{"id":5122,"date":"2021-07-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-14T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/uncategorized\/ux-portfolio-examples-inspiration\/"},"modified":"2023-08-30T16:40:07","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T14:40:07","slug":"ux-portfolio-examples-inspiration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ux-design\/ux-portfolio-examples-inspiration\/","title":{"rendered":"20 of the Best UX Portfolio Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, you’re looking for some UX portfolio inspiration?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Making sure you\u2019ve got an impressive portfolio to your name is important for both fresh-faced UX designers and seasoned industry veterans.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll try to inspire you with awesome UX portfolio examples and UX design portfolio best practices.<\/p>\n

The 20 Best UX Portfolios<\/h2>\n

Without further ado, here are our picks of the best UX design portfolio examples.<\/p>\n

1. Gloria Lo nails the high-impact introduction<\/h2>\n

\"A
\nWho is Gloria Lo?<\/h3>\n

Gloria Lo is a self-taught product designer<\/a> based in Sydney, Australia. In her own words, she is passionate about improving the lives of others through design and is constantly looking to learn new things every day.<\/p>\n

What makes Gloria\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

One of the first things your UX portfolio should do is introduce you as a designer. Employers and potential clients want to know who you are and what you\u2019re all about\u2014and they should be able to find this out within seconds of landing on your portfolio website.<\/p>\n

Gloria has nailed her designer introduction with a three-tiered approach. First, she treats us to a bold, eye-catching headline that describes her in terms of her favorite activities.<\/p>\n

In just four simple verbs, we know that Gloria is a creative, multi-talented soul with quite a few hobbies in her repertoire. Oh, and these verbs \u201clight up\u201d in different colors when you hover over them\u2014a nice additional dash of personality!<\/p>\n

After such an enticing headline, we\u2019re inevitably curious to know more about Gloria\u2014and sure enough, her portfolio delivers. Directly beneath that unmissable heading, Gloria tells us exactly what she does and what she\u2019s passionate about in just two sentences.<\/p>\n

Gloria has mastered the delicate art of brevity while still managing to convey the most important information\u2014not an easy feat!<\/p>\n

By now, Gloria has well and truly piqued the viewer\u2019s interest. Luckily, her portfolio also features a comprehensive \u201cAbout\u201d page, complete with a video, a section detailing her values (with the help of emojis), a very thorough testimonial from a former employer, and links to her music and artwork.<\/p>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Gloria Lo?<\/h3>\n

When it comes to your own UX design portfolio, make like Gloria and be sure to include a meaningful introduction. Keep it compact yet high-impact on the home page, and then provide more detail in a dedicated \u201cAbout\u201d section.<\/p>\n

Besides crafting a gripping \u201cabout me\u201d statement, try to inject a bit of personality into the visual design, too\u2014just like Gloria\u2019s colorful hover effect.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

The viewer should know exactly who you are and what you do within seconds of landing on your UX design portfolio. Craft a compelling headline that provides all the most important information at a glance.<\/p>\n

View Gloria Lo\u2019s full portfolio website<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Moritz Oesterlau masters the art of storytelling through case studies<\/h2>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

Who is Moritz Oesterlau?<\/h3>\n

Moritz Oesterlau is a multi-skilled product\/UX designer based in Germany. He also dabbles in interface design and frontend development.<\/p>\n

Moritz studied UX design with CareerFoundry<\/a> and is now part of the Global Goals Curriculum 2030<\/a> team, helping to shape a democratic, just, and sustainable society through the power of education.<\/p>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

What makes Moritz\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

Moritz\u2019s portfolio really gets to the heart of what UX design is all about: going through a process to solve a user problem. Moritz doesn\u2019t just show the finished product; he shares, in detail, all the methods and processes that got him there.<\/p>\n

Each project is presented as a case study, which immediately tells us we\u2019re in for a lot more than just eye candy.<\/p>\n

Click on any one of these case studies and you almost feel like you\u2019re in the room with Moritz himself\u2014a fly-on-the-wall as he works through his UX design process.<\/p>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

Take the Approach to Digitization in Education case study<\/a>, for example. Moritz leaves no stone unturned, documenting the project from start to finish.<\/p>\n

He takes us on a logical journey, putting the design challenge into context before going through competitor analysis<\/a>, interviews and surveys, building empathy and creating user personas<\/a>, defining the information architecture<\/a>, wireframing<\/a>, prototyping, and usability testing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For each step, he explains what he did, why he did it, and what he learned as a result.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

