Tomer Sharon Obituary, Death: Tel Aviv, Israel, Author Of Validating Product Ideas Has Passed Away
The world has lost a remarkable mind with the passing of Tomer Sharon, a renowned author, researcher, and UX (User Experience) expert from Tel Aviv, Israel. Tomer, known for his deep contributions to the fields of user research, product validation, and human-centered design, tragically passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire designers, product teams, and researchers across the globe.
His book, Validating Product Ideas: Through Lean User Research, has been an essential resource for those seeking to create meaningful and impactful digital experiences. Tomer dedicated his career to understanding how people interact with technology and guiding companies to build products that truly serve user needs.
His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the UX and product design communities, where he was widely respected not only for his expertise but also for his generosity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to improving how businesses approach user research. His work transcended industries, shaping the way organizations—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—develop their products and engage with users.
Tomer Sharon was not just a researcher; he was a visionary leader in the UX field. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to promote human-centered design principles, ensuring that companies focused on real user problems rather than assumptions.
He was known for his groundbreaking work in Lean UX research, advocating for rapid, iterative research cycles that enabled companies to make informed decisions quickly. His influence extended across various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and education, where his methodologies helped teams develop better products and services.
His most well-known book, Validating Product Ideas, provided practical strategies for integrating research into product development, making it accessible to entrepreneurs, designers, and engineers alike. Through his writing, speaking engagements, and hands-on workshops, Tomer empowered thousands of professionals to incorporate data-driven decision-making into their workflows.
Tomer’s professional journey was filled with remarkable achievements and influential roles. He worked with some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Google, WeWork, and various startups, where he played a pivotal role in shaping their research practices.
At Google, Tomer was part of the UX team, where he contributed to making Google products more intuitive and user-friendly. His insights helped shape critical aspects of search behavior, mobile interactions, and accessibility, impacting millions of users worldwide.
Later, he served as the Head of UX at WeWork, where he applied his expertise to improve the digital experiences within the company’s ecosystem. His work at WeWork went beyond designing interfaces; he focused on understanding how people interacted with workspaces, helping shape environments that fostered productivity and collaboration.
Beyond corporate roles, Tomer was an active mentor, speaker, and educator. He frequently spoke at conferences, sharing his knowledge on design thinking, research methodologies, and product validation. His workshops and keynotes inspired both seasoned professionals and newcomers to adopt a more research-driven approach in their work.
One of the defining aspects of Tomer Sharon’s career was his willingness to mentor and guide others. Whether it was through his books, public talks, online resources, or one-on-one mentorship, he was always eager to help others grow in the field of UX research.
His ability to simplify complex concepts and make them accessible to professionals of all backgrounds made him a beloved figure in the UX and product design communities. Many young researchers credit Tomer with shaping their careers, providing them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue UX and research-driven roles.
His influence extended far beyond just teaching methodologies—he challenged traditional business mindsets and encouraged companies to embrace a more user-first approach. He firmly believed that the key to building successful products was to deeply understand users’ pain points, motivations, and behaviors.
The news of Tomer’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from the global UX, design, and research communities. Colleagues, mentees, and industry peers have shared stories of his kindness, brilliance, and passion for making the digital world more user-friendly.
Many who worked with Tomer remember him not just as a brilliant researcher but as a genuinely kind and humble person. Despite his impressive accomplishments, he remained approachable and always took the time to listen, advise, and encourage those around him.
His impact is evident in the many heartfelt messages posted online, reflecting the profound effect he had on people’s lives and careers. People from across the world have shared how his books, talks, and mentorship transformed their approach to design and research, making them better professionals.
Tomer Sharon’s contributions to the field of UX and user research will continue to shape the industry for years to come. His books, articles, and methodologies will remain essential resources for those who strive to build products that truly serve users.
As the community mourns his passing, there are discussions about creating a scholarship, research fund, or foundation in his name—something that would reflect his commitment to education and the advancement of UX research. Many have also suggested establishing an annual Tomer Sharon Memorial UX Award to honor outstanding contributions in the field, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The loss of Tomer Sharon is profound and deeply felt, not only by his family and friends but by the countless professionals who admired his work. His contributions went beyond research and design; he helped shape a more thoughtful, user-centered world, and his insights have left an indelible mark on the way companies approach product development.
His passing serves as a reminder to cherish the leaders, mentors, and thinkers who guide us in our fields. The best way to honor Tomer’s memory is to continue his mission—building products that solve real problems, advocating for user needs, and always striving for excellence in research and design.
Though he is no longer with us, his work and influence will live on in the thousands of UX professionals, designers, and researchers he has inspired. The principles he championed will continue to shape the future of technology and design, ensuring that his passion for user experience remains a guiding force in the industry.
Rest in peace, Tomer Sharon. You were a visionary, a mentor, and a leader who changed the way we think about product development and user research. Your legacy will continue to illuminate the path for those who follow in your footsteps.