Eric Morrison: A Leader in UX Research at Google
In the rapidly evolving world of user experience (UX) research, few professionals have made as significant an impact as Eric Morrison. With an extensive background in UX research and leadership roles at global tech giants like Google and TikTok, Morrison has played a pivotal role in shaping user experiences across various platforms. His expertise, spanning from brand strategy to computational social science, has established him as a thought leader in the field.
Early Career and Education
Academic Background
Eric Morrison’s academic journey laid the foundation for his impressive career in UX research. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History from Yale University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. His exceptional research and analytical skills were evident early on, as he received the John Addison Porter Prize, one of Yale’s highest academic writing honors.
Morrison furthered his education at the prestigious University of Oxford, where he obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Social Science of the Internet. His coursework focused on social computing, computational social science, and design ethics, equipping him with the necessary skills to analyze and enhance user interactions with digital platforms. His outstanding academic performance earned him the Oxford Internet Institute MSc Thesis Prize for his dissertation on team diversity and performance in video game development.
Professional Journey
Early Career in Brand Strategy
Before diving into UX research, Eric Morrison began his professional career as a Brand Strategist at Interbrand. During his tenure from 2012 to 2014, he worked on brand positioning, portfolio architecture, valuation, and service design. This role provided him with valuable insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics, which later played a crucial role in his UX research career.
Transition to UX Research
Morrison’s transition into UX research started with his role as a User Researcher at Google in 2014. Over the course of three years, he worked on various projects, focusing on consumer trust, internet culture, and regulatory challenges. His contributions helped shape Google’s approach to user-centric design and digital trust.
Leadership Roles in UX Research
Senior Manager, User Research – The Walt Disney Company
In 2017, Morrison joined The Walt Disney Company as a Senior Manager in User Research. Here, he played a crucial role in establishing early UX research practices for Disney’s content streaming products. His work contributed to enhancing the user experience across Disney’s digital platforms, making content more accessible and engaging for millions of users worldwide.
Director, UX Research – TikTok
Morrison’s next career move took him to TikTok, where he served as the Director of UX Research from 2019 to 2022. Leading TikTok’s UX research function, he focused on creator and viewer experiences, ensuring seamless interactions between users and the platform. His research provided key insights that helped optimize TikTok’s algorithms and engagement strategies, further solidifying the platform’s dominance in the social media landscape.
UX Research Manager at Google
In 2022, Morrison returned to Google, taking on the role of UX Research Manager in Los Angeles, California. In this capacity, he continues to drive innovation in UX research, ensuring that Google’s products remain user-friendly, efficient, and accessible. His extensive experience allows him to lead research initiatives that directly impact product development and user satisfaction.
Contributions to UX Research
Advancements in Social Computing
With a strong academic background in social computing and computational social science, Morrison has contributed significantly to understanding how users interact with technology. His research has helped bridge the gap between technology and human behavior, allowing for the development of products that align with user needs and expectations.
Enhancing User Trust and Engagement
During his time at Google and TikTok, Morrison focused on addressing consumer trust and engagement issues. By leveraging data-driven insights, he has helped improve content recommendations, privacy policies, and interactive features, making platforms more reliable and enjoyable for users.
Promoting Diversity in UX Research
Morrison’s award-winning dissertation on team diversity in video game development highlights his commitment to promoting inclusivity in tech. He has continuously advocated for diverse teams, emphasizing the importance of gender and structural diversity in enhancing team effectiveness and innovation.
The Future of UX Research with Eric Morrison
As technology continues to evolve, UX research remains a critical component in shaping digital interactions. With leaders like Eric Morrison at the forefront, companies like Google are poised to deliver more intuitive and user-centric products. Morrison’s expertise in social science, computational research, and design ethics ensures that future technological advancements will prioritize human experience and digital inclusivity.
Conclusion
Eric Morrison’s impressive career trajectory—from Yale and Oxford to Google, TikTok, and Disney—demonstrates his exceptional expertise in UX research and digital strategy. His contributions to social computing, user trust, and platform engagement have left a lasting impact on the industry. As a UX Research Manager at Google, Morrison continues to drive innovation and excellence in user experience design, making digital platforms more accessible, trustworthy, and user-friendly.