What can we learn from Moritz Oesterlau?<\/h3>\n

When showcasing your UX design work, follow Moritz\u2019s example and place your process front and center. You\u2019ll notice that Moritz doesn\u2019t show the finished product until the very end of each case study, and that\u2019s because he\u2019s telling a logical story.<\/p>\n

With each case study, start from the beginning and guide the viewer through the main steps that led you to the final solution. It\u2019s okay to include screenshots of a beautiful end product, but make sure you\u2019ve documented your process in detail first.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

Showcase your process, not just the finished product. Write about the methods you used, what you learned along the way, the challenges you came up against, and how you solved certain problems. Each case study should tell a complete, logical story.<\/p>\n

View Moritz Oesterlau\u2019s full portfolio website<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Elizabeth Lin reigns supreme with visual storytelling<\/h2>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

Who is Elizabeth Lin?<\/h3>\n

Elizabeth Lin is a San Francisco-based product designer and self-proclaimed fashion, teaching, and classical saxophone enthusiast.<\/p>\n

What makes Elizabeth\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

Elizabeth Lin\u2019s portfolio provides another excellent example of storytelling. Just like Moritz, she presents her design work in the form of case studies, documenting her process from start to finish.<\/p>\n

What really stands out in Elizabeth\u2019s portfolio, though, is her use of visuals to support the narrative she\u2019s weaving.<\/p>\n

Each point in her case study is illustrated with some kind of visual element\u2014be it a virtual wall of Post-it notes, a survey form that was sent to research participants, or early-stage prototypes.<\/p>\n

Another effective storytelling technique that Elizabeth uses is to include little bitesized notes and reflections down the right-hand side.<\/p>\n

Set in a different font and color to the main body text, these snippets catch your eye as you scroll.<\/p>\n

They provide further, more personal insights into the project\u2014such as \u201cIt was cool seeing how differently teachers would use this dashboard\u201d or \u201cWe didn\u2019t move forward with this exploration because we wanted to validate the base solution first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

Supporting your case studies with visual artifacts really brings the project to life. Elizabeth\u2019s portfolio illustrates perfectly how visual and textual storytelling should work together to demonstrate your UX design process.<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Elizabeth Lin?<\/h3>\n

The aim of your UX portfolio is to both show and<\/strong> tell. Just like Elizabeth, support each case study with meaningful visuals\u2014that is, real artifacts from your project, not just illustrations.<\/p>\n

Every time you work on a new design project, document your process: take screenshots of user research surveys you send out, snap photos of your wall covered in sticky notes after a heavy brainstorming session, and keep hold of your wireframes as they progress from low to high fidelity.<\/p>\n

When it comes to adding a new case study to your portfolio, these artifacts will help you tell a logical story.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t just tell the story of each project; bring it to life with visual artifacts. For each step you go through in your case study, include a photo or screenshot of how it looked in action.<\/p>\n

View Elizabeth Lin\u2019s full portfolio website<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Olivia Truong showcases her approach to problem-solving<\/h2>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

Who is Olivia Truong?<\/h3>\n

Olivia Truong is a product designer based in Boston, Massachusetts. In her own words, Olivia likes to go out into the world and capture its beauty and weirdness.<\/p>\n

What makes Olivia\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

Above all else, UX designers are problem-solvers. Your UX design portfolio should therefore demonstrate how you identify and tackle a variety of user problems. Olivia\u2019s portfolio does a great job of this, as you\u2019ll see in her Routr case study<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Olivia kicks off her case study by framing the problem in a personal, relatable way. She doesn\u2019t just talk about the \u201cuser\u201d problem\u2014she frames it as \u201cour\u201d problem, inviting the reader to step into the user\u2019s shoes, just as she has done.<\/p>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

Next, Olivia explains, in detail, how she set about trying to solve this problem\u2014in a section aptly named \u201cThere Must Be Something Out There\u201d. We learn how she scoured the internet and App Store for a solution, only to find that none of the existing solutions fit the bill.<\/p>\n

In the section that follows, \u201cTaking The Dive\u201d, Olivia shares the next steps in her problem-solving journey: brainstorming the elements of a successful date.<\/p>\n

After thoroughly framing the problem and describing her approach to solving it, Olivia moves onto \u201cThe Making Of Routr.\u201d Notice how, even when talking about her solution, Olivia consistently refers back to the original user problem.<\/p>\n

\"Screengrab<\/p>\n

Olivia\u2019s portfolio portrays her as a thoughtful problem-solver\u2014granting her huge bonus points in the eyes of any recruiter or potential client. This focus on problem-solving also conveys another essential UX trait: empathy for the user.<\/p>\n

