Michael Summers
About Michael Summers
Michael Summers is a UX Research Discipline Lead at RingCentral, where he has worked since 2021. He has extensive experience in UX research, having held various leadership roles at companies such as PayPal, Walmart Global eCommerce, and Edelman Financial Engines.
Current Role at RingCentral
Michael Summers serves as the UX Research Discipline Lead at RingCentral, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he focuses on enhancing the user experience through comprehensive research methodologies. He builds partnerships across various business units to increase the impact of UX research within the organization. His leadership in this capacity emphasizes the importance of user-centered design and research-driven decision-making.
Previous Experience in UX Research
Before joining RingCentral, Michael Summers held several significant positions in the field of UX research. He worked as a Principal UX Researcher at Edelman Financial Engines from 2018 to 2021 and at Walmart Global eCommerce from 2017 to 2018. He also had a brief tenure at NuORDER in 2021. Prior to these roles, he was a Principal UX Researcher at Closed Loop, Inc. from 2016 to 2017, and he served as a UX Research Discipline Lead at PayPal from 2013 to 2015.
Education and Academic Background
Michael Summers earned a Master of Science degree from Syracuse University. He also studied Psychology at Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, although he did not complete a degree. His academic background provides a solid foundation for his work in UX research, particularly in understanding user behavior and cognitive processes.
Expertise in UX Research Methodologies
Michael Summers specializes in various UX research methodologies, including eyetracking usability and mobile RITE studies. He engages in ethnographic research to gain deeper insights into user experiences. His ability to mentor others in best practices within the UX research discipline further demonstrates his expertise and commitment to the field.
Advocacy for User Needs
Michael Summers is recognized for his storytelling ability, which he utilizes to effectively advocate for customer needs. This skill enhances his capacity to communicate research findings and insights to stakeholders, ensuring that user perspectives are prioritized in design and development processes.