Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jing Peng. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jing, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
To keep my creativity alive, I draw inspiration from the confluence of technology, design, and human experience. My work has always revolved around translating complex challenges into intuitive solutions, and I stay curious about how people interact with the world around them. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, each requiring innovative approaches and fresh perspectives and I see creativity as a practice of connection—between disciplines, users, and ideas.
I approach everyday moments as opportunities to observe and empathize. For example, working on mental health care solutions like Mindmender, I immersed myself in understanding user needs, using insights from psychology, AI, and design to craft a tool that feels deeply personal and impactful. Similarly, my work in gaming taught me how to find inspiration in play and storytelling, translating joy into functionality.
I also maintain creativity by exploring varied interests. Whether it’s delving into cutting-edge AI research, collaborating with diverse teams, or revisiting traditional art forms, these experiences widen my perspective. I believe that the best ideas often come from the intersection of different domains, so I intentionally seek out these overlaps.
my creativity is a blend of curiosity, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful design. I remain committed to learning from life, exploring beyond my comfort zone, and turning observations into designs that elevate and inspire the human experience.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Jing Peng, and I am a UI/UX designer with extensive experience in applying design and AI technology within the EdTech sector. Over the years, I’ve led impactful projects that bridge the gap between human interaction and advanced technologies, particularly in education. Currently, I’m focused on developing intuitive, AI-powered platforms that make learning experiences more personalized, engaging, and accessible at Synthesis.
At Synthesis, I have been leading the design of innovative products that showcase how AI can dynamically adapt content, provide real-time, tailored feedback to students, and enrich their learning experiences. I am deeply passionate about this mission and find immense fulfillment in my work—not only because it contributes to the company’s financial success but also because it advances and redefines education for the next generation while driving technological innovation.
Beyond my professional career, I’m passionate about creating designs that address societal needs. For instance, my side project, Mindmender, leverages AI to make mental health care more accessible and stigma-free. It’s an award-winning concept that reflects my commitment to using technology for the greater good.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue leading projects that integrate AI and design to benefit diverse audiences, including disadvantaged groups, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in user-centered design. By leveraging my expertise and experience, I hope to contribute meaningfully to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tech and design.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: adaptability, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Adaptability: Working in dynamic fields like UI/UX design and AI integration has taught me to embrace change and innovation. Staying flexible required me to quickly adapt to cutting-edge technologies and user needs and allowed me to thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver solutions that meet both user and business goals. For those starting their journey, I’d advise embracing uncertainty and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Empathy: Designing meaningful products starts with understanding people—how they think, feel, and interact with the world and I think my ability to put myself in the user’s shoes has been pivotal. To develop empathy, immerse yourself in diverse perspectives through user research, active listening, and storytelling. These practices will deepen your understanding of the problems you’re solving.
Lifelong Learning: Staying curious and open to new knowledge has been a cornerstone of my success. From earning a Master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon to continuously exploring advancements in AI, I’ve sought out ways to grow technically and creatively. For those early in their careers, prioritize learning over immediate outcomes. Whether through formal education, self-directed projects, or mentorship, building a strong foundation of knowledge will pay off in the long run.
Overall, my advice is simple: stay adaptable, practice empathy, and always seek to learn. These qualities will not only make you a better designer or technologist but also help you create work that truly resonates and makes an impact.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe it’s important to strike a balance: going all in on our strengths while selectively improving areas that complement those strengths. Focusing on what you excel at allows you to create maximum impact and stand out in your field. However, broadening your skill set strategically can enhance your strengths and open up new opportunities.
For example, my strengths lie in designing intuitive user experiences and integrating innovative technologies like AI. By focusing on these areas, I’ve successfully led impactful projects at Synthesis that leverage AI to make learning adaptive and accessible. However, I’ve also recognized the importance of improving complementary skills, such as project management and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Strengthening these areas has enabled me to effectively manage and communicate with larger teams, ultimately achieving broader and more ambitious outcomes and scopes.
Another instance was my work on Mindmender, where I had to step outside my comfort zone and deepen my understanding of mental health frameworks. While design and AI integration were my strengths, investing time in learning about psychological therapies ensured the product was both innovative and empathetic.
My advice is to double down on what you’re naturally good at but remain open to growth in areas that support or enhance those strengths. Being well-rounded isn’t about excelling at everything—it’s about building a foundation that allows your core strengths to shine even brighter. By doing so, you can not only achieve personal success but also create meaningful, impactful work that resonates with others.
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