I’m Yawen 👋
Exploring the future of design at the intersection of AI, XR, and everyday life

My Design Beliefs
Design isn’t just about solving problems or making things look good, it’s about creating joy, surprise, and delight in everyday moments, whether ordering food, calling a car, or transferring money. When products spark happiness, the business metrics follow naturally because people return to experiences they love. I also see design extending beyond the screen. With AI, XR, and robotics shaping the future, I’m excited to explore how multimodal interactions redefine how we connect with technology.
My Design Journey
I dreamed of being a designer at six, a path that led me to the School of Visual Arts, where I honed visual and
user-centered design, and then to Carnegie Mellon University, where I expanded into XR, games, and immersive experiences. Since then, I’ve designed across tech companies, agencies, and startups, from global brands like Riot Games and Under Armour to SaaS platforms for
early-stage ventures. Looking ahead, I aim to keep solving challenges, sparking joy, and shaping the future of interaction.

Balloon World NYC. 2023

VR World NYC. 2022

NYU ITP Show. 2023
I’ve always loved diving into different kinds of media, museums, paintings, exhibitions, you name it. I’ve actually been to the Met more than 30 times, and I still get excited every time. For me, immersive experiences and interactive art feel like being a kid again, curious, playful, and full of wonder. That’s what I enjoy most: how technology can bring people those simple, joyful moments of pure fun.

MIT Reality Hack. 2025

CMU HCI Hackathon. 2024
From 2024 to 2025, I’ve joined six hackathons across AI, XR, and product design. What I love most is creating something from 0 to 1 in such a short time, the thrill, the brainstorming, and the collaboration. Hackathons are so valuable to me not just for the projects, but for the people. I’m grateful for the amazing friends I’ve made, some of whom I didn’t even know before the event, and now they’ve become my close friends.
Awards & Recognitions
2025 MIT Reality Hack AeroSpatial Exploration
Track Winner
2025 MIT AI Filmmaking Hackathon Finalist,
Best OpenArt Use Nominee
2025 International Serious Play Awards,
Gold Medal
2024 Baidu Facemoji Case Competition
2nd Place
2024 CMU HCI Hackathon Winner
2023 Graphis Silver Award
2023 Young Ones Shortlist
Podcasts I love in AI Era
Podcasts are part of my everyday routine, and
these are the shows I never skip.
Lenny’s Podcast
Dive Club
AI Daily Brief
a16z Podcast
WhynotTV (Chinese Podcast)
自习室STUDY ROOM (Chinese Podcast)
© 2025 Yawen Xiao All Rights Reserved
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