Designing Meaningful Learning Experiences

Instructional Designer | Learning Strategist | EdTech Specialist

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About Me

Yujing Zhang

I am an instructional designer and researcher passionate about using generative AI to create inclusive and accessible learning experiences for global audiences.

With a multidimensional background spanning academic research, EdTech product development, and global non-profits across the U.S. and China, I specialize in bridging pedagogical theory with emerging technology. My experience ranges from optimizing MOOC operations and K-12 products to designing AI-integrated curricula for adult learners. I combine rigorous user research with data-driven instructional design to build scalable, inclusive learning ecosystems that drive engagement and performance.

I believe AI is not a replacement for human connection, but a bridge to overcome resource barriers and dismantle educational inequality. I strive to leverage technology to democratize access to high-quality learning for all.

View My Resume

Professional Experience

Aug 2025 – Present

Instructional Design & EdTech Intern

People Powered
  • Administer TalentLMS platform and support the design of user-centered learning experiences for the "Climate" program
  • Revitalize curriculum content for nine core sessions based on user feedback and learning analytics
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance platform usability and learner engagement
Aug 2024 – Nov 2025

Graduate Research Assistant — GenAI in Collaborative Learning

School of Education, UNC-Chapel Hill
  • Co-authored research on human-AI interaction in collaborative learning, with implications for UX design in educational tools
  • Prototyped transparency features (e.g., "Model Cards") to support critical evaluation of AI outputs
  • Facilitated focus groups and conducted thematic analysis on user transcripts to inform product design decisions
Feb 2023 – Jun 2023

Product Intern

Tomorrow Advancing Life (TAL)
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch K-12 digital and physical learning products
  • Contributed to product requirement documentation and user journey mapping
  • Analyzed user behavior to inform product iterations and feature prioritization
Jun 2022 – Aug 2022

New Media Operation Intern

Xuetang Online Technology (MOOC)
  • Analyzed platform metrics and user feedback to identify content gaps and usability issues
  • Supported content iteration and interface improvements based on user insights
  • Collaborated with design and content teams to enhance user engagement

Academic Projects & Research

Aug 2024 – Nov 2025

"Contextualizing Trust" — Human-LLM Interaction Study

  • Investigated user trust and transparency in AI-mediated learning environments
  • Designed and tested prototype features to support learner autonomy and critical thinking
  • Presented findings to interdisciplinary audiences, contributing to product-informed research
Dec 2021 – Dec 2022

"Interpreting Subjects and Text Boundaries" — Independent Research

Beijing Normal University
  • Explored interpretive frameworks in secondary school reading instruction
  • Analyzed pedagogical models from student, teacher, and policy perspectives
  • Developed foundational understanding of learner-centered design and curriculum analysis

Tutoring & Teaching

Nov 2023 – Oct 2024

English Tutor (Online)

  • Designed personalized learning plans for 9 students preparing for the TOEFL exam
  • Used diagnostic data to tailor instruction and improve learning outcomes
  • Developed intuitive learning materials and tracked user progress over time
Jun 2023 – Aug 2023

Teaching Assistant

St. Anthony School, Oakland, CA
  • Facilitated group lessons and interactive activities for culturally diverse students
  • Adapted teaching strategies to individual learning styles and strengths
  • Supported student engagement through inclusive practices

Leadership & Extracurricular

Sep 2021 – Sep 2022

Director of Publicity Department

Student Union, Beijing Normal University
  • Led a design team to create 10+ promotional assets for the "Master of Literature" program
  • Managed end-to-end visual design and branding for campus events
  • Increased audience engagement by 2x through targeted content strategy

Areas of Expertise

📚

Curriculum Development

Designing scalable learning modules for global cohorts, integrating cross-cultural case studies and iterating content based on post-program surveys.

💻

AI Product Prototyping

Prototyping AI-powered platforms for career development and job seeking, and leveraging GenAI tools like ElevenLabs for scalable content creation and class projects.

🎯

User Experience Research

Facilitating focus groups and conducting thematic analysis to validate design prototypes and understand user interaction patterns in educational settings.

🎨

Visual Design

Creating high-fidelity prototypes in Figma and engaging promotional posters in Photoshop to deliver intuitive, accessible learning interfaces and class projects.

📊

Learning Analytics

Optimizing learning experiences by analyzing course usage metrics and automating data tracking.

🤝

EdTech Product Operations

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch digital learning products and executing data-driven campaigns that drive user engagement.

Tools & Technologies

Figma Prototyping Generative AI Integration Adobe Photoshop User Research Canva Curriculum Design LMS Administration AI Voice Synthesis Learning Analytics Qualitative Analysis

Featured Projects

A selection of learning experiences I've designed across various contexts and platforms

AIgnite Onboarding

E-Learning | Corporate Training

An AI-powered onboarding ecosystem that transforms traditional training into immersive simulations. Features mixed-reality scenarios, gamified skill assessments, and collaborative hubs.

AI Integration Simulation Adaptive Learning

CoSkill Platform

EDTECH PRODUCT | UX DESIGN

A collaborative learning platform connecting job seekers with complementary skills. Uses AI matching to bridge technical and soft skill gaps through team-based experiences.

Product Design AI Matching Social Learning

Climate Democracy Accelerator

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN | LMS OPS

Managed the end-to-end delivery of a global learning program on TalentLMS. Structured complex course sessions with global case studies and iterated content based on learner data.

TalentLMS Data-Driven Iteration Curriculum Dev

TAL Learning Ecosystem

EDTECH PRODUCT | CONTENT STRATEGY

Managed the development of K-12 digital language products and the end-to-end production of instructional ecosystems. Coordinated the delivery of interactive courseware and supplementary materials to improve student engagement.

Note: Due to confidentiality, project links are not publicly shareable.

Product Delivery K-12 Education Content Strategy

GenAI Transparency Research

UX RESEARCH | ACADEMIC STUDY

Designed "Model Cards" prototypes to help students critically evaluate AI outputs. Conducted focus groups to identify factors driving the adoption of trust-based AI tools.

User Research GenAI Focus Groups

Let's Connect

Interested in collaborating or have a project in mind? I'd love to hear from you.

© 2026 Yujing Zhang. All rights reserved.