LATEST BLOG
How I Pivoted NearbyGame and Used AI to Go From 0 to 1
Why I abandoned a venue-discovery idea, reframed the problem with AI, and turned NearbyGame into a calm walking experience built for one user first.
Read PostHello, I'm
Hong
Product Builder · HCI · Engineering Leadership
I build AI-powered products from 0 → 1, fast.
Designing systems where ideas turn into working software in days, not months
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Projects
What I Build
Products I've shipped that are live and serving users. Every one started with a real problem.
Writing
What I Think
Ideas on product design, engineering with AI, and rethinking how software should work.
BLOG
Introducing CrossIt: A Lightweight Habit Helper
A simple local-first habit helper focused on one action: complete a routine and cross it off.
Read Post BLOG
MiniBreaks Pivot: From Wellness to Micro-Apps
Why I pivoted MiniBreaks into a weekly micro-app experiment, and how I structured AI roles to ship one tiny app every week.
Read Post BLOG
Why Do I Build NoCloud Chat
Why I built a local-first chat app with no registration and no cloud dependency.
Read Post 4-PART ARTICLE
Mosaic: From App Stores to App Flows
A vision that replaces app stores with seamless, context-aware app flows.
Read Article 10-PART SERIES
How I Built MiniBreaks.io With AI
The full story of building a complete website with AI from idea to deployment.
Read SeriesMore articles in the works — stay tuned.
Background
The Journey
With a Master's in Human-Computer Interaction, I bridge the gap between technology and people. I think like a product manager, build like an engineer, and always start with the user.
Master's in HCI
University of Manitoba
Where I learned that the best technology is invisible: it should just work for users.
Software Engineer
Business Consulting · Starbucks · Microsoft
Shipped products at scale. Also built independent apps on the side — because I can't stop building.
Product Builder & Engineering Leadership
Still always building products and applying engineering lean principles
I lead teams to build scalable software while fostering collaboration, learning, and a relentless focus on the user. Never stop building products in the last 10+ years.
Life
Beyond the Code
When I'm not building products or leading teams, you'll find me running trails around the Seattle area, playing table tennis (still learning — still improving), or being bossed around by Melody and Otto.
In loving memory of Melody. You are deeply missed and always in our hearts.
Running Table Tennis Cats UX Design HCI Researcher Product Mindset AI Builder UX Thinking Engineering Lead
Connect
Let's Talk
I'd love to connect with fellow engineers, product enthusiasts, or anyone who just wants to say hi. Currently in the Seattle metro area.