideas allows for gathering insights and refining them, which then feeds into the iteration phase. Here, I refine and improve the concepts based on feedback, repeating the process until achieving a highly polished outcome.
"Think through making." I encourage young designers to actively use their hands and engage in creating as a way of thinking. Building models, sketching, and prototyping can lead to insights that abstract thinking alone might not reveal. This hands-on approach can accelerate learning and lead to more innovative solutions.
The most crucial skill for a designer is the ability to remain curious about the real world and to observe it keenly. This skill is foundational because it allows designers to draw unlimited inspiration from their surroundings. As our professional landscape evolves, maintaining this curiosity and observational ability will enable designers to adapt and innovate continually.
Grand Interview
23 November 2024 · Wel AI Personal Email Assistant App
The key to achieving this balance lies in our deep understanding of how AI processes and transforms human input. Through extensive testing and iterations, we carefully observed the differences between human communication styles and AI-generated content. Our most innovative approach was moving beyond standard neutral tags like "formal" or "polite" to introduce what we call the "Your Style" tag. This tag starts as a blank canvas and learns from both the user's original inputs and their subsequent refinements, creating a personalized style profile.Rather than simply having AI write emails, we're using AI to help users understand and refine their own communication style. Through this long-term learning process, users can improve their expression accuracy while the AI develops a deep understanding of their unique voice. Unlike traditional approaches where everyone gets the same "formal" or "professional" options, each user's style tag evolves differently, reflecting their individual communication patterns.
The design learns from two primary sources: the continuous flow of email communications and user interactions with the platform. By analyzing both outgoing and incoming emails, the AI builds an understanding of relationship dynamics and communication patterns. This is complemented by our unique "Your Style" tag system, which evolves as users draft, refine, and optimize their messages with AI assistance.For social relationship management, we analyze email exchanges to create detailed contact profiles. After each interaction, we update these profiles and present users with refined relationship tags, such as team member or client, along with interaction history summaries. This creates a comprehensive social relationship database.Importantly, we've implemented what we call "progressive assistance." Rather than immediately taking over email writing tasks, we start with subtle suggestions and gradually increase AI involvement as both the user and system mature. If users show hesitation or uncertainty, we scale back the assistance level. This approach ensures that users develop their communication skills alongside the AI, creating a collaborative growth experience rather than dependency.
Our research revealed several fascinating insights about human-AI interaction. First, we discovered that the boundary of acceptable AI assistance isn't fixed but rather dynamic, expanding or contracting based on user trust and AI performance. Users initially prefer minimal AI involvement, but as trust builds through successful interactions, they become comfortable with more comprehensive assistance. However, this comfort zone can contract if the AI makes mistakes, creating a breathing dynamic boundary.Second, we found that maintaining user control over final decisions is crucial, even in cases where users trust the AI completely. This is similar to having a launch button for a rocket – the final control should always rest with the human operator, providing a sense of agency and responsibility.Perhaps most surprisingly, we discovered that users often prefer AI that writes like them rather than perfectly. Even if the AI occasionally makes minor mistakes while matching their style, users showed greater trust in the system compared to one that produced flawless but impersonal content. This insight significantly influenced our design approach, leading to the development of our personalized style tags alongside standard writing options.
The tag-based interface emerged from extensive research into existing email assistance software and understanding how users naturally categorize and process information. We observed that email summary tools were already using categorical tags, which users had grown accustomed to. Additionally, tags proved highly effective for training our language models.Initially, we experimented with traditional summary formats, but found that users struggled with processing large blocks of text, regardless of length. This led us to explore various visualization methods, including graphics, tags, and voice interfaces. We discovered that the same tags used for AI training could serve as excellent quick-reference points for users, instantly communicating key information about sender identity, purpose, and tone.The final design combines relationship tags (e.g., "team member"), purpose tags, and tone indicators to create a comprehensive but quickly scannable overview. For instance, seeing "Urgent feedback from team member" with an appropriate tone tag immediately sets the context before the user even opens the email, reducing communication anxiety and improving efficiency.
