Connecting Hearts and Systems: Shimei Qiu on Building HiveHarvest

I’ve always been fascinated by how technology shapes human behavior—and how good design can bridge the gap between complexity and clarity. What inspired me to enter the UX field was a desire to create tools that empower people, not overwhelm them.

Early in my career, I worked on a nonprofit food delivery project that showed how even small interface choices can dramatically improve access and efficiency. That experience revealed the power of design beyond aesthetics—it can transform how systems function and how people feel.

Since then, I’ve been especially drawn to designing internal tools and AI-powered workflows—spaces where design is often overlooked but deeply impactful. I love the challenge of turning friction-heavy processes into intuitive experiences and am inspired by the idea that thoughtful design can drive both business results and human empowerment.

Specializing in complex business products, I have contributed to the TikTok ecosystem through initiatives like TikTok Spotlight and TikTok for Developers, delivering solutions that enhance usability and drive growth. My research-driven design philosophy, grounded in social responsibility and business strategy, balances creativity, functionality, and measurable outcomes.

I’m most drawn to system-level design—tools and platforms that may not be visible to end users but are vital to how teams operate and collaborate behind the scenes. Whether it’s an internal campaign management tool or a community logistics app like Hive Harvest, I love designing experiences that simplify complexity, bring clarity to operations, and quietly create impact.

There’s a distinct satisfaction in transforming something tedious or fragmented into an experience that feels intuitive and empowering—especially when it helps people do meaningful work.

Good design is invisible—it gets out of the way and allows users to achieve their goals without friction. But beyond function, great design also builds trust and clarity, respecting the user’s time, environment, and emotions.

To me, good design lives at the intersection of usefulness, usability, and meaning. It solves the right problem, communicates clearly, and leaves the user feeling more confident than when they began.

My design style is minimal, purposeful, and systems-aware. I focus on hierarchy, clarity, and consistency—ensuring that even complex workflows feel approachable and intuitive. I often weave in subtle visual storytelling to keep things human, whether through microinteractions or character-based UI elements.

I don’t design for attention; I design for flow—how users move through a product, the mental models they bring, and how design can gently guide them from confusion to confidence.

My ideation process is grounded in research, empathy, and structured creativity.

I start by deeply understanding the problem space—talking to users, mapping workflows, and uncovering both pain points and opportunities. From there, I define a clear design question or hypothesis to guide ideation.

During brainstorming, I balance divergent and convergent thinking. I encourage bold ideas, quick sketches, and collaborative workshops, while guiding the team toward solutions that are feasible, user-centered, and scalable within the system.

Once directions are defined, I prototype early and often—testing rough ideas quickly, gathering feedback, and evolving the design through real-world context. For Hive Harvest, for instance, ideation went beyond screens to exploring new incentive models, delivery flows, and visual metaphors inspired by bee colonies.

Ultimately, I aim to keep the process open, inclusive, and purposeful—creating experiences that don’t just function well, but truly resonate.

I draw inspiration from a mix of real-world constraints and quiet observations. Sometimes it’s watching a volunteer navigate a delivery route in Hive Harvest; other times it’s found in stories—books, films, even stand-up comedy—where structure and emotion align effortlessly.

I’m constantly inspired by conversations with collaborators from other disciplines—engineers, researchers, and community organizers—who help me see challenges from new perspectives.

And when I feel stuck, I go outside. Nature has a way of reminding me how elegant systems can be.

One trend I’m especially excited about is the integration of AI into creative workflows—not to replace human creativity, but to amplify it. From AI-assisted content generation to predictive audience insights, marketing and media teams are gaining powerful tools to work smarter, move faster, and personalize experiences at scale. It’s a shift with profound implications for both internal systems and public-facing platforms.

It’s a tremendous honor for our team. This recognition goes beyond good design—it validates the values and purpose that guide our work.

For a team of passionate creatives, this distinction reinforces our belief that design can—and should—address real-world challenges. Our project, Hive Harvest, was built from the ground up to serve communities, reduce food waste, and create meaningful social impact. Seeing that vision acknowledged on an international stage is deeply rewarding.

It’s also a celebration of collaboration. This award reflects the care, empathy, and dedication each member brought—from research and UX to strategy and storytelling. It inspires us to keep moving forward and continue designing with intention.

Hive Harvest is a digital platform created to reduce food waste and improve access by connecting restaurants with surplus food to local food banks and volunteer drivers.

I chose to enter Hive Harvest because it reflects the kind of design I believe in—socially impactful, community-driven, and thoughtfully executed. This project goes beyond the user interface; it’s about building a system that balances diverse needs—logistics, volunteer coordination, and food safety—while keeping the experience simple, intuitive, and human-centered.

Hive Harvest is a digital platform created to reduce food waste and improve access by connecting restaurants with surplus food to local food banks and volunteer drivers.