When reading Olivia\u2019s case study, you don\u2019t get the feeling that she\u2019s just going through the motions; she\u2019s genuinely engaged in the problem and how she can solve it for the user. That\u2019s the sign of a passionate UX designer!<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Olivia Truong?<\/h3>\n

UX designers are problem-solvers, so make sure your portfolio reflects that. There are two key lessons we can learn from Olivia\u2019s portfolio: first, start each case study by framing the problem in detail, and second, frame the problem in a way that conveys empathy.<\/p>\n

Above all, think about the language you use. Don\u2019t just state the problem; relate to it and put some emotion behind it! Olivia describes how planning dates was a \u201cheadache\u201d because \u201ccoming up with ideas was not the easiest thing to do in our busy lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is much more personal and empathy-driven than if she\u2019d said \u201cUsers struggle to come up with date ideas because they\u2019re so busy.\u201d Last but not least, refer back to the original problem throughout\u2014even when you progress to the solution.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

Your UX design portfolio should demonstrate your approach to problem-solving. Kick off each case study by framing the problem in detail, using emotive language to convey empathy. Refer back to the problem throughout.<\/p>\n

View Olivia Truong\u2019s full portfolio website<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Priyanka Gupta is the queen of the unsolicited redesign<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Who is Priyanka Gupta?<\/h3>\n

Priyanka Gupta is a product designer and tech enthusiast based in San Francisco. Aside from creating awesome user experiences, Priyanka is also pretty active on Medium<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What makes Priyanka\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

Early on in your UX career, you might struggle to fill your portfolio with real projects. As your career progresses, you might look for ways to make your portfolio stand out. So what can you do?<\/p>\n

Cue the unsolicited redesign \u00e0 la Priyanka Gupta.<\/p>\n

When Priyanka runs into bad UX, she can\u2019t help but do something about it. Where most of us might just abandon ship and find an alternative product, Priyanka goes above and beyond: she redesigns the entire experience!<\/p>\n

So, in addition to real client projects, Priyanka\u2019s UX portfolio also showcases some rather impressive unsolicited redesigns.<\/p>\n

One can\u2019t help but be impressed by Priyanka\u2019s initiative and drive. She\u2019s gone out of her way to redesign an entire digital experience, just because she\u2019s passionate about good UX\u2014how cool is that?!<\/p>\n

What\u2019s also interesting is how Priyanka chooses to showcase these redesigns. She could just stick to the standard case study format, but as we know, she\u2019s the kind of designer who likes to go above and beyond.<\/p>\n

Click on one of her unsolicited portfolio pieces and you\u2019ll be taken to a full-on, published blog post. Nice!<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

Despite the fact that these unsolicited redesigns are pure \u201cpassion projects\u201d, Priyanka lends them the credibility they deserve by documenting her process in detail.<\/p>\n

In her redesign of the Sephora iOS app<\/a>, she starts by framing the problem: \u201cDespite using the app religiously, I had trouble navigating through it. After observing that other people also experienced issues with the app, I pursued this redesign as an opportunity to improve the experience in any way I could.\u201d<\/p>\n

What follows is a detailed breakdown of every step she took to redesign the app, from brand analysis, user research, and affinity mapping<\/a>, right through to persona creation, prototyping, and implementation\u2014not forgetting those all-important visual artifacts that are absolutely crucial to UX storytelling!<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Priyanka Gupta?<\/h3>\n

Priyanka is an experienced UX designer who presumably has plenty of real projects for her portfolio. This doesn\u2019t stop her from conducting unsolicited redesigns when she comes across intolerably bad UX\u2014as she puts it, it\u2019s like an itch she just needs to scratch!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a new UX designer trying to build up your portfolio, take a leaf out of Priyanka\u2019s book and complete some unsolicited redesigns of your own. This is a great way to demonstrate initiative and show that you\u2019re a proactive designer who is willing to go the extra mile.<\/p>\n

Just as Priyanka does, be transparent about the fact that these are unsolicited projects\u2014a simple disclaimer is all you need.<\/p>\n

Another valuable takeaway from Priyanka\u2019s portfolio is the power of blogging. Priyanka doesn\u2019t just limit herself to her portfolio website; she also shares her case studies and tips via Medium (where she\u2019s accrued over a thousand followers!).<\/p>\n

There are many different ways to share your process, so don\u2019t be afraid to try a multichannel approach.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

