Dan Zola’s passion for UX principles ignited nearly two decades ago during his pivotal role in shaping the MovieFone experience. Since then, he has been a driving force behind the development of digital products and the leadership of dynamic teams across diverse industries, ranging from healthcare to entertainment.

During his five-year tenure at MTV, Dan focused on deepening the emotional connection between television viewers and digital users. He shared anecdotes from his experiences, including memorable encounters with industry luminaries like Justin Timberlake (ask him about it! He loves telling the story). Transitioning to the pharmaceutical sector, Dan leveraged his expertise to enhance the digital healthcare experience for patients, taking a more active role in their well-being.

As the managing partner and research director of Sway UX, an acclaimed user experience research and design agency, Dan led a team dedicated to creating websites and mobile apps tailored for the healthcare and technology sectors.

Dan is currently the head of user experience research for Partstrader, an online marketplace that services Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler, and dozens of other major car companies daily.A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English, Dan resides in Chapel Hill, NC, with his wife and two children.