Our approach differs fundamentally from chatbots because we designed this system before the ChatGPT era, focusing purely on user needs rather than following current AI interaction patterns. Instead of forcing users into a chat interface, we integrated AI capabilities directly into the familiar email interface.The assistant is available on-demand rather than dominating the interaction. Users can activate different levels of assistance based on their needs – from simple tag summaries to phrase suggestions, paragraph rewrites, or full email responses. This graduated approach to AI assistance maintains efficiency without requiring users to engage in constant chat-style interactions for every task.The design focused on providing the right level of help at the right moment, scaling from minimal to comprehensive assistance based on user preference and context. This progressive integration approach sets us apart from chatbot-style interfaces that often force users into a rigid interaction pattern for every task.
Interestingly, in the years following our project, we've seen many AI tools adopt similar color schemes. Our choice was driven by specific psychological and practical considerations. We wanted to convey the fluid, dynamic nature of AI assistance while clearly distinguishing between AI-generated content and objective information.For AI-generated content and optimized responses, we used gradient blues to suggest fluidity and ongoing evolution. For objective information like email text and fixed tags, we maintained a clean white background to represent unchanging, factual content.The choice of blue specifically came after testing various colors. For a daily-use email tool, we wanted to avoid colors that might trigger strong emotional responses (like red or yellow) or imply definitive judgments (like green). The combination of blue and white creates a neutral, calming environment that doesn't interfere with the emotional content of the messages themselves. This allows the AI's outputs to carry their own emotional weight without being influenced by the interface design.
Our design provides a vision for future AI-assisted software that acknowledges and adapts to different levels of user needs. Whether users need quick tag summaries, word substitutions, sentence rewrites, or full response generation, the system flexibly adapts to these varying requirements based on context, content, and user confidence levels.While current AI software often provides a one-size-fits-all approach, we believe AI should be intelligent not just in its capabilities but in how it integrates into user workflows. It's gratifying to see some of our design concepts, such as clear visual distinction between AI-generated and objective content, being adopted by current AI tools.However, the key innovation we hope to see more widely adopted is the intelligent scaling of AI involvement. The future of AI assistance isn't just about making AI smarter, but about making it more contextually aware of when and how to assist users, providing a spectrum of support rather than a binary all-or-nothing approach.
These distinct modes emerged from our research showing that users approach email composition and relationship management with fundamentally different mindsets. The Assistant mode focuses on immediate communication needs, analyzing content and providing real-time suggestions for improvement, while the Librarian mode helps users organize and understand their broader network of relationships.The Librarian mode acts as a knowledge repository, helping users maintain a comprehensive view of their professional relationships and communication patterns. It provides historical context and relationship insights that inform future interactions.These modes work symbiotically – the Librarian mode's accumulated knowledge enhances the Assistant's ability to provide contextually appropriate suggestions, while the Assistant mode's interactions contribute to the Librarian's growing understanding of relationship dynamics. This dual approach creates a more comprehensive and nuanced email management experience.
My background in autonomous vehicle design significantly influenced my understanding of human-AI collaboration. In self-driving vehicles, AI assists but doesn't completely take over, with humans remaining ultimately responsible – similar to our email assistant's approach.The automotive industry taught me three crucial aspects of human-AI interaction: the importance of split-second timing, the potential for serious consequences from mistakes, and the risk of over-reliance on automation. While email communication isn't as time-critical as driving, these principles helped shape our approach to user engagement and safety mechanisms.This experience also provided valuable insights into testing methodologies for AI systems. The rigorous testing requirements in automotive applications helped us develop robust verification processes for our email assistant, ensuring reliability while maintaining user agency.
Our award-winning approach demonstrates that ethical AI integration isn't just about capability limits – it's about thoughtful implementation that respects user agency and promotes growth. We've shown that AI can enhance rather than replace human communication skills through our progressive assistance model.The app contributes to the ethical AI conversation in three key ways. First, it demonstrates how AI can preserve and enhance individual communication styles rather than standardizing them. Second, our transparent approach to AI involvement, clearly indicated through visual design, sets a standard for honest AI integration. Finally, our focus on user growth rather than dependency shows how AI tools can empower rather than replace human capabilities.We believe this approach can serve as a model for future AI tools, showing how to balance automation with human development, and how to integrate AI assistance while maintaining user autonomy and authenticity in communication.
