About Me

Designing for Impact: Strategy, Leadership, and Business Innovation

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I’m Candace Wilson, a Senior Product Designer at Nelnet Business Solutions who advocates for user-centered, business-driven design. My expertise lies at the intersection of UX strategy, business impact, and technology. I ensure that the products I design serve users effectively and align with business goals and development efficiency.

 

I lead product design initiatives, mentor designers at various career levels, and collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, developers, and executives. My work is deeply rooted in research and data, allowing me to make informed decisions that enhance usability, accessibility, and long-term product success.

 

I’m earning my MBA (expected graduation in September 2025) to strengthen my ability to communicate the business of design and bridge the gap between business strategy and user experience. My specialization in software development management gives me a unique advantage in working with engineers, ensuring that my designs are intuitive, technically feasible, and scalable.

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My Approach to Design & Leadership

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I believe that great design happens when you balance three key forces:

• User needs – Ensuring that every design decision is backed by empathy, research, and accessibility.

• Business strategy – Aligning UX decisions with business goals to create products that drive revenue, retention, and satisfaction.

• Development feasibility – Understanding engineering constraints to design efficient solutions to build and scale.

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My leadership extends beyond design execution—it's about driving strategy, collaboration, and mentorship. I’ve worked closely with stakeholders to define KPIs for design success, aligning short-term goals (such as usability testing outcomes) with long-term business impact (like customer retention and product adoption).

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Career Highlights

• 🎯 Leading Product Design at Nelnet – Designed a flexible payment plan system that allowed users to manage their budgets while giving businesses control over configurations, leading to client retention.

• 🎯 Driving Strategy in UX Initiatives – I don’t just design screens; I lead discovery research, create user journeys, and implement strategic frameworks like story mapping and KPIs to measure success.

• 🎯 Mentorship & Industry Influence – As an ADPList mentor, I was named one of 2024’s Most Influential Mentors and have consistently been recognized as a Super Mentor for the past two years. I’ve mentored designers at all levels, from aspiring UXers to director-level professionals.

• 🎯 Thought Leadership & Public Speaking – I’ve written and spoken about building trust in AI through design, the role of light and dark modes in UX, and the importance of user testing. My work has been published on Bootcamp (Medium) and I have delivered talks at conferences and industry events.

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Speaking, Writing & Consulting

I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and helping others grow in design and business. I aim to bridge the gap between product design and business strategy through mentorship, writing, speaking, or consulting.

If you’re looking for:

• ✔️ A design leader who understands business impact

• ✔️ A mentor who helps designers grow in their careers

• ✔️ A consultant who aligns UX with business goals
   

Let’s connect! 🚀

📩 Get in Touch | 🔗 LinkedIn | ✍️ Read My Articles

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A Bit More About Me

Beyond UX, I’m creative at heart. I love painting, crafting, gardening, and interior design. Yoga keeps me balanced, and my passion for mentorship inspires me.

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Great design isn’t just about visuals—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that drive change.