Welcome to HackerNoon’s Meet the Writer Interview series, where we learn a bit more about the contributors that have written some of our favorite stories.
Let’s start! Tell us a bit about yourself—for example, name, profession, and personal interests.
Hello, My name is Nan Ei Ei, and I've spent over a decade in embedded software engineering, with additional experience in product and project work, data analysis, and, most recently, AI engineering. I developed cross-platform test applications in Qt QML/C++ to validate hardware components in real-time operating systems, and later developed intuitive interfaces for autonomous robots using Qt QML.
As I grew more interested in the intersection of finance and technology, I transitioned into data analysis within the financial loans domain, which eventually led me toward Artificial Intelligence. I enjoy working at the point where systems, data, and real-world decision-making meet.
Outside of tech, I am a big fan of crime and detective movies - and I love unwinding by baking and arranging floral displays. It's my favourite way to relax after long days of building and problem-solving.
Interesting! What was your latest Hackernoon Top Story about?
My latest top story is about how to choose the right vector database for a production-ready RAG chatbot. I focused on setup time, infrastructure, learning curve for developers, and minimizing DevOps effort. When I was evaluating vector databases for my own use case, I spent a significant amount of time comparing options. That experience motivated me to write this article so others could benefit from a clearer, faster decision-making process.
Do you usually write on similar topics? If not, what do you usually write about?
I usually write about software engineering practices, user interface libraries, and technical challenges I face while building real systems. I have been sharing my experiences on my personal blog since 2018, and my writing often grows directly from the problems I have solved in my day-to-day work. I enjoy breaking down complex workflows into clear, practical insights that other developers can apply immediately.
Great! What is your usual writing routine like (if you have one?)
My writing routine is very simple. I start by reflecting on the case studies or the problems I have solved, then I outline the most straightforward way to explain them to readers. Once the structure is clear, I connect the dots and begin writing. I usually write my articles in the morning or late at night when my mind is clear, and the environment is quiet.
Being a writer in tech can be a challenge. It’s not often our main role, but an addition to another one. What is the biggest challenge you have when it comes to writing?
The biggest challenge for me is shifting from implementation to explaining. As engineers, we often dive straight into building components, especially my senior managers, but writing requires slowing down, zooming out, and articulating the why behind every decision. One of my managers once advised me to write in a way that even readers unfamiliar with the topic should understand at a very high level. I have made that discipline my guideline in writing.
What is the next thing you hope to achieve in your career?
I want to deepen my work in AI systems, focusing on reliable and accessible solutions. In the long term, my goal is to help bridge the global AI divide by empowering developers in underserved regions with modern tools and knowledge. Based on my industry experience, I also hope to share insights with the next generation of developers - whether through writing or mentoring students.
Wow, that’s admirable. Now, something more casual: What is your guilty pleasure of choice?
Sometimes I spend my time watching movies or hanging out, and then feel a little guilty for not sitting at my study table. But I am telling myself that those small breaks are often exactly what I need to reset and come back with fresh energy. As we can't be productive all the time.
Do you have a non-tech-related hobby? If yes, what is it?
I love baking—it’s a precise, calming ritual after long technical days. I also enjoy arranging flowers around my home, which brings creativity and a sense of freshness into my space.
What can the Hacker Noon community expect to read from you next?
I am planning to work on my follow-up article, which is about feeding RAG data into LLMs with focus on a hybrid approach for Chatbots. It's meant to be a practical guide for developers building AI products.
What’s your opinion on HackerNoon as a platform for writers?
HackerNoon is one of the few platforms where technical writers can be honest and creative. It gives us space to share the deep dives, strong opinions, and not the surface-level content. It is such a great place for builders like us to share what we have learned and to have the opportunity to connect global community of readers, writers, and developers.
Thanks for taking time to join our “Meet the writer” series. It was a pleasure. Do you have any closing words?
Thank you so much for having me. See you in the next article!!!