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Liz Schmidlin
Sr. Games User Researcher
Professional Background
Liz Schmidlin is a highly skilled Human Factors Engineer and Senior Games User Researcher with a solid foundation in experimental psychology and human interaction. With extensive experience across various roles in user research and human factors engineering, Liz has developed a comprehensive understanding of how users interact with technology, particularly in the gaming industry. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Senior User Researcher at PlayStation, where she leverages her expertise to enhance user experience by conducting in-depth research into gamer needs and behaviors.
Prior to her current role, Liz worked as a User Experience Researcher at Sony Computer Entertainment America, where she contributed significantly to the development and design of user-friendly gaming experiences. Liz honed her skills as a Human Factors Consultant, obtaining insights from her work with various clients which broadened her perspective on user-centered design. She also gained practical industry experience as an intern at Motorola Solutions and played a crucial role in educational environments as an instructor and teaching assistant during her academic career.
Education and Achievements
Liz pursued her academic interests at Texas Tech University, where she earned a Ph.D. in Human Factors Engineering, deepening her expertise in how people interact with systems and technologies. She also holds a Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology from the same institution, where she explored the intricacies of human cognition and behavior. Furthermore, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida, establishing a strong foundational knowledge that supports her research today.
Throughout her career, Liz has focused her research on several key areas, including needs satisfaction in gaming and the phenomenon of rage quitting. Her specialty in human-robot interaction and assistive robots showcases her commitment to pushing the boundaries of how technology can enhance human life, both in gaming and broader contexts.
Notable Achievements
During her time at Texas Tech University, Liz was involved in multifaceted roles including Podcast Developer and Research Assistant, where she played a significant part in advancing academic knowledge and community engagement through technology and research initiatives. As a Teaching Assistant, she contributed to the academic development of students, guiding them in their understanding of psychology.
In addition to her professional and academic achievements, Liz is passionate about accessibility and user interface design, bringing a unique perspective to the field of human factors. She focuses on research that emphasizes usability and the importance of understanding user needs, making a lasting impact on how gaming experiences can be designed to be more inclusive and engaging for a wider audience. Her commitment to improving video game accessibility is evident in her research and her role as a leading advocate for user-centered design principles within the gaming industry.