Unsolicited redesigns are an excellent way to build up your UX portfolio and demonstrate your initiative as a designer. As always, frame the problem, document your process, and tell a good story\u2014and don\u2019t forget to include a disclaimer.<\/p>\n

View Priyanka Gupta\u2019s full portfolio website<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Lola Jiang delivers measurable outcomes and metrics<\/h2>\n

\"Lola<\/p>\n

Who is Lola Jiang?<\/h3>\n

Lola Jiang is a California-based UX designer currently working at Google. Lola’s impressive resume includes having worked at YouTube as an interaction designer.<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Lola\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

One of the biggest challenges you\u2019ll face as a UX designer is measuring and demonstrating the impact of your work. You know you\u2019ve improved the user experience, but how do you substantiate that?<\/p>\n

Look no further than Lola Jiang\u2019s portfolio. Lola does an extremely important (yet scarce) thing: she puts the measurable impact of her UX design in the context of business needs.<\/p>\n

Take her AI Training Platform<\/a> case study, for example. Following a brief introduction to the project (literally one sentence), Lola offers the project’s outcomes: \u201cThe new design reduced task times by 68% and improved users\u2019 subjective satisfaction by 139%.\u201d<\/p>\n

It’s immediate and impactful. Lola then takes us through the flow of the project, outlining the scale and scope of the work. She details the challenges, different iterations, and design, and clearly demonstrates the motivations behind decisions.<\/p>\n

Lola rounds off her case study with a post-relaunch analysis, using concrete data to validate the final redesign: \u201cWith the original design, the set of tasks took 19 minutes. With the new design, the set of tasks took 6 minutes. Nearly 68%. Users’ subjective satisfaction with the new design (4.3\/5) was 139% higher than the original design (1.8\/5).\u201d<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Lola Jiang?<\/h3>\n

Lola does a great job of showing how she works in a business setting. This is crucial if you want to practice UX for a living, but it\u2019s a trick that many designers tend to miss. While it\u2019s true that you\u2019re there to advocate for the user, it\u2019s also important to recognize that companies have their own goals to meet\u2014and you need to show how UX contributes to that.<\/p>\n

If, like Lola, you can demonstrate how your work brings value, you\u2019ll set yourself up for some serious bonus points. If you have data related to the project, this will be easy\u2014but what if there aren\u2019t any concrete metrics to showcase?<\/p>\n

Even without data, you can frame your work in a business context. Set a business or product goal at the start of the case study. What do you hope your work will achieve? This is separate from the user goal, but the two should go hand in hand.<\/p>\n

For example, creating a more pleasant app experience for the user should help to boost customer retention.<\/p>\n

Likewise, establish a few success metrics before you begin. How will you measure the impact of your work? What tell-tale signs will you look out for after you\u2019ve launched or relaunched the product? The best UX designers are those who can advocate for the user while meeting the needs of the business, so try to convey this throughout your portfolio.<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

Use your portfolio to demonstrate how you add value to the business. Set business goals and success metrics for each case study, and, where possible, include data and tangible outcomes.<\/p>\n

View Lola Jiang\u2019s full portfolio website.<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Daniel Autry features \u201cjust the right amount\u201d of portfolio projects<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Who is Daniel Autry?<\/h3>\n

Daniel Autry is a designer, developer, and behavioural researcher based in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is fascinated by the social product space and is currently researching the intersection between technology and mental illness.<\/p>\n

What makes Daniel\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

Daniel Autry\u2019s portfolio features some remarkable work in the mental health space, but that\u2019s not the only reason he\u2019s made it onto this list. Daniel\u2019s portfolio also helps to answer that all-too-common conundrum: What\u2019s the \u201cright\u201d amount of projects to showcase in your UX design portfolio?<\/p>\n

Before we go any further, let\u2019s be clear on one thing: There\u2019s no \u201cmagic number\u201d when it comes to portfolio projects. Some people will tell you five, others will say three\u2014you might even hear that one is enough!<\/p>\n

Daniel has opted to showcase four projects in his UX portfolio, and while we\u2019re not saying that he\u2019s found THE magic number, it is a magic number of sorts.<\/p>\n

In other words, Daniel has found the number that works for him: He features just enough projects to showcase his range as a designer while still keeping it limited enough so as not to overwhelm the user\u2014smart UX design in action!<\/p>\n

In the space of just four featured case studies, we see that Daniel is a versatile designer who has worked on a variety of projects across a range of sectors\u2014from mental health to financial trading to e-learning. So, it\u2019s not just about how many projects you showcase; it\u2019s just as important to pick a good variety.<\/p>\n

