Hello! I'm Wade.

I'm a UI/UX designer based in Des Moines, Iowa. Since 2000, I've enjoyed turning complex problems into simple, beautiful, intuitive designs. When I'm not designing, you'll find me on the bike trail, on a hike with the family, or around a fire with friends.

Professional Experience

Performance Marketing

UI/UX Designer / Sept 2019 – Nov 2023

  • Designed user-centric marketing websites
  • Collaborated with developers to implement designs
  • Develop company and client websites in Webflow
  • Design and develop email marketing campaigns
  • Champion user centered design thinking process on projects
  • Mentor and knowledge share with other designers

Shift Interactive

UI/UX Designer + Front-end Developer / Feb 2015 – Sept 2019

  • Designed and developed local startups to corporate websites, as well as design native iOS and Android mobile apps
  • Used user-centric design thinking process to implement the above

Thompson Design

Designer + Front-end Developer / Jun 2006 – Feb 2015

  • Collaborated with entrepreneurs, agencies, and corporations on graphic design, web design and development projects
  • Create brand identities, printed marketing collateral, product photograph, digital illustration, web design and development

Drake University

Adjunct Professor / Sept 2007 – Jun 2009

  • Developed a web design 101 curriculum to introduce graphic design students to web design and front-end development
  • Students used Adobe Dreamweaver to implement their projects

The Stelter Company

Senior Web Designer / Dec 2000 – Jun 2006

  • Design and developed the Stellar company marketing website
  • Implement planned giving websites and email campaigns
  • Designed print collateral to promote company web services

Meredith Corporation

Graphic + Web Designer / Sept 1997 – Dec 2000

  • Designed logos, books, magazines, marketing collateral for large global corporate clients within their marketing department
  • Develop and support magazine publication websites

Skills

Design

  • UI/UX Design
  • UX Research & Strategy
  • Design Thinking
  • Information Architecture
  • Sitemap
  • User Flow Diagrams
  • Wireframes
  • Prototyping
  • Responsive Web Design
  • Mobile App Design
  • Email Marketing
  • Graphic Design
  • Brand Indentity
  • Logo Design
  • Illustration

Software

  • Figma
  • Invision
  • Stripo
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Indesign

Development

  • Webflow
  • HTML/CSS

“I've collaborated with Wade Thompson on multiple media projects. He brings a highly developed design sense to his work and enthusiasm for getting things done. Wade always makes sure everything from the overall project requirements to the smallest details are coherent and done right. Any creative team would be lucky to have him.”

Justin Gruca
Development Manager / Corteva

“Wade is an excellent communicator and collaborator. He excels at translating ideas and requirements into tangible designs, working seamlessly with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and delivering projects that exceed expectations. His thoughtful approach to problem-solving and his attention to detail have been invaluable in driving the success of our projects.”

Ryan Albers
Co-Founder + Account Director / Performance Marketing

“Wade has consistently demonstrated proficiency and innovation in the field of UI/UX design. His ability to understand and apply user experience principles has greatly contributed to the success of our projects. Wade is known for bringing fresh ideas and creative solutions to every task, showcasing adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of web design.”

Jeff Regenold
Executive Creative Director / Performance Marketing

“In the world of UX design, Wade is a true expert. His extensive talent and collaborative spirit transform concepts into captivating visual narratives that resonate with users. Working alongside Wade is not just productive; it’s an inspiring journey where creativity meets purpose, resulting in designs that leave a lasting impression.”

Shelly Pearson
Senior Copywriter / Performance Marketing