By: Kelly Walker

In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of product design, few figures stand out as prominently as Yiwei Lin. A visionary leader and innovator, she has consistently harnessed the power of AI technology to reshape traditional industries, driving transformative change and creating lasting impact. Through her latest project, Geward, Yiwei exemplifies her dedication to utilizing cutting-edge technology for societal benefit and industry advancement, positioning herself at the forefront of design excellence.

Geward is far more than just an ordering platform; it represents a bold leap into the future of how consumers engage with dining services. Geward’s innovation lies in its ability to seamlessly blend social interaction with the efficiency of AI-powered technology. By integrating these elements, the platform offers a personalized, connected, and engaging dining experience that has the potential to transform the industry as we know it. Yiwei Lin’s vision for Geward is not just to create a tool for convenience but to foster an inclusive and dynamic ecosystem where technology and human experience intersect in meaningful ways.

Photo Courtesy: Yiwei Lin / Geward Inc

Geward is a social-driven B2C ordering platform designed to reshape how users interact with and enjoy their dining experiences. By integrating social engagement into the ordering process, Geward offers features such as group ordering, gift and point exchanges, review sharing, and AI-powered personalized recommendations. This platform not only enhances user satisfaction but also promotes a thriving and inclusive ecosystem for all stakeholders. These interactive features have added a layer of community involvement, turning what was once a solitary act of ordering into a shared experience, whether users are dining together or apart.

Geward addresses the isolation of solo dining by incorporating social features that encourage community engagement. The AI waiter, GiGi, provides tailored recommendations while sharing food nutrition and cultural insights, which has led to a significant increase in customer satisfaction. Additionally, Geward’s loyalty reward and dynamic pricing features have improved restaurant efficiency, reduced labor costs, and cut food waste. By understanding customer preferences and applying AI-driven insights, Geward offers a more efficient ordering experience that benefits both users and restaurants. Over the next five years, Geward is poised to impact over 2,000 restaurants, fostering sustainable practices and technological inclusivity.

Geward’s success also highlights the growing demand for technology-driven solutions in traditional industries. As more consumers embrace digital platforms, innovations like Geward are set to revolutionize not just dining but customer interaction across multiple service sectors. By providing a platform that combines AI with user-friendly design, Yiwei Lin has created a bridge between the demands of modern consumers and the capabilities of advanced technology.

Photo Courtesy: Yiwei Lin / Geward Inc

Yiwei Lin played a pivotal role in the development and success of Geward, demonstrating her comprehensive design leadership across three user interfaces: consumer-side, frontdesk-side, and manager-side. Her leadership in ensuring a seamless user experience across different interfaces is a reflection of her commitment to both aesthetic consistency and functional usability. Yiwei created a cohesive design system that maintained aesthetic and functional consistency across the three applications, enhancing usability and harmony. She conducted thorough research into social engagement and user behavior, driving innovative solutions like group ordering, reward sharing, and personalized recommendations. The integration of these features was not just about offering more options but about designing a system that genuinely enhances the dining experience for users while optimizing operations for businesses.

In addition to her design leadership, Yiwei spearheaded the integration of AI-driven elements such as GiGi, the AI waiter, collaborating with cross-functional teams to leverage technology that would enhance the overall user experience. She also designed an affordable, user-friendly cloud POS system for minority and small merchants, ensuring accessibility and support for traditionally marginalized businesses. This initiative highlights her commitment to creating inclusive and impactful design solutions that serve a broad demographic, demonstrating both her technical expertise and her understanding of diverse user needs.

Additionally, Yiwei Lin was recognized with the NY Product Design Award in 2023 and DNA Paris Design Award in 2024. This recognition highlights the commercial value and innovative excellence of Yiwei’s designs, showcasing her ability to lead projects that deliver significant impact and success. Her achievements reflect her ongoing dedication to pushing the boundaries of what product design can achieve in enhancing both business and consumer experiences.

Yiwei Lin plans to continue her pioneering work, further integrating AI technology to enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of traditional industries. She envisions a future where AI not only improves service but also promotes a more sustainable and ethical approach to business. By utilizing data and machine learning, her goal is to further personalize customer experiences, helping businesses reduce waste, optimize supply chains, and ensure environmentally friendly practices. Yiwei’s efforts underline the importance of economic inclusivity and her dedication to using technology as a means to bridge social and economic gaps.

Yiwei is also committed to promoting sustainable practices and environmental protection through technological innovation and design improvements. By supporting the economic development of minority and small merchants, she aims to foster inclusive economic growth and contribute to global sustainability goals. Her vision extends beyond business success to create a future where technology serves as a tool for social good, empowering communities, and ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.

As a distinguished product designer and industry leader, Yiwei Lin’s future is undoubtedly bright. She will continue to be at the forefront of technological and design advancements, driving meaningful change and setting new standards in the industry.

Published by: Martin De Juan