Presenter

Nate Cook has spent 15 years in UX research after earning a B.A. in Psychology. He started as a research assistant at Disney Interactive while earning his M.S. in Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction Research, from San Jose State University. Shortly after, he joined Electronic Arts (EA) as a UX researcher, focusing on e-commerce and video game experiences. After several years in Games User Research (GUR), Nate transitioned to the financial industry, applying his expertise at Esurance, State Farm, and now Edward Jones. His research has shaped online insurance shopping experiences, improved insurance quoting software for agents, and enhanced researcher and participant experience. In his current role, he leads an advanced research operations team, developing standardized measures and best practices to support nearly 150 researchers and designers across UX, design thinking, and market research disciplines.

Throughout his career, Nate has worked with diverse, nationwide, and international teams, learning firsthand that translating insights into action is rarely straightforward. His background in psychology has been instrumental in bridging this gap—helping him tailor communication styles, navigate complex company, team, and personality dynamics, and apply persuasive techniques to drive meaningful change. By adapting strategies to each unique situation, he ensures research findings don’t just inform decisions but lead to real impact.