I chose to enter Hive Harvest because it reflects the kind of design I believe in—socially impactful, community-driven, and thoughtfully executed. This project goes beyond the user interface; it’s about building a system that balances diverse needs—logistics, volunteer coordination, and food safety—while keeping the experience simple, intuitive, and human-centered.

Winning an international award has brought remarkable visibility to our project, Hive Harvest, and amplified the social mission behind it. Designed to reduce food waste and improve food access through community-driven logistics, Hive Harvest is more than an app—it’s a call to action.

Recognition from global juries has validated the project’s impact and opened new doors for collaboration, media coverage, and cross-sector partnerships. It’s allowed us to share our story—how a small team of passionate designers transformed a local challenge into a scalable solution—with a much wider audience.

For our agency, this award not only strengthens our credibility but also reaffirms our belief that design can create meaningful change. It has inspired partners, stakeholders, and emerging talent to join our mission. Most importantly, it’s given Hive Harvest the platform to move beyond concept—toward tangible, real-world impact.

- The power of storytelling: I love how marketing and media transform complex ideas into emotionally resonant narratives. Whether it’s a brand campaign or a mission-driven project like Hive Harvest, the ability to connect with people through story remains one of the most powerful tools in design.

- The pace of innovation: The industry evolves constantly, from AI-driven content to emerging formats and platforms. It keeps me curious and adaptable as a designer, offering endless opportunities to experiment and refine how we communicate.
 
- Cross-functional collaboration: Marketing and communications thrive on the synergy between designers, strategists, engineers, and analysts. I enjoy being part of that ecosystem—where creative vision intersects with business strategy and user insight.

China stands out in the digital industry for its sheer scale, speed of innovation, and deep ecosystem integration. From super apps that combine payments, messaging, and services into one seamless experience, to cutting-edge experimentation in AI, e-commerce, and social commerce, China has built a digital environment that’s fast-moving and highly adaptive.

As a designer from China, I’m continually inspired by how the market blends technology, design, and everyday behavior. It’s a place where digital solutions evolve at an incredible pace, and where user feedback loops are woven into the very DNA of product development.

China stands out in the digital industry for its sheer scale, speed of innovation, and deep ecosystem integration. From super apps that combine payments, messaging, and services into one seamless experience, to cutting-edge experimentation in AI, e-commerce, and social commerce, China has built a digital environment that’s fast-moving and highly adaptive.

As a designer from China, I’m continually inspired by how the market blends technology, design, and everyday behavior. It’s a place where digital solutions evolve at an incredible pace, and where user feedback loops are woven into the very DNA of product development.

Focus less on creating the “perfect” design, and more on solving the right problem. Show how you think, how you adapt, and how you care.

Don’t be afraid to start small—some of the most meaningful projects begin with a deep understanding of a local issue or niche need. Awards aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about intention, storytelling, and clarity.

- Tools like Miro, Notion, and FigJam

They’re invaluable for visualizing messy thoughts, mapping systems, and co-ideating with others. Especially in the early stages, the ability to collaborate visually is a real game-changer.

- Design awards and case study platforms

I regularly explore winning entries on international websites. It’s not about imitation, but about understanding how great ideas are structured, positioned, and brought to life.

- Feedback from cross-disciplinary peers

Some of the most valuable breakthroughs come from sharing early ideas with people outside your field. Engineers, researchers, volunteers—even users themselves—often provide fresh perspectives that refine and reframe your direction.

I don’t often talk about how frequently I experience imposter syndrome—even after winning awards or leading major projects. There are still moments when I feel like I’m figuring things out as I go, and that can be intimidating.

Over time, though, I’ve come to see doubt as a sign of growth—a reminder that I’m stepping into new territory. Rather than trying to silence it, I’ve learned to design through it—with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to keep learning.

One person who has deeply inspired me is Trevor Noah, especially through his memoir Born a Crime. What moved me most was his unwavering optimism, even amid the most difficult and unjust circumstances. Growing up during apartheid in South Africa, Trevor used humor, resilience, and sharp observation not only to survive but to understand, connect, and transform his experience into something powerful.

His story reminds me that creativity, storytelling, and perspective are tools for both survival and change. That same outlook has influenced how I approach design: even when navigating complex systems or social challenges, I strive to remain hopeful, resourceful, and human-centered. His example continues to remind me to ask—how can I turn obstacles into opportunities for impact?

For me, the key to success lies in staying curious, intentional, and grounded in purpose. I’ve learned that great ideas don’t always come from working harder—they come from asking better questions, listening deeply, and remaining open to unexpected insights.

Another principle I live by is impact over perfection. In design, it’s easy to get caught up in polishing the details, but true success comes from launching, learning, and improving—while keeping users and purpose at the heart of every decision.

If I could leave one parting thought, it would be this:

Don’t just chase recognition—chase resonance. Create things that matter, that move people, that solve real problems. That’s where fulfillment—and meaningful success—truly begins.

Just a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to share my work and values. It’s been meaningful to reflect on how design can influence not only the products we create, but also the way we address real social challenges and build systems that empower people.