4 things you need to create the best UX design portfolio
When it comes to UX design, degrees don’t matter; what counts is your portfolio. It is your portfolio that is going to help recruiters determine your competence and decide on whether to hire you for a particular gig or not. There is no doubt that creating a portfolio can look a little intimidating, especially when you are just starting out, but the right techniques can make it look stellar. Here are some tips and tricks to help first time UX designers create the perfect portfolio to showcase their talent in the best possible manner:
Image: Shutterstock
Build a website
As a UX designer, nothing screams talent and creativity more than the design of your own website. It is not just a description of your work, it captures the essence of your creativity in the best possible manner. There are certain elements that are an absolute must when it comes to creating a portfolio. For instance, implementing site analytics, making navigation as clear as possible, and creating additional portfolios on other sites will help you find prospective customers.
Tell a story
Your profile has to be user-centric, and the best way to do that is to search for and analyse job listings and assess their types. This is going to help you create a UX portfolio that is going to cater to your customers’ needs even before they ask you for it. Look at other designers’ profiles to figure out what you will be competing with. Do not forget to incorporate an ‘About me’ page that includes a striking description of who you are and what you do. In order to make your portfolio really credible, be sure to include testimonials.
Structure your projects
Your clients would want to know your problem-solving skills, and the best way to do that is to structure projects in the most relevant way possible so that they maximise your value. They say less is more, and that even holds true in the case of portfolios. Choose two or three important projects to showcase your creativity. It is also perfectly fine to have a portfolio with just one story as long as it’s good enough.
Give detailed descriptions
More than simply showing your design, consumers or potential clients would like to see the process of how a design was created. Since the problem-solving side is what clients will be looking at, it’s best to provide the description in details. Ideally, each project should have two sections: an overview and the UX process. The overview should appear first and should consist of certain subsections such as, the purpose of the project, the objective, the duration of the project, and your role.
Creating a great UX portfolio is a journey in itself. It takes a whole lot of time, effort, and trial and error before you can set your eye on one you like. But once you get it right, it’s worth it.
