Eric Russell, professional UX Research Leaer, smiling in a professional setting, embodying a user-focused approach in user experience research.

ERIC RUSSELL

UX RESEARCH LEADER

I believe great products go beyond looking good – they enhance people’s lives. Combining my background in cognitive neuroscience with empathetic design-research methods, I create empowering people-centric products.

FEATURED WORK

MY PROCESS

Screenshot of Project Shield homepage with headline 'Protecting free expression from digital attacks.' Case study by Eric Russell illustrates the use of UX research to enhance site design for increased user engagement and sign-up rates.

In this case study, I explain how and why I choose specific research methods, the importance of stakeholder collaboration, and the typical phases of my research process. I do all of this while covering a UXR study on Project Shield. Follow along as I outline my research process from start to finish.

Outcomes: Enhanced site UX on Project Shield to increase user sign-ups.

Responsibilities: Lead UXR • Test creation • Test moderation • Usability testing • Qualitative analysis • Synthesis • Stakeholder management • Repository management • Reporting • Case study creation

THE SOFTWARE BUYING FUTURE

Screenshots of Capterra's software comparison on desktop and mobile platforms, highlighting Generative AI Assistant features. Eric Russell's UX research study explores the development of AI tools that enhance software selection experiences.

Through this study, I gained a deeper understanding into the mechanics of rapidly evolving AI technologies and how their emergence is transforming people’s perceptions of AI in their day-to-day lives.

Learn how I shaped Capterra’s Generative AI Assistant through rapid prototype testing, user interviews, and a continuous discovery approach to user research.

Outcomes: Refined an AI assistant aimed at enhancing software buying decisions.

Responsibilities: Lead UXR • Strategic planning • Test creation • Test moderation • Continuous discovery • Product-market fit • Qualitative analysis • Synthesis • Stakeholder management • Repository management • Reporting • Case study creation

CONNECTING SOFTWARE BUYERS TO SOFTWARE USERS

Desktop and mobile view of GetApp.com's homepage, displaying key features and user statistics, researched by UX Leader Eric Russell. Case study details the impact of social proof and user-generated content on user experience.

Social proof frequently influences our personal behaviors. This study demonstrated how the opinions of others can impact software buyers’ purchasing decisions.

Learn how I used a combination of moderated user interviews and prototype testing to demonstrate the importance of social proof and user generated content on GetApp.com.

Outcomes: Enhanced software buyer trust with improved social proof features.

Responsibilities: Lead UXR • Strategic planning • Test creation • Test moderation • Prototype testing • Qualitative analysis • Synthesis • Stakeholder management • Repository management • Reporting • Case study creation

  • Image of Delanie Heck, Associate UX Director.

    "Eric excels at identifying the best methods to drive more user-centered decisions at any stage of the design and development lifecycle. Eric has experience with more product teams than I can count, and he knows how to evolve his process and deliverables to each in order to drive the most impact. Understanding and adapting to unique stakeholder needs and preferences is no easy feat, and Eric makes it look effortless."

    — Delanie Heck, Associate UX Director

  • Image of Patrick Thornton, Chief Product Officer.

    "Eric would be a fantastic hire for anyone."

    — Patrick Thornton, Design and Product Leader

  • Image of Liz Hish, Product Leader.

    "Eric's contribution to the field of UX research is immense, and any team or organization would be enriched by his presence. I offer my highest recommendation for Eric, confident in the knowledge that he will continue to lead, inspire, and set new benchmarks in the UX domain."

    — Liz Hish, Product Leader

  • Image of Alice Packard, Design Program Manager.

    "Eric's analytical mind paired with his endless empathy and heart is a killer combination. Eric runs air-tight research studies and treats every initiative like the Superbowl. His dedication is unparalleled. Not only is he lazer focused on ensuring every aspect of the research process is conducted with high rigor, he also finds time to mentor more junior researchers and ignite the curiosity of his stakeholders. There's only one Eric Russell, and my heart goes out to everyone who won't have the pleasure of working with him."

    — Alice Packard, Design Program Manager

  • Image of Katie Gonzalez, UX Researcher.

    "While I was honing my skillset as a UX Researcher, Eric was unmatched in his ability to encourage and spur on growth in myself and our teammates. He consistently refined our best practices, calling us to a higher standard all while ensuring we knew we had the capabilities of meeting it. His expertise in UXR made him an incredible asset on our team both internally with our fellow researchers and externally with stakeholders. Eric is a genuinely wonderful teammate and would be an asset to any UX Research team.”

    — Katie Gonzalez, UX Researcher

  • Image of Lex Sánchez Torres, Product Designer.

    "Eric rapidly distinguished himself as a vital member of the UX team. He is always prepared to go above and beyond to ensure our study is thorough and insightful. He was also excellent at succinctly presenting our results to stakeholders. Eric is a fantastic mentor and teammate. He always looks for methods to support the growth and development of his team members and is happy to share his knowledge and skills with others."

    — Lex Sánchez Torres, Product Designer

  • Image of Agnes Teh Stubbs, UX Researcher.

    "As a career transitioner to UX, it has been an absolute privilege learning from Eric how to be a great UX Researcher. He exemplifies the highest qualities of research rigor and integrity, challenges the team to the highest standards, while staying kind, thoughtful and humble. I am grateful for his investment and generosity of time as I learned the ropes of the trade from one of the best."

    — Agnes Teh Stubbs, UX Researcher

  • Image of Birdie Park, UX Researcher.

    "Eric demonstrated his strong grasp of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies by leading a wide array of projects and utilizing diverse tools like Qualtrics, Google Analytics, Dovetail, Usertesting, Figma, and Fullstory. Beyond the actual research work, Eric proved his leadership in building an empowering environment whether that was through mentorship or by formulating happiness surveys that sought to identify areas of improvement for our internal teams."

    — Birdie Park, UX Researcher

  • Image of Aloucia Admettre, UX Researcher.

    "What can I NOT say about Eric? He isn't selfish, he isn't a poor communicator, and he isn't a know-it-all, even though he does know plenty! Eric has been an amazing collaborator and a leader to everyone he encounters. His ability to decipher complex quantitative data alongside qualitative insights that would shape the future of the business is no easy feat. He has made himself available to mentor and share his knowledge -- and receive -- in areas we, as researchers, may not know all too well. That's the kind of leader you want on your team."

    — Aloucia Admettre, UX Researcher

  • Image of Anna Elter, Digital Product Designer.

    "I worked with Eric on multiple initiatives where he was supporting our product team as a Senior UX Researcher. Not only has he a lot of knowledge in the different research methodologies but he is a great communicator when it comes to articulating findings and giving feedback. Relying on him helped our team immensely to conduct user interviews with the most accurate results. He is helpful and encouraging and has a great ability to tutor colleagues with less research experience, all while maintaining a friendly but professional approach."

    — Anna Elter, Digital Product Designer