Besides his four featured projects, Daniel\u2019s portfolio also includes a section dedicated to \u201cOther Works\u201d. Here, he links to articles he\u2019s written on Medium, additional projects he\u2019s worked on, as well as upcoming endeavors.<\/p>\n

This is a great way to divide your portfolio, especially if you\u2019re struggling to decide which of your best work should feature!<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Daniel Autry?<\/h3>\n

Daniel\u2019s portfolio teaches us an important lesson about the \u201cright\u201d number of portfolio projects: There isn\u2019t one! Every UX designer is unique, and your portfolio should reflect that.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get too hung up on whether you should include three projects or five; focus instead on selecting a handful of projects that best showcase who you are as a designer.<\/p>\n

If you want to brand yourself as a versatile, adaptable designer, feature as diverse a variety of projects as possible.<\/p>\n

If you see yourself as a specialist in a certain industry, highlight the projects that demonstrate this. At the same time, don\u2019t overwhelm the viewer: a hiring manager looking through your portfolio probably won\u2019t browse through ten UX case studies, so choose wisely!<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

There is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to how many projects you should feature in your portfolio. Choose a good enough variety to showcase your skillset, while keeping it minimal enough so as not to overwhelm the user. If you\u2019ve got lots more work you want to showcase, add a separate section.<\/p>\n

View Daniel Autry\u2019s full portfolio website<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Vera Chen highlights the importance of context<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Who is Vera Chen?<\/h3>\n

Vera Chen is a product designer and former Facebook intern. She has a Master\u2019s degree in Human-Centered Design and Engineering, and has also dabbled in singing and acting.<\/p>\n

What makes Vera\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

Not only is Vera\u2019s portfolio a beautiful thing to behold (just look at those illustrations!); it also highlights the importance of context when presenting your UX work.<\/p>\n

Vera doesn\u2019t just outline the problem statement for each case study\u2014she steeps it in a solid back story, describing the events that led her there. She also clearly explains her role on each project, who she worked with, and what design and prototyping tools<\/a> and methods they used.<\/p>\n

Just by including these few extra details, Vera paints a clear picture of what the project entailed and how she contributed. Another excellent example of UX storytelling!<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take Vera\u2019s Wedding Library case study<\/a>, for example. See how she dedicates two whole sections to setting the scene? First, there\u2019s the project background which lays out the scope of the project. Then there\u2019s the context section, a detailed story about newlyweds Murphy and Diana and the frustrations they faced when planning two weddings.<\/p>\n

Vera doesn\u2019t just tell us what the problem is. She shows us exactly how it came to light, and in what capacity she was employed to help solve it. By the time we scroll down to Vera\u2019s process, it\u2019s easy to see where each step fits into the overall project.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a bit like reading a novel: you need a little bit of background before you can start relating to the characters and the plot.<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Vera Chen?<\/h3>\n

There are two very simple yet effective takeaways to be had from Vera\u2019s portfolio. First and foremost, provide plenty of background context\u2014this works wonders when telling the story of each case study.<\/p>\n

Vera doesn\u2019t start with the problem statement; she sets the scene, describing the people, events, and circumstances that surround and lead up to this particular design challenge. Aim to precede your problem statement with a small paragraph dedicated to \u201csetting the scene\u201d.<\/p>\n

Secondly, state your role on each project. What were you commissioned to do? Where did you fit into the overall team? At the same time, listing your teammates is a nice touch; UX design is a highly collaborative field, so it\u2019s important to demonstrate individual value while acknowledging that the end result was a team effort!<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

For each case study in your UX portfolio, provide as much context as you can. Set the scene with a brief backstory before launching into your problem statement. This includes stating your role on the project and, if necessary, who you worked with.<\/p>\n

View Vera Chen\u2019s full portfolio website<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Zara Drei bedazzles with awesome UX and UI<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Who is Zara Drei?<\/h3>\n

Zara Drei is a London-based UX designer. When she\u2019s not solving problems with beautiful, user-centric web products, you can find her playing around with electronics, making video loops, building ceramic and metal sculptures, or producing electronic music.<\/p>\n

What makes Zara\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve talked a lot about the importance of showcasing your UX design process. Now it\u2019s time to contemplate the power of beautiful UI! This brings us to Zara Drei\u2019s portfolio\u2014the epitome of digital elegance.<\/p>\n

Zara specializes in creating digital products and experiences for luxury, fashion, and beauty brands, and this is reflected in every detail of her portfolio.<\/p>\n

