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ASK DN: Putting together a UX Portfolio

almost 8 years ago from , User Experience Designer

Hello DN!

I am a soon-to-be graduate who is starting to prepare and put together a portfolio for UX Design as a Full Stack designer. I have some questions regarding UX portfolios, and I'm looking for some advice and inspiring examples to help me understand what companies are looking for in these portfolios.

Questions

  • From the companies that I've researched so far, it seems that there are some who expect the portfolio to tell a compelling story describing the process and methodologies used in each piece of work, while others prefer a very minimal approach to allow your work to speak for itself. Which is the better way to organize my work?
  • I understand it's given that my portfolio should be custom-tailored to match the needs and tone of the company I am applying to. How common is it for applicants to tailor the portfolio specifically for just one company as opposed to one they can use universally for the multiple companies they are looking at?
  • I am having some difficulty finding good examples of UX portfolios that describe the methodologies they use in their projects. What's a good way to show things like personas and scenarios without taking too much away from the actual visuals and final product?

That's all the questions I have for now. Thank you for all your help in advance, I really appreciate it!

17 comments

  • Rodrigo MunizRodrigo Muniz, almost 8 years ago (edited almost 8 years ago )

    IMHO as a designer and recruiter, the best portfolios are those that show:

    • The problem (please define the problem)
    • The constraints
    • The solution
    • How you helped
    • What you learned (metrics, lessons and room for improvements).

    Best of luck with yours :D

    10 points
    • Miraj PatelMiraj Patel, almost 8 years ago

      Thank you for the response Rodrigo! I think that last part is a very important step that you mentioned and I'll definitely been looking into implementing it into mine.

      1 point
    • Diesel LawsDiesel Laws, almost 8 years ago

      Adding to this great overview - essentially recruiters are looking for Context. The #1 question is "Why was this designed/created in the first place?". What is the purpose of 'it'. By defining the problem/constraints etc you are controlling the narrative.

      2 points
  • Adam Brace, almost 8 years ago

    What is a Full Stack Designer?!

    5 points
  • Joel CalifaJoel Califa, almost 8 years ago

    You want to show potential employers how you think, while giving them enough visuals to show them how you implement. My portfolio worked out pretty well for me and does the same. You can check it out here.

    I wouldn't try too hard to custom-tailor your portfolio to the company you're pursuing. You want it to represent you, your way of thinking, your personality and sense of humor (in good taste). After all, you want to end up working somewhere that's a good fit.

    Regarding methodologies, I'd only mention them if they were actually useful to the project. Junior UX portfolios that go through all the Right Steps are a dime a dozen. Show me how they benefited you, not just that you used them.

    2 points
    • Miraj PatelMiraj Patel, almost 8 years ago

      Thank you for the response Joel! That's an awesome portfolio, thank you for sharing. Bookmarked it for reference.

      0 points
  • Tyrale BloomfieldTyrale Bloomfield, almost 8 years ago

    Case studies of your work. Define what you did, show your work. Sketches included. When we hire UX, it's all about how they think.

    Don't waste time customizing per company, they don't really care that much.

    1 point
    • Miraj PatelMiraj Patel, almost 8 years ago

      Thank you for your response Tyrale! Do you think sharing pictures of Post-It notes would help as well? I tend to use a lot of Post-Its. :)

      0 points