I’m an experience designer and leader with a robust flag collection. I believe effective design is a lot like a flag—it should be simple, consistent and symbolic of one’s identity.
UX Architect @ MRM
Raised in Metro Detroit, Based in Chicago
7 years of experience in creative direction & digital design
Two-time wedding officiant
Pierogi-making expert (1-Day Personal Record: 2,100)
Encyclopedia of “Taskmaster” and “30 Rock” references
Selected Work
Integrating owner experiences & removing barriers for scalable eCommerce platform
Client: General Motors
🚩 Problem:
After an accelerated effort to create a scalable eCommerce platform for GM’s four vehicle brands and ACDelco, enhancements were needed based on dealer and user feedback and business priorities.
🏁 Solution:
I built the “My Garage” tool which pulled authenticated user vehicle data into the shopping tool to allowed for filtered searches ensuring exact part and accessory fit. Additionally, I built a new discount and couponing component and moved it from the checkout flow to a users’ cart based on best eCommerce practices.
Designing new product search tool to reduce decision fatigue for B2B audiences
Client: Honeywell
🚩 Problem:
When users needed to find a specific part with exact specifications, they had to reach out to their business representative or spend time culling through product catalogs which became overwhelming.
🏁 Solution:
I was the lead designer on this project and created a product selection tool which allowed users to input specific data based on their needs and they would receive the exact product which fit their criteria.
Using conversational design methodology to reimagine chat and live CSR integrations
Client: Honeywell
🚩 Problem:
Clients wanted a new look for their current chatbot while finding a balance between encouraging users to self-serve their issues using an automated bot while also making live agent assistance available earlier on in the user flow for specific audiences.
🏁 Solution:
As the lead designer, I made recommendations on cleaning up the UI and creating clearer affordances on whether users were speaking to a bot or agent. Additionally, I introduced features like the ability to attach documents or download chat transcripts which give users power and assurance in the event a solution is not immediately met
Resume
MRM | UX Architect | 2022—Current
Designed features for a scalable eCommerce platform which removed barriers for users and integrated owner account experiences—leading to an increase in conversion rates throughout the shopping journey • Developed UX training for the agency to help team members up-skill in areas like research, design and professional development
SparkAPT | UX Consultant | 2021
Redesigned user dashboard for a real estate product to reflect user needs, stakeholder requests and engineering constraints during a four-week sprint • Led research efforts including: conducting product audits, user interviews, competitive analyses and usability testing
ES99 | Design Lead | 2020—2021
Developed new content strategies and deliverables for small and mid-size businesses, including social media materials and brand identities • Transformed web presences for clients in collaboration with UX designers and engineers—including ad hoc landing pages and full-site redesigns
MRM | Art Director | 2018—2020
Lead art director for two divisions of GM’s My Rewards—the first enterprise-wide, automotive loyalty program • Established a visual library for the program, including leading two photo shoots, designing branded iconography and motion graphics • Built cross-channel fundraising campaigns allowing users to donate points to the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society
GTB | Junior Art Director | 2017—2018
Lead art director for a campaign promoting Amazon Alexa in Ford vehicles • Produced viral content on social platforms to support campaigns for National Mustang Day and Ford’s purchase of Michigan Central Station • Created social, digital and print collateral for Ford in InStyle, Essence, Real Simple and People properties
Education
Michigan State University | BA, Advertising (Honors)
General Assembly | Certificate in UX Design
Need an improved digital product? Looking for creative leadership? How about an officiant?
ericmfschwartz@gmail.com
Reach out and let’s get cooking.
The pierogi fact is not a joke. In fact, here I am leading a pierogi class.