Shannon Bell
Shannon Bell is a Senior UX Researcher and Designer at The Home Depot, where she leverages her background in user support and research to create intuitive, user-centered experiences. With over a decade of experience in technology and customer support—including five years at Apple—Shannon brings deep empathy and a solutions-focused mindset to every project. Her transition into UX was a natural evolution of her passion for understanding user needs and translating insights into meaningful, data-driven design decisions.
Prior to joining The Home Depot, Shannon conducted UX research at Material, leading studies and usability testing for major clients such as Meta and Sephora. She previously served as a UX Researcher at Adblock, Inc., where she designed research frameworks, led qualitative and quantitative studies, and delivered actionable insights that improved onboarding, product usability, and customer satisfaction. Her ability to bridge research and design stems from a strong foundation in both analytical thinking and creative problem solving.
Shannon holds a Master’s in UX Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Science and Learning Technology at the University of Missouri. Passionate about human-centered design, she thrives on collaborating with diverse teams to build digital experiences that are not only functional but empowering.
• Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes
• Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts
• Maryland Institute College of Art
• University of Missouri-Columbia
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace a nonlinear path. Starting my career in tech support at Apple taught me patience and the importance of truly listening to people—skills that became the foundation of my work in UX. Transitioning from solving problems reactively to designing solutions proactively felt like a natural evolution. Today, I draw on that blend of technical knowledge and human understanding to create equitable, intuitive experiences that make complex systems easier to use. Every step of my journey, from support to research to design, has reinforced my belief that great user experiences begin with empathy and a genuine desire to make technology more human.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay open, flexible, and curious—because growth rarely happens in a straight line. Every detour, challenge, and unexpected opportunity has shaped my perspective and strengthened my resilience. In fast-moving industries like tech and design, it’s less about chasing perfection and more about building transferable skills—like empathy, communication, and critical thinking—that will serve you no matter how the tools or trends change.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the tech and design industry is to advocate for yourself early and often. Don’t wait for permission to lead, to share your ideas, or to ask for what your work is worth. Some of the biggest turning points in my career came when I stopped waiting for perfect conditions and started creating my own opportunities. Equally important, remember that your career is only one part of who you are. Make time for your passions, your people, and your peace of mind. The most meaningful design work—and the most authentic leadership—comes from living a balanced, grounded life that reflects your values and purpose.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in UX right now is the pace of change—both in technology and in how the industry itself operates. The rise of contract work and shifting team structures can create uncertainty, but it also offers incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and work across diverse products and industries. I’ve learned to view adaptability as one of the most valuable skills a UX professional can have. Staying curious, flexible, and open to change has allowed me to turn transitions into opportunities and continue evolving alongside the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me—both in my work and personal life—are empathy, equity, and community. Designing for people means designing with empathy, and that principle extends far beyond software or user interfaces. It’s about creating experiences, systems, and spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. Outside of my professional work, I serve on the Human Relations Commission for Athens-Clarke County, where we advocate for policies and resources that promote equity across our community. This work reminds me that design isn’t just about technology—it’s about shaping environments that make life more accessible and humane for everyone. For me, real innovation begins when empathy and equity drive every decision.