Portfolios are a standard feature in many industries, including writing, art, web designing, and design in general. The same applies to UX/UI design. A portfolio allows potential employers to get a sense of your skills and experience, and also lets you show off your design sensibilities and experience.
Portfolios are not just a great idea for UI- and UX-focused positions. They’re also often required in job applications and can be the difference between getting hired and being passed over. UX/UI design can be achieved in many ways, including UX/UI bootcamps and self-teaching options. Many of these degrees offer the opportunity to start building a portfolio through technical projects and in-class exercises.
We’ll be discussing the importance of creating a UX portfolio to make this process easier. What you should include in your portfolio and how to create portfolio-ready projects that highlight your skills.
Building a UX Portfolio
Step 1 – Select Your Projects
Selecting the right projects to showcase is the first and most important step in creating a UX portfolio. You may have many projects to choose from. Make sure you narrow down the list of what to include in your portfolio. The featured projects should demonstrate a range of skills from wireframing and research to prototyping, graphic design, and even sketching. You can target a few projects if you are limited in your projects. This will help you to build the skills you want to show future employers.
Also read: What is A Business Portfolio: A Easy Guide?
Step 2 – Choose a Platform
Next, you will need to select a platform for hosting your portfolio website. A site builder such as Squarespace or Wix can make it easy to set up a website and allow you to edit the content quickly. These sites offer beautiful, free templates that are perfect for beginners. However, building a website from scratch and hosting your own website requires more technical knowledge, but allows you to create more customized websites.
Step 3 – Assemble Case Studies
After you have chosen your projects and selected a platform that suits your goals and skills, it is time to create case studies that showcase your expertise. UX projects require many steps. These include user interviews, prototyping, final designs, and research. The case studies cover the entire design process. They show how the organization and its users encountered problems, the solutions you found, the wireframes and prototypes used, and the final design. It would be a good idea to have data that shows how your work affected users or the business.
Types of UX/UI Portfolios
UX/UI Designer Portfolio
The user interface (UI) design is a crucial part of the UX design process. It can have a significant impact on the overall user experience. A portfolio that has a visually appealing UI design and is well-planned can make a huge difference.
A UI/UX design that is effective incorporates design principles and best practices that are consistent across web design and UX design, print design, and more – Make your portfolio’s user interface design a place you can show off your design skills to potential employers
UX Researcher Portfolio
UX research is the study of users and their needs in order to identify problems and design solutions. UX Researchers are encouraged to make portfolios to showcase their projects. They’ll probably look a bit different than what a UX/UI designer might create.
For example, A UX portfolio could include content that looks like case studies. It is possible to upload reports and other materials, but instead, create a series of pages that highlight the UX research you have done. These pages could be used to discuss the issue that a campaign was trying to resolve, The research that was done, or the changes or design ideas that were generated through the research.
Web Designer Portfolio
While web design portfolios can be compared to UX design portfolios in many ways, there are a few key differences. Sometimes web designers showcase flashy animations or complicated JavaScript interactive applets in their portfolios. Remember that your portfolio will vary depending on the type and level of web design you specialize in. For example, front-end designers might be more focused on creating a portfolio that showcases their design skills. Back-end developers may spend more time creating case studies that are in-depth about specific projects. This is similar to a UX researcher.
What should be included in a UX portfolio?
UX design focuses primarily on designing and displaying information to end-users. This is usually done in a way that solves a problem or meets their needs. Your portfolio should not be any different. It must contain relevant information for potential employers and hiring managers. Think about how they will interact with your site and divide your information into the appropriate pages as you go along the user journey. Here are some possible page options:
- Examples of your work: The most important section of your portfolio contains samples of your work. UX designers often choose a case study approach to individual projects. This involves going through every step of the project from research, wireframes, and the final product. If you are able to show the process of a project, including photos and written notes, don’t be afraid to include less polished designs.
- A section titled “About Me”: The ‘About Me section allows you to share information about yourself, including your education, skills, and headshot, so that hiring managers can get to know more about you. This section can be used to talk about your work and what type of jobs you are looking for. You might want to mention any design-focused courses, coursework, certifications, or bootcamps you have attended in this section.
- Contact information and social media: Although it is not required, having space to link to your social media accounts can make a great addition to any UX design portfolio. This area can be used to store a copy of your resume for employers to easily review and access before you interview.
