How Eric Morrison turns research into repeatable innovation
New York City native Eric Morrison has spent over 13 years helping technology teams understand the people they serve. He is the head of user experience research and has led research for companies such as Google, TikTok and Disney. His work focuses on ensuring that even the most sophisticated AI tools are based on a clear understanding of human needs.
“I have always been fascinated by the underlying mechanisms of how people adopt new tools,” says Eric. “My goal is not just to observe behavior, but to decipher the specific processes that lead to a successful product launch.”
Eric currently leads research at Google on the future of AI in the workplace. A central tenet of his work is that AI should promote creativity and collaboration and not replace human effort. “AI should expand what people can do,” he explains. “It’s about making work more human, not less.”
A unique approach: history as a blueprint for technology
Eric’s path to UX leadership began with a curiosity about people and culture. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale University, where he received the prestigious John Addison Porter Prize, followed by a Master of Science in the Social Sciences of the Internet from the University of Oxford.
“History and social sciences offer me a unique approach to UX research,” notes Eric. “I believe that even the most complex outcomes – for example, developing a novel innovation or driving viral adoption of a product – can be broken down into fundamental processes that can be replicated.”
While many view innovation as lightning in a bottle, Eric sees it as a social science problem that needs to be solved. His academic background taught him to analyze the structural forces behind events, a skill he now applies to product ecosystems.
Putting research into action
One of Eric’s greatest strengths is the implementation of this philosophy. He uses a combination of methods, including interviews, surveys, and ethnographic studies, not only to collect data but also to identify the repeatable patterns that lead to successful outcomes.
“Too often product decisions are based on assumptions or one-off successes,” he says. “Our job is to find the repeatable formula. If we understand the fundamental process of why a user finds value, we can achieve that success again and again.”
For example, when Eric’s team was working on a collaboration tool, they found that adoption stalled not because of ease of use, but because the tool didn’t fit the social dynamics of the teams using it. By isolating this fundamental process – how teams negotiate trust – they redesigned the tool to fit human workflow, resulting in a successful relaunch.
Leader in AI and workplace technology
At Google, Eric leads research into AI applications for workplace productivity. He explores how AI can support teams, stimulate creativity and reduce repetitive tasks. “AI is powerful, but it has to be responsible,” he says. “It should enhance human work, not take it over.”
He attaches great importance to transparency and ethical design in all AI projects. “Users need to trust AI systems,” explains Eric. “If people don’t understand what the technology does, they won’t use it effectively.”
Balancing data and human understanding
Eric’s approach combines quantitative data with qualitative insights. Numbers tell part of the story, but real human behavior provides context. “Metrics like clicks or time spent are useful,” he says, “but they don’t explain the ‘why’.” This is where the historian’s eye for context comes into play.”
This combination allows him to lead teams to solutions that are not only technically sound but also people-centered. “When research is incorporated into design, everyone wins,” he states. “Users get tools that work for them and companies make smarter decisions.”
Living in New York City
When he is not leading research projects, Eric enjoys life in New York City, where he currently resides. The energy and diversity of the city continue to inspire him both personally and professionally. “Living in New York makes me curious,” he says. “It’s a place where I can observe people and learn from so many different experiences.”
Looking ahead
Eric Morrison’s career shows how a deep understanding of social mechanisms can guide the development of smarter and more ethical technologies. He continues to push the boundaries of UX and AI while always putting the human experience at the center.
“My goal is simple,” he says. “I want to prove that innovation isn’t magic. It’s a process. And if research can map that process, we can help people create, collaborate and succeed more consistently.”
