Meet Zeyu Liu | Aging Researcher & Human-Centered Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zeyu Liu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zeyu, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
By the end of my career, I aspire to be the founder of a platform that integrates research, design, and implementation to foster genuine, human-centered innovation for aging populations. My ultimate aim is to enhance how older adults experience health, home, and community—not merely through one product or service but by developing a scalable system of care, dignity, and support.

I envision creating a platform—not a lab or agency but a cross-disciplinary hub—that connects researchers, designers, healthcare providers, technologists, and aging communities. This platform would act as a bridge, translating research insights into practical solutions, converting prototypes into pilot programs, and integrating co-created ideas into everyday environments.

What matters most to me is making an impact beyond academia. I want to ensure that the knowledge we generate doesn’t remain on paper but reaches real people—especially vulnerable, underserved older adults who are often excluded from innovation.

I see myself not just as a designer or researcher but as a systems builder—someone who connects the dots between insight and infrastructure, between care and action. I want to dedicate my life to building and growing this platform so that aging design becomes a fundamental part of how cities are built, how healthcare is delivered, and how society values older adults. That’s the kind of legacy I aspire to leave: not merely designing better tools but shaping a better system.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work at the intersection of aging research, design, and social innovation. What sets my work apart is how I blend rigorous academic study with practical, real-world application. I’m not just asking how older adults think or feel—I’m building tools, spaces, and systems that respond to their actual needs and realities.

I’m most proud of creating work that truly makes people feel seen. Whether it’s an AI-assisted system that helps older cancer patients navigate difficult treatment decisions or a home-based medication support program for those with cognitive decline, my projects aim to restore dignity, autonomy, and connection.

My journey hasn’t been easy. Although I come from an engineering background, I always felt something was missing—designs that looked good on paper often failed in the real world. I had to unlearn some of that mindset and start listening more deeply, especially when working with older adults. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came not from textbooks but from conversations with patients, caregivers, and family members who were navigating aging firsthand.

Throughout my journey, I encountered challenges, such as limited funding, cross-cultural misunderstandings, and the emotional burden of hearing people’s struggles. Yet, every challenge helped clarify my purpose. I realized I didn’t just want to conduct research—I wanted to translate insights into practical tools for people. That shift redirected my path.

Today, I’m building a platform that brings together interdisciplinary teams—designers, engineers, clinicians, and communities—to co-create age-friendly solutions. My goal isn’t just to innovate for innovation’s sake but to ensure that people feel empowered and not forgotten as they age.

What I want the world to know is that aging is not a problem to be fixed; it’s a reality to be designed for—with care, creativity, and respect.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting New York City for the first time, I’d plan a week that blends creativity, calm, and comfort—just like the city’s rhythm at its best.

Day 1: Welcome & Warmth
We’d start in SoHo, browsing through design bookstores like McNally Jackson, then grab a coffee at La Colombe. We’d end the day with a cozy dinner at Buvette, a tiny French bistro that feels like a friend’s apartment in Paris.

Day 2: Art & Empathy
Morning at the Whitney Museum, followed by a walk along the High Line, where nature, public space, and urban life intertwine. Dinner at ABC Kitchen, where sustainability meets thoughtful design.

Day 3: Hidden Histories & Quiet Power
We’d visit the Tenement Museum and stroll through the Lower East Side, pausing to reflect on how people of all generations shape the city. Dinner would be at Veselka, a Ukrainian diner that always feels like a warm hug.

Day 4: Central Park Reset
We’d spend the day in Central Park, especially The Conservatory Garden—a lesser-known, peaceful spot that feels like a secret garden. A jazz-accompanied picnic would round out the day.

Day 5: Innovation & Insight
We’d explore The Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, where design and social impact meet. Then head to Chelsea Market for a relaxed and lively dinner.

Day 6: Brooklyn Creativity
We’d spend the day in Williamsburg, exploring vintage shops and galleries, grabbing coffee at Devoción, and watching the sunset by the Brooklyn Waterfront. Dinner at Lilia—a pasta spot full of warmth and intention.

Day 7: Reflection & Connection
A rest day, full of slow conversation, favorite memories, and small walks near home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents. They’ve supported me through every stage of my journey—even when my path didn’t look like the most traditional one. I started with an engineering background, and when I decided to move into design and eventually into aging research, they never questioned my choices. Instead, they encouraged me to explore, stay curious, and find meaningful work.

My engineer father taught me to think critically and solve problems patiently. My mother, a teacher, deepened my appreciation for empathy, communication, and the quiet strength of helping others. Together, they shaped the values that guide me today.

Although they may not have always fully understood my direction, they always believed in the person I was becoming. That kind of unconditional support is rare, and I’m endlessly grateful for it.

Website: https://zeyuliu15463.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeyuliu15463/