- Blog: A blog section can be added to your portfolio website to show your writing and thoughts on topics related to design, UX, or UI. A blog is completely optional. It should be considered only if you are interested in writing and intend to keep it updated. This section is often skipped by designers, but it is an option for those who are interested in displaying their interest.
In general, building your UX portfolio is an entire project. Consider your employer (employers), and their needs. This will help you to understand more about yourself as a candidate. A typical UX/UI bootcamp program includes the creation of a professional UX portfolio. A bootcamp can help you gain valuable skills and work with portfolio-ready projects.
Also read: 7 Tips to Create A UX/UI Designer Portfolio
Tips for UX Portfolio
Your UX portfolio is as much a showcase of your design skills as the pieces that it contains. It’s therefore important to create a portfolio that highlights UX best practices. A clear information architecture should be included in your portfolio that shows you are able to build site hierarchies and label information. It should also make it easy for users to understand. Here are some factors to keep in mind when creating your portfolio.
- Design: Your portfolio should be attractive to the eye while still maintaining solid information architecture principles. Your portfolio design should communicate your career goals, specialties, and objectives. Are you interested in working in a startup setting? Think of a design that is modern, flashy, and fun. Are you looking to create a large enterprise-level company? You might consider a traditional design that conveys information well.
- Project choice: You can add any project to your portfolio. However, it is tempting to highlight every project that you have worked on. It’s better to choose the projects that you are most proud of. The UX/UI Boot Camp at UT Austin is a great option for those who are new to the field or wish to create more complicated projects. You will be able to create high-quality projects and showcase your talents in the field as part of the boot camp curriculum.
- Optimization and iteration: Portfolios shouldn’t be created and then forgotten about. Your skills and portfolios should continue to grow and change. Your portfolio is a work in process that evolves iteratively. Keep it updated as needed.
Video is another option that’s not essential. It can help you stand out among other candidates and add some flair to your portfolio. You can include a brief video that highlights your design process, testimonials from clients or employers, or a complete overview of selected projects.
6 UX Portfolio Examples for Inspiration
Seeing examples is one of the best ways you can get started with your UX design portfolio. We’ll be looking at a number of portfolio examples and highlighting their strengths in the section that follows. Keep in mind, however, that there are many portfolios that you can choose from. The best one for you will depend on your career goals, current skills, and field of interest.
UX Design Homepage Portfolio Example
Your homepage is the most important aspect of your overall portfolio. It’s the first place visitors will see your work and land. It’s also where they will find you. Zara drei is a UX/UI designer based in London. She shows how efficient it can be to present your most important information on one page. The use of color is brilliant and the information is easy to comprehend.
The portfolio offers pages specific to each section. However, the homepage provides all the information visitors need.
Minimalist UX Design Portfolio Example
Portfolio design is often simpler than you think. Aileen Shin, a digital product designer, is her name. Aileen Shin’s portfolio only contains sections that contain work and personal information. Aileen’s entire portfolio conveys all her information in a clear, beautiful manner. Each project example explains the design process and how it solved users’ problems.
UX Design Branding Example
Junghoe Hwang is a UX/UI designer, who has a well-defined brand. Junghoe Hwang’s introduction states that they are passionate about “playful interaction design”, minimalism, and happy dogs. This personal brand shines through the rest of the site’s design with a minimal color palette and the use of 3D animations. This portfolio shows how portfolio design can help you communicate your professional and personal brand.
UX Design Case Study Example
Bre Huang, a UX designer who worked on a project that improved the design of Uber Pro’s rewards program. The case study she wrote about the project is a great example of how to present a project in all its glory. The article begins by discussing the problems Uber found through its rewards program. It then shows examples of how the team solved these problems using robust UX design. Finally, it ends with peer testimonials about her contribution to the project. It is beautifully designed and decorated with great color use.
Simple UX Portfolio Restrictions Example
Danny Rodriguez is a Meta designer with a simple, but well-thought-out portfolio. Danny’s homepage gives a brief introduction to himself, his goals, and his design philosophy. Danny’s portfolio highlights an important issue for professional designers: Danny’s portfolio states that case studies on specific projects can only be requested and cannot go public. It is important to check that you have permission to publish information about specific projects. This is especially true if the data you are sharing could be used internally only.
Begin Building Your UX/UI Designer Portfolio Today
Anyone who is interested in a career in UX design should create a portfolio. Portfolios will give potential employers a glimpse of your work and allow you to showcase your design skills. It can also help you build your personal brand. A great portfolio takes a keen eye for detail as well as an understanding of what you are trying to highlight.
