The intersection of creativity and technology is a space where innovation thrives. In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, where metrics and advancements often take center stage, there is a growing recognition of the need for solutions that combine technical excellence with human-centered design.
Today, technology can not only make lives easier but also transform ideas into reality, bridging the gap between technical complexity and real-world needs.
This is where Phuong Ngo shines. As a software engineer and creative technologist, she brings a unique blend of technical precision and design thinking to her work.
Not only does she have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the National Technical University of Ukraine, the esteemed “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute,” Phuong also has a master’s degree in Interactive Telecommunications from NYU.
Additionally, she is highly regarded for her work at some of the world’s largest tech companies.
These include Work & Co, which has developed projects with Apple, Gatorade, and Disney on its books, where she worked on the Vistaprint project, and Adobe, which is globally lauded for its Creative Cloud solutions.
Phuong has cultivated a product-focused mindset that allows her to reimagine how technology can serve its users. Her expertise in rapid prototyping with AI and machine learning goes beyond innovation, she crafts tools that empower people in meaningful ways.
“At the end of the day, it’s about impact,” Phuong says. “I want to create tools that people can use to solve problems, not just admire for their technical complexity.”
From Foundations to Innovation
Phuong’s journey began with a solid foundation in computer science, but her path diverged early on.
She studied for her bachelors in the field at the renowned Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, part of the National Technical University of Ukraine, which is widely considered the country’s top technical establishment.
However, she discovered that traditional software engineering, with its rigid focus on coding and execution, didn’t fully satisfy her creative instincts: “I wanted to do more than just execute someone else’s idea,” she recalls. “I was looking for a way to bring my creativity into the equation.”
Her modus operandi was realized when she discovered the School of Machines, a highly selective creative technology program based in Berlin with an acceptance rate of just 3% for the course.
She was awarded a scholarship and spent a month learning how to fuse technology with creativity to get results that can change the future.
“It was really what inspired me that this was what I wanted to do,” she recalls. “I wanted to able to innovate and inspire as well as guide.”
This was when her rare fusion of engineer and creative thinker, crafting solutions that marry technical precision with imaginative problem-solving, was born.
She then honed her ability to view technology through a human-centric lens while studying at NYU.
While studying as part of its prestigious telecommunications program, known for its interdisciplinary focus, shaped her philosophy that coding isn’t just a technical skill, it’s a creative medium.
At NYU, Phuong combined her love for design thinking with her technical expertise, preparing her to solve complex challenges by approaching them from multiple angles.
Her work today reflects this unique blend as she combines coding and design to create innovative and intuitive tools.
She also had the opportunity to host highly regarded sessions as part of ITP camps to students and non-students alike.
Topics included integrating machine learning into web technologies and coding for innovative applications: “ITP completely transformed my perspective on engineering,” she reflects.
“It taught me to look beyond the code and focus on the experience, the purpose, and the people using the technology.”
The Art of Rapid Prototyping
Phuong’s work is deeply rooted in design thinking. She approaches each project by questioning its purpose and examining how it will serve the end user. For instance, while prototyping AI tools for a major company, she didn’t just focus on technical implementation—she actively redesigned workflows. She gathered user feedback to ensure the tools were intuitive and made a difference.
Her ability to think creatively about technical challenges has allowed her to turn abstract ideas into tangible, user-friendly solutions.
“Rapid prototyping isn’t just about moving fast,” Phuong explains. “It’s about creating clarity and fostering collaboration. Building something tangible early in the process helps align everyone—engineers, designers, and stakeholders—around a shared vision. It’s about testing ideas, uncovering potential challenges, and refining the approach before investing significant resources. That’s what makes it such a powerful tool in innovation.”
One standout project involved developing a machine-learning tool while at Adobe. The initial idea was exciting: an AI—powered tool to enhance asset moderation workflows.
However, as Phuong dug deeper into the project, she realized the project lacked a clear purpose or end-user. “It’s a common issue,” she notes.
“Engineers often get caught up in what the technology can do without asking why anyone would use it.”
To address this, Phuong conducted interviews, revised workflows, and analyzed the tool’s real-world viability.
“By asking the ‘why’ and rapid prototyping, she learned it was not worth investing millions of dollars: “Killing a project can be just as valuable as building one,” Phuong explains.