In fact, scrolling through Zara\u2019s portfolio is like wandering through the beauty department of a high-end store, or flipping through the pages of a glossy magazine\u2014and that\u2019s no accident.<\/p>\n

She has given as much thought to her color palette<\/a>, typography<\/a>, and imagery as she has to writing up her case studies and sharing her process. The result? A flawless portfolio that truly makes its mark.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Zara Drei?<\/h3>\n

Your UX design portfolio is not just a website\u2014it\u2019s part of your personal brand. Like your case studies, the overall aesthetic of your portfolio should tell a story about who you are as a designer. Consider how Zara uses color and imagery to evoke a sense of luxury throughout her portfolio; how can you create a similar effect?<\/p>\n

Spend some time figuring out your personal brand. Are you fun and quirky? Artsy and edgy? Corporate and serious? Perhaps you\u2019re all about eco-friendly design.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve got a theme in mind, you can start to think about the kinds of colors and imagery that will help to convey this. Just because you\u2019re a UX designer doesn\u2019t mean you can neglect the visual design of your portfolio.<\/p>\n

Your portfolio should embody your personal brand, so treat it like any other UX project and give it the high-shine finish it deserves!<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/h3>\n

Your portfolio website should reflect your personal brand, and visual design plays a crucial role. The best portfolios offer the full package\u2014detailed case studies wrapped in stunning UI design and flawless UX\u2014so aim to tick all the boxes!<\/p>\n

View Zara Drei\u2019s full portfolio website<\/a><\/p>\n

10. Minimalism from Victoria Kazakova<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Victoria Kazakova?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Victoria Kazakova is a Polish UX designer, web developer, and photographer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Victoria\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the enormous and sometimes confusing online world we trawl through daily, Victoria Kazakova\u2019s UX portfolio wins the prize for clarity and ease of understanding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout Victoria\u2019s portfolio, she sticks to a minimalist design palette and clear signage, a simplicity that makes for a delightfully smooth read.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Better still, words that spring up on command stroll through the portfolio, leading the reader from section to section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Charts and graphics displaying her skills and experience are so simple they appear iconic. There\u2019s no chance the reader could feel lost or confused.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

What can we learn from Victoria Kazakova?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When it comes to graphic design, sometimes simplicity is best. The last thing you want to happen when someone reads over your portfolio is for them to feel overwhelmed with data.<\/span><\/p>\n

Victoria\u2019s portfolio is a great example of how responsive screens can ease the user\u2019s journey through pages of information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t be tempted to overload. Stick to two classy fonts and an inoffensive colorway. These simple building blocks can lead the user\u2019s eye as they navigate your work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

View Victoria Kazakova’s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

11. Yu-Hsuan offers zero-gravity UX<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Yu-Hsuan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yu-Hsuan is a UX designer, currently working for Google as an interaction designer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Yu-Hsuan\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yu-Hsuan\u2019s impressive role at Google means that many of her current projects are “locked” due to non-disclosure agreements. This is a common problem in the UX design community and a hurdle many designers face when putting together their portfolios.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yu-Hsuan\u2019s deft solution is to focus on the illustrative side of her UX portfolio, which showcases her passion and side projects as a graphic designer and game designer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She also uses her illustrations to depict the otherwise locked aspects of the projects she\u2019s describing. This gives a lovely cohesion with the rest of the content in her portfolio and reduces the jarring effect locked projects can sometimes have.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The floating designer illustration that seems to hover over the portfolio is very cool and points at a sense of fun and creativity necessary to succeed in illustration and gaming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What can we learn from Yu-Hsuan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Through her illustrations, Yu-Hsuan has subtly displayed her UX skills in her portfolio itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This visual approach means the separate parts of the portfolio hang together perfectly, even when some of the projects are locked off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another tip from Yu-Hsuan is to be approachable in your portfolio. Dropping in the line “Please contact me if you want to go through the case study” gives a real sense of openness, collaboration, and sharing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you can\u2019t show direct evidence of a project, don\u2019t hesitate to get creative. A strong visual style not only shows off your design chops but helps a large portfolio hang together nicely. Also, be approachable!<\/span><\/p>\n

