Components of a Great UX/UI Portfolio
What to have in a UX/UI portfolio
So you’ve got (or you’re gathering) some great UX/UI design experience, and you’re starting to think about applying for jobs.
Now you’ve just got to figure out what to have in a UX/UI design portfolio.
Before you get nervous or overwhelmed (because there’s no need to be), here are a few tips and resources to get you started.
First, here are five rules to follow if you want a truly job-winning design portfolio:
- Include a memorable introduction. Let hiring managers see who you are as a person and as a designer.
- Feature high-quality case studies. Build outstanding case studies into your portfolio. Don’t just show end results! Show them your process, and how you handle mistakes.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to adapt to change and learnings. Again, show them how you rethink your process and find the ways in which you (and your process) need to change and grow—and how you tackle that change and growth.
- Make sure your portfolio website is user-friendly. If you’re going with a PDF instead, make sure the layout makes a lot of sense to other people. Get feedback on it! If you have a UX/UI mentor, this is a great time to ask for their input.
- Polish it off with excellent UI design—your portfolio should exemplify your best design work! Check out these UX design portfolios for inspiration.
Now that you know what to have in a UX/UI portfolio, make sure your personal brand is evident across your entire application package. This will help you stand out from other applicants and show hiring managers the unique stuff you’re made of.
And finally, practice regular whiteboard challenges to make sure your design game is up to snuff. This does double duty: It keeps you on your design toes AND it gives you more material for your portfolio.
Featured presenters
Kim N. Steindel
UX Designer
Other than traveling the world for food, Kim specializes in helping people land UX/UI jobs in companies they care about. He has worked for corporations such as Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, Airbnb, and Microsoft, before founding his own UX design company in Ireland, where he helps solopreneurs and e-commerce companies with their digital footprint.
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