Charlesa Thompson is a designer and artist who brings clarity and emotion to every experience she creates

Her approach to design is rooted in curiosity, community, and a deep respect for craft

Projects

A collection of projects that demonstrate my passion for design and dedication to creating innovative solutions. Please select which area of focus you would like to explore.

Braid

Led UX/UI design for a mobile education platform centered on textured hair care, owning product structure and visual systems from concept through MVP.

See Project Product Vision Interaction
Braid app mockups

Project 808

Chicago trains world-class creatives, then loses them. This campaign site builds the case to keep them here.

See Project Visual Design Teamwork
Project 808

The Columbia Chronicle

Designed and prototyped the first mobile app experience for a legacy student news organization, establishing core user flows and information architecture.

See Project Interaction Mobile UX
The Columbia Chronicle — mobile app mockups

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Featured Media

Here's what people are saying

Braid app screens — home, profile, courses, and lesson detail

US Design Awards

UX Design Awards Nominee

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The Braid team at a Braid launch event

Columbia Chronicle

"Columbia Students Launch 'Braid' App for Textured Hair Education"

Read Article →
Attendees at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Kids Zone

Columbia Chronicle

"Columbia Students Partner With NASCAR to Create Race-Themed Games"

Read Article →
Braid app shown across angled phone mockups

Beauty Industry Report

"Students create a hair app to bridge beauty industry"

Read Article →

Awards

Recognition for my work as a designer

Grace Hopper Award

I received the Grace Hopper UGRD Scholarship, awarded to outstanding Chicago born students, in recognition of my continued academic excellence and growth as a designer.

Jane Ann Legnard Alexandroff Endowed Scholarship

I was awarded the Jane Ann Legnard Alexandroff Endowed Scholarship for Social Change for developing a design driven project that strengthens the social, economic, or physical fabric of a community.

Chicago Architecture Group Award

I won the Chicago Architecture Group Award for my contribution to Lost Design, a multidisciplinary exhibition that celebrates innovation in the built environment through adaptive reuse, material exploration, and community-centered design.

Quotes

Here's what people are saying

Throughout our three years working together, Charlesa distinguished herself through her curiosity, empathy, and strong creative intuition

☺

Jo-Nell Sieren

UX UI Professor

She took the initiative to troubleshoot, test, and reconfigure each device, all while guiding volunteers and communicating clearly with cross team leads.

☺

Casscilina Credido

Fonder of ANTIX

A calm and focused approach to challenges, and an impressive ability to quickly learn and apply new systems in high pressure environments.

☺

Marquan Jones

President of CFC

Let's Connect!

Im excited to collaborate with you