View Yu-Hsuan’s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

12. A holistic introduction to Cristina Gafitescu<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Who is Cristina Gafitescu?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Romania-based Cristina Gafitescu is a junior UX designer with a playful approach to visual design.<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Cristina Gafitescu\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cristina\u2019s UX portfolio makes a great first impression as it tells her story in an interesting-to-follow, visually engaging way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her playful page layouts and graphics show Cristina\u2019s panache as an illustrator and designer. They also provide a great backdrop as she offers a holistic introduction to herself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Through a post-it note, almost diaristic approach, the reader really gets a feel for what kind of person Cristina is, her education and experience, and what attracted her to UX in the first place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to say this portfolio is totally informal. Cristina also does a great job of showing her processes, identifying problems (with a focus on UX research), solutions, and testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When the temptation may be to opt for oblique, abstract graphics that display your design chops in the coolest terms, save a thought for a more intimate approach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cristina\u2019s portfolio is emotionally honest, charming, and informative. The effect on recruiters\u2014especially those suffering from portfolio fatigue\u2014is likely persuasive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

View Cristina Gafitescu’s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

13. The spatial awareness of Rucha Moghe<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Rucha Moghe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Rucha Moghe is a UX designer with a background in architecture based in India.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Rucha Moghe\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

From start to finish, Rucha\u2019s UX portfolio ticks all the right boxes. It’s visually strong and easy to digest. Her user journey map is smart and in context, and the user flows, wireframes, and usability study are all useful.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tehni: A Plant App is an especially great case study and easy to follow. On the whole, Rucha\u2019s portfolio is incredibly strong on user personas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Rucha suggests, her background as an architect provides her portfolio with a great sense of user-centered design principles, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills transferable to digital spaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No space feels wasted, nothing is jumbled, and the reader never feels lost or confused. This is architectural elegance in portfolio form.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Reinventing the wheel in your portfolio isn’t necessarily a good idea. Rucha\u2019s portfolio nails the basics: it’s logical with an easy-to-follow narrative that shows how user problems were solved. It\u2019s bold and eye-catching and features great user personas.<\/span><\/p>\n

View Rucha Moghe’s full UX portfolio<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Nguyen Duc Thang\u2019s deep case studies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Nguyen Duc Thang?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nguyen Duc Thang is a UX designer based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Although just starting in his career, Nguyen Duc Thang knows how to put together a really strong portfolio.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Nguyen Duc Thang\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Much like Rucha Moghe, Nguyen Duc Thang\u2019s UX portfolio gets the basics right despite the difference in experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nguyen Duc Thang\u2019s branding is particularly strong, with eye-catching graphics consistently holding the content together throughout the document.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After introducing himself, Nguyen Duc Thang covers his skills and qualifications before launching into extensive case studies. No stone is left unturned in these exhaustive examples, which detail wireframing, prototyping, testing, user personas, visual design, and information architecture. Bravo!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t scrimp on your case studies. Tell the world how you nailed that project, from top to tail.<\/span><\/p>\n

View Nguyen Duc Thang’s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

15. Precocious design from Gilbert Christian<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Gilbert Christian?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Gilbert Christian is an Indonesian UX design student in the early stages of his career. As Gilbert mentions in his portfolio, he’s open to all manner of part-time, voluntary work, or UX internship programs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Gilbert Christian\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Despite his relative inexperience, Gilbert\u2019s UX portfolio is extremely easy on the eye, with strong data visualization and imagery leading you from one page to the next.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gilbert\u2019s case studies show a maturity beyond his experience, with thorough documentation giving us insight into his work processes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gilbert\u2019s portfolio is stunning and applies the same key UX design principles present in his work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If in doubt, build a logical narrative showing how a problem was understood, defined, and solved.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

View Gilbert Christian’s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

16. Valentina Gigli\u2019s bold branding<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Valentina Gigli?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Valentina Gigli is a junior UX designer based in Argentina.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Valentina Gigli\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Aside from the bold color scheme and font choice, Valentina keeps things simple with her portfolio.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After introducing herself, Valentina discusses her \u201captitude palette\u201d, before moving on to her design examples.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a fan of purplish magenta or not, the bold titles and lurid colors certainly make for clear signposting and remain in the mind\u2019s eye for some time after looking away, a key sign of successful branding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When it comes to color schemes and fonts, it\u2019s tempting to play it safe. Taking some risks may mean your portfolio pops out from the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

