We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jiahui Yu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jiahui , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a mental health platform called Mindmender.
This project is particularly meaningful to me because it addresses a societal issue that has personally touched my life. I’ve witnessed friends and family struggle with mental health challenges but avoid seeking help due to societal stigma. This inspired me to create a solution that could bridge this gap and provide support in a non-judgmental and accessible way.
The idea for Mindmender came from our team’s shared belief that mental health awareness is crucial in today’s high-pressure social environment. Our diverse team, which included individuals with psychology and design backgrounds, aimed to make mental health care more approachable. We designed interactive features, such as AI-driven emotion recognition and virtual avatars, to create a safe space for users to explore their emotions and access tailored recommendations. The platform also integrates gamification and community support features to keep users engaged while promoting healing and self-awareness.
This project was not just about solving a problem but also about changing how people perceive mental health care. Winning the 2024 Vega Award, NY Product, London Design Awards validated our approach and gave us the confidence to push forward with our ideas.
The impact of Mindmender, combined with its focus on addressing societal stigma, makes it a project that I deeply resonate with and am incredibly proud of.
Jiahui , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Jiahui, a UX designer with over four years of experience across industries like healthcare, education, and e-commerce. My passion for design began during my time at ArtCenter College of Design, where I developed a strong foundation in human-centered and minimalist design. I focus on creating intuitive experiences that solve users’ explicit needs while uncovering deeper, unspoken challenges. One of my proudest achievements is leading the development of Mindmender, a mental health platform that won the multiple design awards, reflecting my commitment to addressing social issues through design. I believe good design bridges the gap between people and technology, blending empathy, functionality, and beauty to create meaningful experiences that truly matter.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes, I wish I had known earlier about AI-driven design tools that simplify and enhance the creative process. Tools like Adobe Sensei and Runway ML have made tasks such as image generation, pattern recognition, and automated asset creation much faster and more intuitive. Additionally, platforms like ChatGPT have proven invaluable for brainstorming design ideas, generating copy, and refining user experiences. These AI tools allow designers to focus more on strategy and creativity by automating repetitive or time-consuming tasks. If I had access to these resources earlier, it would have significantly accelerated my learning curve and opened up more possibilities for experimentation.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media has been a gradual and intentional process. I focused on sharing content that aligned with my values and expertise, such as user-centered design tips, creative process insights, and project showcases. Consistency was key—I maintained a regular posting schedule and engaged with my audience by responding to comments and participating in relevant conversations. I also collaborated with other designers and creators to expand my reach and diversify my content.
For those just starting, my advice would be to define your niche and audience clearly, provide value through your content, and stay authentic. Use analytics to understand what resonates with your followers and adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember, building a social media presence is about creating genuine connections, so prioritize quality over quantity and focus on fostering a supportive community around your work.