Meet Jing Peng | UI/UX Designer

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

Hi Jing, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology, design, and human experience. Growing up, I was drawn to storytelling and problem-solving, and I saw design as a powerful medium to bring those elements together. The idea of creating something that could not only be functional but also evoke emotion and connection deeply resonated with me.

Throughout my education and career, this passion has guided me. What excites me most about this field is its transformative potential. Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about impact. Whether it’s making education more accessible, enhancing mental health care with AI, or creating intuitive gaming experiences, I see every project as an opportunity to make life easier, more joyful, or more meaningful.

Pursuing a creative career has allowed me to channel my curiosity, empathy, and technical skills into work that not only excites me but also contributes to a larger purpose. It’s a journey of continuous learning, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my dedication to creating impactful, user-centered designs that bridge the gap between technology and human experience. For example, at my current job, we are designing an AI-powered platform that adapts to each student’s unique learning needs and provides real-time, personalized feedback. Unlike traditional education, our mission focuses on the fun aspect of learning, using games to teach kids essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, all of which set them up for future success. I’m truly grateful to live in such an innovative era and to have the opportunity to use my skills in design and technology to shape the future.

My journey has been far from easy. I’ve faced numerous challenges, from tackling complex design problems to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the intersection of technology and human-machine interaction. Given the rapid pace of change in the world and the innovative nature of my work, one of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of persistence. Whenever I encountered roadblocks, I kept my focus on the bigger picture and continued moving forward. It’s the combination of creativity, resilience, and collaboration that has empowered me to overcome obstacles and keep growing.

That being said, I’m deeply committed to using design to solve real-world problems, whether it’s in education, mental health, or other areas where technology can make a positive impact. My personal and professional journey is a reflection of my belief in the power of human-centered innovation, and my story is one of continuous learning, adaptation, and striving to make a difference.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the SF Bay Area, I’d be so excited to show them around and make sure they experience the best this place has to offer. The Bay Area is full of such diverse experiences, and I’d want them to get a taste of it all.

We’d definitely start with some iconic San Francisco spots. First, we’d take a stroll through Golden Gate Park, maybe visit the de Young Museum, and enjoy the nature and culture right in the city. After that, we’d head over to the Ferry Building Marketplace for lunch — it’s such a great spot with local vendors, and we’d have some fresh seafood and amazing coffee.

On another day, I’d take them to Muir Woods to experience the awe-inspiring redwoods. Afterward, we’d make our way to Point Reyes for some incredible coastal views. Point Reyes Lighthouse is definitely a must-see, and we’d spend time enjoying the quiet, natural beauty of the area. A little trip out of the city, but so worth it!

No trip would be complete without a visit to Napa. I’d then take them on a wine-tasting tour, maybe stopping at Castello di Amorosa, which is just as stunning as it is delicious. Then we could explore the other vineyards or take a hot air balloon ride — Napa from the air is unforgettable.

I’d also take them to Silicon Valley for a peek into the tech world. Visiting the Computer History Museum in Mountain View would be so interesting, and then we could check out the beautiful Stanford campus. Also we’d head to some of the area’s tech hubs like Google, Apple and Meta.

For a more relaxed day, I’d show them around some of San Francisco’s hidden gems. A morning stroll through the Mission District to see the murals and then brunch at Mama’s on Washington Square would set the tone for a low-key but wonderful day. I’d take them to Twin Peak to enjoy the views, or we could check out the Exploratorium — a super fun, interactive museum that’s great for all ages. We’d end the day with a sunset at Lands End.

In a week, we’d have a great balance of nature, culture, great food, and local experiences that really showcase what makes the Bay Area special. There’s always something exciting and unique to explore here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to the incredible mentors and collaborators who have shaped my journey. In particular, I want to recognize Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and the founder of the Entertainment Technology Center. His renowned lecture, The Last Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams, deeply inspired me and played a pivotal role in my decision to apply to CMU ETC, eventually leading me to study, work, and live in the U.S. My study at CMU laid the foundation for my interdisciplinary approach to design. The program taught me to seamlessly merge creativity and technology, a skill that continues to define my work today. In The Last Lecture, Randy also shared a powerful message: “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.” Those words have stayed with me, motivating me to push through moments of fatigue or discouragement. I deeply admire him and feel compelled to share his influence.

I’d also like to credit the talented teams I’ve worked with at organizations like Synthesis, Osmo and so much more. Each team member brought unique perspectives, skills, and passion to our projects, and their collaboration was key to bringing ambitious ideas to life. These individuals and organizations have been a source of inspiration and support, and I’m deeply grateful for the role they’ve played in my story. Their guidance and partnership remind me that great design is always a team effort.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-jing-peng/