Jon Stojan
Photo Courtesy: Andi Zhou and Siyuan Ma
The design world often seeks the perfect blend of empathy, innovation, and inclusivity—qualities that define the visionary work of Andi Zhou and Siyuan Ma. Their most recent projects -Luminara, winner of London Design Awards and Vega Digital Award, as well as AXEL, winner of French Design Award – have underscored their unique approach to solving real-world challenges through design. This article explores the creative journey behind Luminara and AXEL and how it builds on the foundations laid by their earlier award-winning works, Grain&Gather.
Luminara: Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Access
Luminara is a self-guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) toolkit for adolescents exemplifies their ability to address real-world challenges with design solutions that are as functional as they are emotionally resonant. At its heart, Luminaraaddresses a pressing issue: the barriers adolescents face in accessing mental health care. Traditional therapy can be costly, stigmatized, or unavailable, leaving many young people without crucial support. Zhou and Ma envisioned a toolkit that makes CBT techniques accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant.
In their extensive research phase, Zhou and Ma identified that existing resources often felt impersonal or out of touch with adolescents’ realities. They realized that bridging this gap required more than clinical accuracy—it needed cultural resonance. Luminara demystifies mental health practices and speaks directly to its target audience. The prompt card kit encourages daily mindfulness and self-reflection, making mental health management approachable and even enjoyable.
“Adolescents often feel isolated in their struggles,” Ma explains. “With Luminara, we wanted to create a resource that feels like a companion—something relatable and empowering.”
Balancing clinical accuracy with cultural relevance required constant iteration. “There are tremendous scientific research articles to prove the science of CBT, but how you present it to teens needs to be flexible and engaging,” Zhou notes. “That balance was key to Luminara’s success.”
AXEL: Humanizing Autonomous Vehicles
Taking a look at Zhou and Ma’s earlier work AXEL, the project speaks to the future of mobility. Designed for passengers in privately owned Level 3 and 4 autonomous vehicles, AXEL addresses the trust gap between humans and self-driving technology.
Utilizing advanced image recognition AI, AXEL gathers real-time traffic data and presents it to passengers in an intuitive way. Interactive touch points allow users to influence the vehicle’s driving style, offering a sense of control and personalization.
“Autonomous vehicles challenge how people perceive safety and agency,” Zhou explains. “With AXEL, we wanted to create a system that builds trust by giving passengers visibility and choice.”
The project’s innovative approach earned it a Gold at both the French Design Award and the Muse Design Awards. Yet, like Luminara, AXEL required navigating a complex design landscape. “Autonomous vehicles represent a shift in how we interact with technology,” Ma says. “Our goal was to make that transition feel seamless and intuitive.”
Grain&Gather: Dignity in Humanitarian Design
The duo’s work, Grain&Gather, has been celebrated at globally renowned venues, including the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, for its transformative approach to humanitarian design. For refugees navigating the complexities of resettlement, something as simple as food assistance can feel alienating. Grain&Gather transforms this experience into one of empowerment, offering thoughtfully designed packaging that conveys care and consideration.
“Humanitarian aid often focuses on basic survival,” Zhou reflects. “We wanted Grain&Gather to go further—to provide not just food, but a sense of dignity and belonging.”
Ma emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project: “Designing for refugees means considering barriers like language, fear of authority, and cultural differences. Every element of Grain&Gather was shaped by those insights.”
The project’s impact has been profound, winning two Silvers at the NY Product Design Awards and a Silver at the Titan Innovation Awards. Yet, its greatest achievement lies in its ability to humanize an often-overlooked experience. Zhou and Ma set a new benchmark for socially conscious design, proving that thoughtful, inclusive solutions can have a transformative impact.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Zhou and Ma’s diverse portfolio highlights their versatility and dedication to making design meaningful. Andi Zhou and Siyuan Ma, both recognized as user experience design leaders from leading tech corporations, bring a wealth of experience to their social design projects. Known for her ability to translate complex human emotions into tangible, impactful design solutions, Andi Zhou’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to underserved communities. Siyuan Mabrings his background in cutting-edge AI solutions and a deep understanding of the societal impact of technologies, emphasizing human values in his designs. Zhou and Ma’s work consistently elevates human-centered design and pushes the boundary of design-led innovation.
“At the end of the day, design is about people,” Zhou reflects. “It’s about creating experiences that feel authentic, empowering, and connected.”
Ma adds, “Our projects may differ in scope and focus, but they all share a common goal: to make life better through thoughtful, empathetic design.”
As Zhou and Ma continue to push the boundaries of what design can achieve, their work serves as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of creativity. From Luminara to AXEL and Grain&Gather, their designs redefine how we connect with the world—and with one another.