About

I’m Dr. Leo Primero, PhD., a seasoned UX/UI Design Manager, consultant, educator, and decorated military veteran with over 30 years of experience. My career is a dynamic fusion of design, technology, and leadership, focused on delivering transformative digital experiences while mentoring the next generation of designers and leaders.

Currently, I drive innovation as a UX/UI Design Manager at Cognizant, where I specialize in transforming complex business requirements into intuitive prototypes, wireframes, and interaction designs. I lead user experience validation and testing to ensure each product delivers measurable value. As a Certified ScrumMaster and Product Owner, I champion Agile practices that foster collaboration and drive successful outcomes.

Beyond my corporate role, I am deeply committed to education and mentorship. As a UI/UX Course Facilitator for Cornell University’s eCornell program, I guide learners through interactive discussions, live Q&A sessions, and personalized project feedback. At 2U edX, I serve as an Instructional Specialist, delivering engaging online lectures, demystifying complex concepts, and cultivating inclusive learning environments. My passion for teaching reflects my dedication to empowering future UX/UI professionals.

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Experience

Cornell University 02/2024 to Current: eCornell Online UI/UX Course Facilitator

  • Take the role of an in-course expert to support and guide learners as they work through their courses.
  • Interact with learners through asynchronous online discussions and through scheduled live virtual Q&A sessions by providing experience-informed feedback on graded projects.
  • Engage daily in the course with the students to demonstrate meaningful presence.
  • Provide individualized feedback on projects/assignments.

2U edX 01/2024 to Current: Instructional Specialist

  • Lead online lectures following a detailed lesson plan that includes an active discussion environment and project-based learning.
  • Bring the learning experience to life by building community and enhancing relevance by drawing on my industry experience.
  • Translate complex subject matter clearly and concisely for a diverse range of learners or skill levels.
  • Create an engaging, positive, and inclusive learning environment for our students Increase participant engagement using different facilitation tactics.

Cognizant 10/2011 to Current: Product (UX/UI) Designer Manager

  • Directs and mentors junior UX designers to create a successful product, enabling them to be successful designers.
  • Sets the tone for how the team will carry out UX processes. Provides direction on iterations of mock-ups/wireframes/prototypes.
  • Collaborates with product owners and other design team members to define research goals and prioritize requirements.
  • Develops strategic research program and directs user experience validation and testing.
  • Take an active role in defining methodologies and reporting requirements. Acts as the conscience and voice of the user to help us create products that meet our user's needs.
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Works

Samples of my works:

Web Design / Application Projects HTML Prototypes

Inquiry Methods and User Analysis
PDF: Building a Local Community.pdf

Interaction Design and Information Architecture
PDF: Nutri Coach.pdf

Usability Evaluation Methods
PDF: My Med Schedule Comparison.pdf

Information Visualization and Infographics
InfoGraphics: Top Two Leading Causes of Death by County of Residence NJ 2012 – Tableau
InfoViz: 10-Year Arrest Trends.pdf

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Skills

Here are my UX skills:

1. UX Research. I can identify target users, create user personas, and gather data to make informed design decisions. The latter requires user testing and involves:

  • Creating wireframes and prototypes
  • Creating user personas
  • Carrying out user interviews
  • Conducting card sorting sessions
  • Creating user evaluation scripts
  • Conducting user experience testings

2. Collaboration. I realize that collaborating with subject matter experts, product managers, and product owners is an opportunity to work in other areas and apply what I’ve learned with different people leads to ensure the resulting product meets both business goals and user expectations.

View my complete skillsets →

Education

My Education:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership, Business Administration and Management, National University, Los Angeles, CA 90045 (2017-2023)
    GPA 3.92 | Activities and societies: Omega Nu Lambda Psi Chi National Society of Leadership and Success
  • Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience/Usability, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614 (2013-2017)
    GPA 3.96 | Activities and societies: Member, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
  • Master of Science Professional & Technical Communication, User-Centered Design, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102 (2004-2008)
    GPA 4.00 | Activities and societies: Member, Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society
View the rest of my Trainings and Certifications →
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