Rising Stars: Meet Liying Peng of Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liying Peng

Hi Liying, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and began my career as a graphic designer. Although I had a passion for design, I quickly realized that the work I was doing didn’t align with my long-term goals. I wanted to move beyond aesthetics and focus on creating designs that deliver tangible, real-world impact. This realization motivated me to pursue graduate studies at Northwestern University, where I specialized in user experience (UX/UI) and product design.

This shift opened doors to opportunities where I could lead and contribute to high-impact projects. Today, I am a UI/UX designer at a prominent manufacturing company, focusing on designing user-centered experiences for kitchen products. My work combines functionality and design, enhancing people’s everyday routines and improving the way they interact with products in their kitchens.

Throughout my career, I’ve successfully navigated different industries and disciplines, applying a user-focused approach to every project. Each step has contributed to building a strong portfolio of innovative solutions that solve meaningful problems. My work reflects a high level of expertise and a demonstrated ability to design experiences that bring lasting value to both users and businesses.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has been an important part of my development as a UI/UX and product designer. Transitioning from graphic design to UX/UI design required a significant shift in how I approached my work—moving beyond aesthetics to focus on how products function and how users interact with them. I had to master new skills like user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive and impactful.

Working across industries has pushed me to adapt quickly. Each project—whether visual branding or designing kitchen product interfaces—demanded unique problem-solving approaches. These experiences have strengthened my ability to integrate creativity with functionality, ensuring the designs I create are both user-friendly and aligned with business goals.

Another challenge has been finding ways to stay creative and motivated while managing multiple priorities. Balancing work with personal interests like ceramics and fitness has been essential in keeping my energy and inspiration alive. These activities give me space to recharge, helping me approach my projects with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Every step along the way has shaped me into a thoughtful, adaptable, and impact-driven designer—one who approaches design with empathy and a focus on creating meaningful, user-centered solutions.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a UI/UX and product designer, my work focuses on creating user-centered experiences that seamlessly blend functionality with thoughtful design. I specialize in developing intuitive interfaces and product experiences, particularly for kitchen appliances, where the challenge is to make complex interactions feel natural and accessible. My goal is to design products that integrate smoothly into people’s lives, solving real problems and enhancing everyday experiences.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is PeaceMeal, an app I designed to help people build a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. This project was honored with two American Graphic Design Awards, in the Design for Good and Wellness categories, and Muse International Gold Award reflecting my passion for creating designs that have a positive, lasting impact on users.

What sets my work apart is my ability to balance creativity with functionality. I’ve built a career not just around designing visually appealing interfaces but also ensuring that every design element serves a meaningful purpose. I excel at the intersection of business strategy and human-centered design, aligning product experiences with both user needs and organizational goals.

Ultimately, I’m most proud of the way my work impacts users’ lives by making products more intuitive and enjoyable to use. For me, great design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about how it works, how it feels, and the value it adds to the people who engage with it.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors, teammates, and supporters who have played a significant role in shaping my career. At work, I’ve collaborated with talented cross-functional teams—engineers, product managers, and designers—who have challenged me to grow and supported my vision. These collaborations have been essential in transforming ideas into seamless user experiences and ensuring that every product aligns with both user needs and business goals.

My academic journey has also been pivotal. In addition to my studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, my graduate studies at Northwestern University allowed me to deepen my understanding of design thinking, user experience, and product strategy. The professors and peers I met during this time provided invaluable insights and encouraged me to push boundaries, shaping how I approach design today.

Success, for me, is never a solo journey—it’s built on the shared efforts of those I’ve worked with and the support I’ve received along the way. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to my growth, and their influence is reflected in every project I undertake.