CV
craig.prehn@gmail.com | 773-632-6680 | linkedin.com/in/craig-prehn/
case studies at ccdp-xd.me | visual design at ccdp.me
SENIOR LEAD PRODUCT DESIGNER
With over 15 years of experience, my career has been marked by the design of user-centric products and experiences that drive business success. Proficient in systems thinking, design leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, I have consistently achieved objectives while addressing user needs and generating value. My skill sets include platform design, design systems, and single-purpose apps, with expertise in industry-standard design tools like Figma, coupled with adaptability to emerging technologies. Deep-rooted principles of human-centered design that ensure empathy and user-centricity are at the core of my projects. Operating as a systems thinker, solutions that optimize entire user flows and customer journeys rather than focusing on isolated features. My strength lies in ideation, consensus-building, and stakeholder alignment in fast-paced and ambiguous environments, fostering trust-based relationships with colleagues and partners. Dedicated to data and research-driven decision-making, my track record includes distilling complex problems, creating resolution frameworks, and delivering elegant solutions within tight timeframes. Proven as both an independent producer and team leader, my steadfast commitment to excellence inspires colleagues and garners trust among leaders.
SKILLS
User Interface | Information Architecture | Style Guides | Pattern Libraries | Lead Critiques | Design Systems | Product Vision and Strategy | Scrum and Agile | Content Management Systems | Microsoft Office | Figma | Sketch | Adobe CC | InVision Google Workspace | Slack | Microsoft Office | Jira and Confluence | Zeplin
Keynote | Multi-Factor Authentication | Near-Field Communication | Beacons Interactive Digital Displays | WebGL | Haptic Feedback | Passive Listening WCAG “AA” Standards | Design Systems | Atomic Design Theory | Pattern Libraries Sticker Sheets | Prototyping | CMS Platforms | User Research and Testing | Typography Illustration | Motion Graphics
EXPERIENCE
NORTHERN TRUST BANK, Remote from Austin + Chicago, IL — Feb 2022–Present
Product Design Lead
Drove organizational change across dozens of federated divisions through clear articulation of design vision, empathetic stakeholder engagement and management, rapid prototyping, and iterative design process focused on problem-solving and user needs
Lead the refinement and expansion of a fledgling design system from colors to component and visual standards, in partnership with product management, content strategy, and UX research teams
Developed an enterprise-wide Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) at login flow that was implemented across the bank's online tools and products
Designed and oversaw the development of a set of API-driven components that allow customers to manage their individual user settings + preferences from inside the bank’s various online tools and applications
PRODUCT DESIGN CONSULTANCY, Remote from Austin, TX — Feb 2020–Feb 2022
Experience Design and Art Direction
Design System refinement and the redesign of the HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) application process during my 10-mo engagement with Prosper Financial
Component design for the conversion of schwab.com and schwabcharitable.org from traditional HTML sites to CMS-driven platforms for Charles Schwab
Clients include; Charles Schwab, Samsung Next, Prosper Financial, Northern Trust Bank
PUBLICIS SAPIENT, San Francisco, CA + Austin, TX Feb 2020–Feb 2022
Design Lead
Led and supported the implementation, and maintenance and governance models of Citibank’s Fusion Design System, a fully responsive CMS-driven white label solution that supports a global network of customers, financial service clients, and card issuers
Identified opportunities, concepted, journey mapped, designed UI, tested, and iterated on features and functionality based on user research for Sunoco’s FastFuel tap-and-pay customer app
Supported global RFPs, such as design concepts and on-site support for presentation to Honda’s CEO of Americas and 25 executives that won the company a $30 million contract
Designed systems, methods, and patterns with creative and technology disciplines (type styles, CMS components, colors, photography guidelines, etc)
RAZORFISH, Chicago, IL + San Francisco, CA Feb 2020–Feb 2022
Senior Designer
Design Lead for the launch of HPE.com to 44 countries in 9 languages, including design resourcing, establishing sprint cadence with PM team, applying design system and patterns, creating CMS authoring workflows with off-shore vendors, and managing and applying client feedback—all on a condensed 10-month timeline
Recruited and hired design talent; guided and mentored direct reports and interns
Oversaw art direction, pre-planning, and post-production for video and motion graphics for mobile, web, and broadcast for Microsoft, Breville, Levi’s, Intel, Best Buy, and more
VSA Partners, Chicago, IL Feb 2020–Feb 2022
Designer
Design, art direction, and new visual identities for global brands, like Harley-Davidson and IBM
Contributed to brand platforms for iconic consumer brands, like Weber, including competitive research, stakeholder interviews, persona creation, visioning, and customer journey mapping
EDUCATION
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago — Bachelor of Fine Arts