“It’s about recognizing when something isn’t working, whether because it doesn’t solve a real problem or because the resources could be better used elsewhere. Letting go isn’t a failure—it’s part of the process. It allows you to refocus on ideas with true potential and ensures you always work on something meaningful and impactful.”
Design Thinking in Action
Phuong’s product-oriented approach is deeply rooted in design thinking—a methodology that prioritizes empathy, problem-solving, and iterative development. Her ability to connect with non-technical stakeholders, such as product managers and designers, sets her apart.
“My role often feels like being a translator,” she explains. “I take complex technical concepts and make them accessible to people who don’t have an engineering background. It’s not just about explaining how something works but also about showing how it aligns with their goals.”
This collaborative mindset has earned Phuong recognition as a bridge between disciplines. Her work isn’t confined to writing code; it extends to facilitating conversations, refining workflows, and ensuring every project serves a clear purpose.
“I always begin by asking the fundamental questions,” Phuong emphasizes. “What’s the purpose? Who will this benefit? How will it make an impact? If you can’t answer those, the project lacks a strong foundation and risks veering off course before it even begins.”
The Intersection of Creativity and Technology
What truly sets Phuong apart is her ability to infuse creativity into the traditionally analytical world of software engineering. Her projects often explore uncharted territory, combining technical rigor with imaginative problem-solving.
This creative edge has been particularly evident in her work with generative AI, a field that merges art and technology in unprecedented ways.
“Generative AI is fascinating because it opens up so many possibilities for creative expression,” she says.
“But it also raises important questions about ethics, ownership, and purpose. My job is to navigate those complexities and ensure that the tools we build are both innovative and responsible.”
Her work in generative AI has sparked conversations within the creative community, many of whom approach the technology with skepticism: “Artists worry about being replaced or losing control over their work,” she acknowledges. “But I see generative AI as a collaborator, not a competitor. It’s a way to enhance creativity, not stifle it.”
Educator and Mentor
In addition to her technical contributions, Phuong is passionate about education and mentorship. She has taught coding to students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom had no prior experience with technology: “Teaching is one of the most fulfilling parts of my career,” she says. “Seeing someone light up when they realize what they can create—that’s the real reward.
“HackDavis in 2024 had over 900 participants, and I typically judge between 10 and 20 projects at each event. It’s always an incredible experience. These events are so dynamic, and the participants are bright and smart. Many of them went on to work at NASA, Amazon, Intel, and Microsoft, all working on awe-inspiring projects,” she reflects.
Phuong’s unique blend of coding and design also extends to her role as a mentor and educator. Whether guiding hackathon participants or mentoring through programs like AnitaB.org, she inspires others to see technology as a creative tool. Her teaching focuses on equipping people with technical skills and the confidence to explore innovative ideas.
She is a mentor at the prestigious Startup Bootcamp, which is considered the top accelerator in Europe.
After being selected as one of just six winners of the 2019 showcase – she was asked to support new entrants each year in an advisory capacity.
Phuong also works with women engineers through AnitaB.org and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Her belief is that mentorship is an important way to support the next generation of women in tech so they can feel confident in their abilities as they are an underrepresented group: “I truly believe that bringing together diversity and different perspectives makes the magic happen,” Phuong says.
Paving the Way Forward
Phuong is passionate about using her work to make technology more accessible and empowering. Her vision is one where anyone, regardless of their background, can turn their ideas into reality with the right tools and knowledge.
“I believe technology should be a bridge, not a barrier,” she shares. “It’s about creating opportunities for people to innovate, solve problems, and express themselves in ways they never thought possible.”
For Phuong, this vision isn’t just about advancing technology. It’s about inspiring others to think creatively and explore new possibilities in engineering.
“The real beauty of engineering isn’t in the code itself, but in the impact it enables,” she reflects. “When you strip away the complexity, you’re left with a tool that can potentially change lives. That’s what drives me.”
Phuong’s unique blend of coding and design thinking has made her a trailblazer in her field. By combining technical expertise with a relentless focus on purpose and creativity, she continues to redefine what it means to be a software engineer in the 21st century.
“The magic of technology doesn’t come from its sophistication,” she says. “It comes from how it connects people and transforms their ideas into something tangible.”
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