We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Yuwei Li about their original and creative Animal Health Tracking System design work. Yuwei Li is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original animal health tracking system works.
Yuwei Li ("YL") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Pengu Buddy Animal Health Tracking System. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
YL : My most important design principle is: Design with intent, not assumption. Every decision—visual, functional, or strategic—should be grounded in purpose and empathy, not personal preference or guesswork. I believe good design solves real problems and respects the context of its users.
YL : The main focus of this work was to explore how technology can facilitate more empathetic and meaningful interactions between humans and animals. Building on what I learned from designing PenguBuddy, I wanted to push the boundaries of ACI—not just in functionality, but in emotional connection and mutual understanding. My goal was to create a design that respects both species’ needs, supports animal welfare, and rethinks what “interaction” means beyond the human context. Ultimately, it’s about contributing to a future where technology helps foster coexistence—rather than control—between people and animals.
YL : My future plans involve continuing to design for impact—especially in areas where technology, accessibility, and social equity intersect. I’m particularly interested in exploring how AI and inclusive design can shape more ethical, meaningful digital experiences. What’s next for me is growing as both a designer and a design advocate—taking on more cross-functional challenges, mentoring others, and contributing to work that not only solves problems, but also empowers underrepresented voices. I also hope to bring more of my ideas into public platforms—through speaking, writing, or design awards—to spark conversations that move our industry forward.
YL : About 6 months.
YL : This concept was designed in collaboration with the ACI Lab at Georgia Tech, as part of a commissioned project from the Georgia Aquarium. The goal was to explore how interactive technologies could support animal enrichment and public education through meaningful human-animal interaction. While the project was commissioned, the inspiration came from our shared mission—to enhance animal welfare through thoughtful, research-driven design. It was an opportunity to apply ACI principles in a real-world setting, bridging academic research with tangible impact.
YL : No plans at this time
YL : What made me design this particular type of work was my interest in how technology can support more ethical and empathetic relationships between humans and animals. When the Georgia Aquarium commissioned this project through the ACI Lab at Georgia Tech, it aligned perfectly with my passion for animal-computer interaction and mission-driven design. I was inspired by the opportunity to move beyond traditional interfaces and explore how design can enrich the lives of non-human users—while also educating and engaging the public in more meaningful ways.
YL : One of my favorite designs is Stanford University's self-navigating smart cane—a $400 assistive device that integrates AI and robotics to enhance mobility for individuals with visual impairments.
YL : visual impairments.
YL : This project exemplifies the potential of AI-driven design to create affordable, user-centered solutions that significantly improve quality of life. It inspires me to explore how emerging technologies can be harnessed to develop intuitive, inclusive products that address real-world challenges.
YL : The name PenguBuddy was chosen to emphasize the role of the robot as a companion—not a toy—for both penguins and humans. We wanted to highlight the idea of partnership, mutual respect, and emotional connection, rather than positioning the robot as a passive entertainment device. "Pengu" references the penguin species we designed for, while "Buddy" reflects the robot’s function as a supportive presence—helping enrich the animal’s environment and facilitating deeper engagement with humans. It’s a name that’s friendly, approachable, and aligned with our mission of promoting empathy through design.
YL : Figma, Rhino, Adobe CC.
YL : The most unique aspect of PenguBuddy is that it was intentionally designed not just for humans, but also for animals—specifically, penguins. Most interactive technologies focus solely on human needs, but this project considers both species as equal stakeholders in the design process. We applied principles from Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) to ensure that the robot supports the penguins’ behavioral enrichment, while also enabling meaningful engagement for human visitors and caretakers. This dual-user approach challenges traditional design boundaries and highlights how technology can foster empathy, welfare, and coexistence.
YL : We collaborated closely with researchers and professors from the ACI Lab at Georgia Tech, who brought deep expertise in Animal-Computer Interaction and human-animal behavior. Their guidance helped shape the ethical and technical foundation of the design. We also conducted interviews and field research with penguin caretakers and subject-matter experts at the Georgia Aquarium. Their firsthand knowledge of animal needs, behaviors, and enrichment practices was essential in creating a solution that genuinely served both the animals and the people who care for them.
YL : In this design, technology—particularly robotics—plays a supportive, carefully balanced role. We intentionally used technological components in a way that feels natural and non-intrusive to the penguins, prioritizing their well-being over novelty. Our goal was to explore innovation without disrupting the animals' natural behaviors. The robot was designed to be engaging, but not overstimulating—to enrich, not interfere. This approach reflects our belief that technology in ACI should be ethical, respectful, and always grounded in the needs of its non-human users.
YL : Our design was strongly guided by data from qualitative research, direct observation, and usability testing. We conducted multiple interviews with animal behavior experts and penguin caretakers at the Georgia Aquarium to gain deep insights into the penguins’ daily routines, preferences, and stress triggers. We also spent time on-site conducting field observations to better understand the animals' interactions with their environment. These sessions helped us identify design opportunities that would support enrichment without interference. Additionally, we ran iterative usability tests—with both the caretakers and the penguins—to evaluate the robot’s interaction patterns, movement, and physical presence. These tests allowed us to fine-tune the design to ensure it was safe, engaging, and intuitive for both human and non-human users.
YL : One of the biggest challenges we faced was designing for an interaction context that had very few precedents. Since Animal-Computer Interaction—especially involving physical robots for penguins—is still an emerging field, we couldn’t rely on existing patterns or case studies. We had to explore and define interaction models from the ground up, experimenting with different robot forms, behaviors, and materials. A major focus was ensuring that the robot was durable enough to withstand pecking or playful attacks from the penguins, without causing harm or fear. Balancing innovation, safety, and animal-friendly design required extensive prototyping, testing, and iteration. It was both a creative and ethical challenge—but one that made the project especially meaningful.
YL : We decided to submit this design to an international competition because we believe its mission—bridging technology, animal welfare, and inclusive interaction—deserves a wider platform and deeper public dialogue. Projects like PenguBuddy are still rare, and sharing it globally helps spark new conversations around ethical design beyond humans. Our hope was to raise awareness, not just for the project itself, but for the broader potential of Animal-Computer Interaction and the role design can play in supporting interspecies empathy. Recognition from an international audience helps validate this emerging field and encourages more designers to think beyond conventional boundaries.
YL : One of the biggest things I learned during this project was the value of continuously questioning and refining my own ideas. Designing for both animals and humans pushed me to step outside of familiar frameworks and rethink what "good interaction" really means. It was both challenging and rewarding to let go of early assumptions and iterate through uncertainty. This experience strengthened my ability to balance creativity with humility—and taught me that meaningful design often comes from embracing ambiguity and being willing to start over.
