Meet Hui Jing | Senior User Experience Designer & Visual Storyteller

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

Hi Hui, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my ability to embrace adaptability while staying grounded in empathy. Design is rarely a linear journey; it’s a constant evolution of learning, unlearning, and iterating based on user feedback and real-world constraints. Adaptability has allowed me to pivot from visual design to UX design seamlessly, embracing new tools, methodologies, and team dynamics along the way. For instance, transitioning from crafting brand identities to developing human-centered digital experiences required not only technical upskilling but also a mindset shift toward user research and collaboration.

Empathy is what anchors my work. By deeply understanding users’ pain points and aspirations, I’ve been able to craft solutions that truly resonate. It’s this user-centric approach that has led to the success of projects like Ecoride and TravelBot, etc., which were all celebrated for their impact and innovation.

In short, I believe success in design comes down to being curious, adaptable, and empathetic—qualities that allow you to grow, connect, and create meaningful experiences.

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.
My design journey has been one of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous growth. What truly sets me apart is my diverse background, I grew up in China, immersed in a rich cultural heritage, and later pursued a master’s degree in Human-Centered Interaction Design in the U.S. This blend of experiences has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to bridge cultural contexts and approach design with both empathy and creativity.

The path to where I am today wasn’t always easy. Transitioning from visual design to user experience design came with its challenges. I had to unlearn the notion that design was only about aesthetics and fully embrace the process of solving real user problems. At the same time, my curiosity and drive pushed me to learn new tools and methodologies. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability and collaboration. Designing for diverse users and working with cross-functional teams have taught me to stay open to feedback and to constantly iterate for better results.

Through my story, I want the world to know that design is a universal language that connects, solves, and inspires. I aim to continue creating meaningful experiences, blending my cultural diversity with a passion for human-centered design.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting San Francisco, I’d plan a week filled with creativity, culture, and some of my favorite hidden gems. We’d start with a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It’s my go-to place for inspiration, the ever-evolving collection of artists and their works always leaves me in awe.

Hayes Street is a must-see. We’d spend the day strolling through its charming boutiques and designer hand-craft stores. A stop at Ritual Coffee Roasters is non-negotiable. No trip to San Francisco is complete without visiting Golden Gate Park. We’d explore the de Young Museum, followed by a serene walk around Stow Lake.

San Francisco is a city of endless discovery, and I love showing people its mix of art, food, and nature. It’s always an unforgettable experience!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to the Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g). Their resources and insights were pivotal in shaping my transition into User Experience design. As a designer initially rooted in visual aesthetics, I found their content on user research, usability principles, and design thinking incredibly enlightening. NN/g helped me build a strong foundation and gave me the confidence to approach UX with a user-centered mindset. Their influence inspires me as I strive to create impactful designs and meaningful user experiences.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hui-jing-design/