Today we’d like to introduce you to Ping Chen.
Hi Ping, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ping Chen. I graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2023 with a degree in Industrial Design. After graduating, I started working as a product designer and am currently at a small startup based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Before that, I worked as a product designer at Nagarro, where I had the chance to work across many client projects in different industries.
I’ve known I wanted to be a designer from a very young age. Back in middle school, I started exploring creative work through painting, sketching, and visual arts. Those early experiences shaped my design foundation and strongly influenced my design aesthetic, which I’m very proud of today. It’s also something collaborators often mention as inspiring and distinctive.
More recently, I’ve been exploring how AI tools can support and expand creative work. I worked in an AI-native product space called ComfyUI, where I learned how to use AI thoughtfully as part of the design process, not to replace creativity, but to enhance it. That experience pushed me to think more broadly about the future of design and how emerging tools can unlock new ways of creating.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges early on was realizing that design, as a discipline, isn’t equally recognized or structured in China. Before graduate school, I felt that the design industry was not fully established or respected as a strategic field in the broader market. That gap pushed me to look for a place where I could properly learn design as a discipline, not just as a creative skill.
That’s why I chose to study abroad in US, and attend Savannah College of Art and Design. There, I learned how design connects to business, products, and real human needs—not just aesthetics. It helped me understand how designers can create real value for companies and the people they serve.
More recently, another challenge has been the rapid rise of AI. I saw many designers feel uncertain or even threatened by how fast the industry was changing. Instead of resisting it, I chose to lean in. I spent time learning AI tools and exploring how they could support creativity rather than replace it. That shift helped me stay adaptable and continue growing as a designer in a fast-changing industry.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a product designer working across physical products, UX/UI, and AI-driven design. I focus on turning complex ideas into simple, intuitive experiences. My strength is thinking end-to-end: from user needs and behavior, to design decisions, to real business impact.
I’m especially known for blending strong design aesthetics with clear problem-solving. I care a lot about how things look, but even more about how they work and how people feel using them. In recent years, I’ve also specialized in working with AI-native tools and products, exploring how AI can support creativity, speed up iteration, and unlock new design workflows instead of replacing human judgment.
What I’m most proud of is my adaptability. I’ve worked across different teams, industries, and problem spaces, and I’m comfortable learning fast and stepping into ambiguity. I’m also a strong team player. I collaborate closely with engineers, PMs, and stakeholders, and I bring a positive, open energy to the team. I enjoy building things together and helping teams move forward, especially in fast-paced environments.
What sets me apart is this combination: strong visual taste, systems thinking, hands-on product experience, and a genuine curiosity about new tools and technologies. I don’t just design for today. I’m always thinking about what’s next and how design can evolve with it.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Believe in yourself and your choices and things will work out for you as long as you try hard enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pingchendesign.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ping-chen-2661a0179/