View Valentina Gigli\u2019s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

17. Aleyna Aykanat raises a smile<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Aleyna Aykanat?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Akeyna Aykanat is a Turkish UX designer with skills in public speaking, 3D product modeling, and graphic design.<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Aleyna Aykanat\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Aleyna\u2019s work is in monochrome black and white, with grainy charcoal textures offering depth to each slide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The result feels mature and assured\u2014and Aleyna has the content to match it, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After what feels like a serious offering, Aleyna offers something of a UX visual joke at the end of her portfolio, including a fake loading page, before bidding us farewell.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, it leaves one with the impression of Aleyna as a fun-loving lateral thinker\u2014just the kind of person we\u2019d like on our team.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many UX design portfolios are made using guidelines shared amongst tens of thousands of junior designers at bootcamps and other learning establishments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These cookie-cutter portfolios can feel a little soulless and may result in recruiters developing a kind of portfolio fatigue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As Aleyna shows so elegantly, including a curveball element\u2014in this case, the joke towards the end of her portfolio\u2014shows the portfolio has been assembled with care and craft, not painted by numbers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

View Aleyna Aykanat’s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

18. Sharon Kravanja\u2019s scrapbook stylings<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Sharon Kravanja?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sharon Kravanja is a Parisian UX designer at the beginning of her career.<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Sharon Kravanja\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

From the outset, Sharon makes no bones about her very junior status as a UX designer. This is reflected in her opening statement and the primitive doodles that annotate and decorate each portfolio page.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite this seemingly youthful approach, Sharon\u2019s visual scrapbook style demonstrates impressive self-branding. Scribbles and sweeps bring cohesion to all the moving parts of the portfolio while playfully communicating Sharon\u2019s self-awareness as an inexperienced but sincere and brave designer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Be yourself. A recruiter will sooner remember Sharon\u2019s somewhat youthfully exuberant portfolio over safer designs.<\/span><\/p>\n

View Sharon Kravanja\u2019<\/b>s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

19. Sophisticated graphics from Anna Hlushko<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Anna Hlushko?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Anna Hlushko is a Ukrainian UX designer with a self-professed focus on minimalism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Anna Hlushko\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Anna Hlushko\u2019s portfolio speaks of a detail-oriented UX designer with serious design chops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Modernist typography and dark, grainy hues glue the elements of this portfolio in place. Anna\u2019s graphic design skills are at the higher end of the spectrum, and these pages wouldn\u2019t look out of place in a MoMA brochure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond the slick exterior, Anna also touches on her approach to tackling stages of work, including research, and details some case studies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Play to your strengths. If visual design is your thing, make sure your portfolio pops. This may be the one chance you have to show off your chops.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

View Anna Hlushko\u2019s full UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

20. Thorough research by Ho\u00e0ng K\u1ef3 Phong<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Who is Ho\u00e0ng K\u1ef3 Phong?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ho\u00e0ng K\u1ef3 Phong is a Hanoi-based UX designer passionate about art and design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes Ho\u00e0ng K\u1ef3 Phong\u2019s UX design portfolio so great?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With black and white images projected onto a backdrop of cartridge paper, Ho\u00e0ng K\u1ef3 Phong\u2019s portfolio has a classic feel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Structurally, it is a masterclass in logical layout and digestible design. Extra marks are awarded for detailed market research and survey information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Key takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Consider the user at every step by demonstrating the process and results.<\/span><\/p>\n

View Ho\u00e0ng K\u1ef3 Phong\u2019s UX portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

Why do you need a UX design portfolio?<\/h2>\n

When creating an impressive UX portfolio, it\u2019s important to understand exactly what your portfolio should achieve. What information should your portfolio present? What do you want people to learn about you and your work when they land on your portfolio?<\/p>\n

Your UX design portfolio is not just a virtual gallery of all your most beautiful work. It\u2019s a carefully crafted story that offers a behind-the-scenes look at your methods and processes.<\/p>\n

How do you tackle different UX design challenges? What\u2019s your approach to solving problems? Are you user-centric?<\/p>\n

It should introduce you as a designer and give the viewer an understanding of your work. And, of course, all of these insights should come gift-wrapped in a visually engaging, user-friendly package.<\/p>\n

How to build an amazing UX portfolio<\/h2>\n

Since a portfolio is all about showcasing your work as a designer, it’s obvious that you need to get some experience so that you have work to spotlight in the first place.<\/p>\n

But what if you don’t have any industry experience (yet)? <\/strong>Not to worry.<\/p>\n

It’s entirely possibly to build a strong portfolio, break into the industry, and succeed without previous UX design experience<\/a>. One great place to start is by taking a free UX design short course<\/a> to make sure you’re cut out for this area of the design field.<\/p>\n

Next, you can then to enroll in a UX design certification program<\/a>\u2014preferably one that provides personalized UX mentorship<\/a> and portfolio reviews. <\/span><\/p>\n

To see a live portfolio review with a seasoned UX designer, check out this video:<\/span><\/p>\n

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