Director of Product Design and Experience

• Oct 2022 - Present

Manages a team of direct reports and contractors who produce product research, UX/UI design and QA services across the organization. As needed, adopts the role of Team Lead, Product Manager and/or UX/UI Designer for specific clients. Ensures all project teams follow proper product management processes throughout project lifecycles and are equipped to execute on the Vision, Strategy, Design, Development and Quality. Leads initial discovery and definition efforts for large-scale projects. Ensures that all Product and Design activities are carried out in accordance with the company policies and procedures. Defines, maintains and continually improves all product design and experience processes and related documentation.

Product Experience Manager

• Apr 2022 - Oct 2022

Senior UX Designer

• Jan 2022 - Apr 2022

Director of User Experience

• Nov 2010 - Oct 2022

Runs a one-person UX consultancy that works with SaaS companies to build out their platforms after a round of investment. Bridges the gap between product and development teams by prototyping new features and organizing roadmap planning sessions. • Redesigned a content planning SaaS platform after a Series A that led to improved churn and new users• Designed a bluetooth-connected greenhouse monitoring platform• Designed a Wordpress multi-site SaaS solution for community resource organizations that led to a 25% increase in new customers• Designed and developed over 15 Wordpress websites for startups, SMBs and non-for-profits

Product Manager

• Jul 2019 - Jan 2022

Leads design of custom, internal system to manage a unique intersection of product data and relationship rulesManages design and development of custom Shopify apps to enable optimized cross-selling, fed by headless APILeads weekly sprints for the 5-person US teamWon an RFP response to be the preferred technology vendor for a Fortune 500 company’s pilot program with national retailers Leads design of custom, internal system to manage a unique intersection of product data and relationship rulesManages design and development of custom Shopify apps to enable optimized cross-selling, fed by headless APILeads weekly sprints for the 5-person US teamWon an RFP response to be the preferred technology vendor for a Fortune 500 company’s pilot program with national retailers

Product Manager

• May 2014 - Dec 2015

Designed UI for consumer-facing mobile app, merchant-facing tools and internal administrative system for a startup helping brick-retailers reward loyalty and drive traffic during off-peak hours. Designed UI for consumer-facing mobile app, merchant-facing tools and internal administrative system for a startup helping brick-retailers reward loyalty and drive traffic during off-peak hours.

Director of Design

• Jan 2012 - Jan 2014

4 First Names helps companies communicate complex data. Using a foundation of modern technology (a cross-platform video game engine), these projects turn data into information.Wes oversaw the user experience and visual design of projects developed by 4 First Names. Working with clients to align the business goals with an understandable narrative. From there, he worked with the development team to determine feature sets and work them into the required technology solution. Finally, he managed the execution of visual vocabulary, aligning it to the specific project and the existing brand guidelines.Instead of drowning an audience in charts and graphs, Wes worked to produce projects that simplified the story. He found that once a user understands the whole, they can focus on their individual interests. And that's when engagement happens.

Designer

• Jul 2008 - Nov 2010

Global Prairie is a full-service digital marketing and advertising agency focused on clients whose products and services enhance the quality of life and create a healthier world. We love helping clients achieve measurable results through the strategic integration of compelling content and communications channels.In his role as a designer, Wes worked on several projects in the pharmaceutical, CPG and healthcare industries. He worked alongside the digital team to produce websites, sales tools and presentations as extensions of the client's brand.With his first job out of school, Wes learned the importance of the entire team working toward the same goal. When everyone understands the business goals of a project, it will be more successful.

Freelance Production Artist

• Jan 2008 - Jul 2008

Production artist on Web and print advertising, Web site design, flyers, posters, annual reports and a museum guide. Programmer on multiple Web sites, working within pre-existing design constraints. Production artist on Web and print advertising, Web site design, flyers, posters, annual reports and a museum guide. Programmer on multiple Web sites, working within pre-existing design constraints.

Freelance Production Artist

• Aug 2007 - Jul 2008

Programmer on multiple Web sites – including company’s own site. Art director and writer for yearbook workshop collateral. Production artist for Kansas City area magazine redesign. Programmer on multiple Web sites – including company’s own site. Art director and writer for yearbook workshop collateral. Production artist for Kansas City area magazine redesign.

Marketing Department Intern

• May 2006 - Aug 2006

Art director for Welcome Week guide and recruitment poster for Mass Media Department. Art director for Welcome Week guide and recruitment poster for Mass Media Department.