Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Wang Yanzhi.
Hi Jenny, 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?
Hello! Sure. Born in a developing city in southeast China, I’ve always held a strong belief in the transformative power of education. After finishing high school, I set my sights on studying abroad. I was determined to pursue my passion for understanding human behavior and fostering personal development. I chose to major in Applied Psychology and Human Development, a decision that eventually led me to Boston College, where I earned my bachelor’s degree.
For my graduate studies, I sought a change in scenery and academic vibe. The dynamic atmosphere of New York City and the innovative programs at NYU drew me in. I was eager to further expand my knowledge and skills in my chosen field: leveraging the power of technology to design for impact and meaningful experiences.
Today, I find myself working as a dedicated designer, committed to creating human-centered designs that incorporate cognitive and learning theories. I’ve also delved into research, publishing articles that explore digital literacy and learning analytics. My goal is to contribute valuable insights to the field and facilitate the improvement of learning experiences for all.
One of my proudest accomplishments is the design of a game called “Super Rolling.” This rhythm game harnesses the Stroop effect as its core learning mechanic. It’s a fun and engaging way to help individuals improve their cognitive abilities while having a great time.
But my creative endeavors don’t stop there. As an avid tabletop fan, I’ve also designed a tabletop game called “Dusty Dolls: Showdown.” This light strategy board game incorporates an element of bluffing, making it a fun and challenging pastime for friends and family.
In my free time, I explore my other passions, including film, theater, and creative writing. With a dedicated and ambitious spirit, I continue to pave my way forward, applying my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on the world around me. My journey is marked by a commitment to lifelong learning, an unwavering belief in the power of education, and a passion for creative expression that defines who I am as an art professional.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my creative endeavors, I’ve faced moments of writer’s block and self-doubt. Writing and design often invite rejection and criticism, but I’ve learned to view these experiences as opportunities for growth. Sometimes, I struggled to find cost-effective solutions that maintain their effectiveness. It often requires a lot of creative thinking and iteration. However, these struggles have taught me that limitations can be catalysts for innovation; creativity sparks when there are limits.
Besides creative challenges, adapting to a new culture, a different educational system, and being far away from my family and the familiar surroundings I had grown up in are also difficult. The adjustment period I had when I first came to the United States was filled with moments of homesickness and a feeling of being out of my comfort zone. However, over the five-plus years I’ve spent studying and living in this place, I’ve not only adapted but also come to see myself as a global citizen. Today, I feel entirely at ease on this land where I’ve invested my prime years, confident in my ability to navigate its cultural nuances and thrive within its diverse community.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a passion for both education and entertainment. It sounds counterintuitive to combine them together and create designs and products out on their intersectionality. It requires specialty in both theoretical understanding of how people learn, with technology specifically in this era, as well as experiences, interaction, and game design practices. How can I use interactive media as a vehicle to effectively deliver the message that I want my learners to learn and be able to transfer the learned knowledge?
In order to achieve my goal, I gained expertise in both learning experience design and game design so that I have enough understanding from both fields to achieve the impactful and engaging interactive experiences that I want my learners to have. Some of the projects that I have been working on, such as an educational game for impact called Super Rolling, has been rewarded with NYU’s Administration, Leadership, and Technology Fellowship. It was featured in The Science Times, underscoring the efficacy of this innovative approach to learning. rently, I’m also collaborating with the United Nations to design an interactive exhibition for Climate Change. This project offers me a unique opportunity to leverage my expertise in learning experience and game design to create an engaging, informative experience that raises awareness and inspires action on a global scale.
What makes you happy?
Many things! People love my work, eating sweet potato fries, drinking oat milk coffee, and having a good sleep!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jennywangyanzhi.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jennywang0331?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-yanzhi-wang/
- Other: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yanzhi-Wang/research
