By Cansu Peker

Jenny Yanzhi Wang is a learning designer and artist based in New York. With an academic foundation spanning developmental psychology, drama, learning sciences, game design, and experience design, Jenny’s work ensures that education is not only effective but also inspiring — bridging the gap between knowledge and creativity through thoughtful design and artistic expression.

Originally from southeastern China, she moved to the United States at 18 to pursue her education and career on the East Coast. Her multicultural background continuously shapes her creative and educational pursuits, inspiring her to explore identity, learning, and artistic expression. She specializes in integrating learning technology with the learning sciences to create meaningful, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences; dedicated to enhancing education through interdisciplinary approaches.

We asked Jenny about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital designer? How did you get started in this field?

I've always been drawn to multidisciplinary fields like education, psychology, art, and tech. I graduated with a degree in Applied Psychology and Human Development, which gave me a strong theoretical foundation in how the brain works and how learning happens. But I realized that theory alone wasn’t enough—I wanted to bring those fascinating ideas to life.

So, I decided to shift gears and focus more on the practical application of learning. I’ve always believed that learning should be fun, so I explore playful, engaging ways to make it happen across different mediums. After a few successful projects in graduate school, I found my path as an interdisciplinary designer—someone who blends education and psychology with tech and art to create inspiring, playful experiences that bring learning to life.

How do you balance creativity and structure when designing educational experiences?

I think it starts with understanding your audience and learning objectives. Once you have a clear idea of what learners should take away from the experience, that serves as the foundation for designing activities and determining the best way to deliver them.

With a clear goal in mind, you can work backward to design a structured framework while leaving plenty of space for creativity. This is where things get interesting—creativity enhances engagement, making the learning process more dynamic. For example, instead of relying solely on text-based materials, applying multimedia design principles can transform content into interactive resources that cater to different learning preferences (if you believe in learning styles).

Creativity and structure aren’t opposing forces—they complement each other. A well-designed learning experience keeps learners engaged, guides them with purpose, and ensures they walk away with something meaningful.

How do you navigate cross-cultural storytelling in learning design?

When it comes to cross-cultural storytelling in learning design, I usually begin by researching the culture. Research is key to understanding what resonates and feels authentic. It's about weaving in diverse voices and perspectives, making sure the stories reflect different backgrounds without falling into stereotypes.

In addition, it’s as important to stay open-minded and always be in tune with the people I’m designing for. Listen to what they have to say and you’ll be surprised how much you learn through this process!

You emphasize inclusivity and accessibility — what are some of the biggest challenges in designing learning experiences that truly meet diverse needs?

I think one of the biggest challenges is juggling all the factors that need to be considered while keeping everything cohesive in the design. You’ve got learners with different levels of prior knowledge, varying familiarity with technology, and diverse abilities. There are always standards to follow, which helps, but the real challenge lies in understanding each learner's background and what they already know. The goal is to present information in a way that’s digestible and makes sense to your learners, no matter where they’re starting from.

Can you share a moment where you saw your work make a meaningful impact on a learner?

I remember an exhibition I participated in, where a woman approached me after hearing my ballad. She told me it left her with an emotion she couldn’t quite put into words—one that made her feel seen and empowered. We shared the same roots, but as we talked, I realized how differently we had grown—separated by time, by experience. She spoke of that familiar pull, the feeling of never fully escaping where you come from, yet always being drawn back to it. Her words stayed with me. I thanked her for sharing that with me, and in that moment, I felt the connection and the sense of something growing through my work.

If you could design the ideal learning environment of the future, what would it look like?

If I were to design the ideal learning environment, it would be built on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)—fostering autonomy, competence, and relatedness while ensuring learners are supported just beyond their current abilities. And I don’t think this is just a future concept; it’s something we can implement now.

Students would have ownership of their learning, with instructors and mentors providing just the right amount of scaffolded support to keep them engaged and progressing. Hands-on experiences would play a big role in bridging the gap between theory and real-world problem-solving. Instructors would also leverage technology to enhance learning and streamline the learning process.

Another key factor would be individualized, constructive feedback—giving students a clear sense of their learning trajectory and areas for improvement.The goal is to create a space where students feel both challenged and supported, making learning a more engaging and meaningful experience.

What is a profound childhood memory?

I always remember playing with my grandma in a park near my childhood home—the afternoon sun, the gentle breeze, the flowing river. Even after years of studying and working abroad, that memory still brings me a sense of warmth and comfort.

What else fills your time when you’re not creating art?

I watch a lot of movies, though I never keep track of my long list, haha. I like Quentin Tarantino, Takeshi Kitano, Hirokazu Koreeda, and the Coen Brothers. I also play the drum set!