A portfolio is an edited collection of a UX designer’s best work. Portfolios contain your case studies and provide some information about who you are and what you want in a career. As a student, your case studies need to demonstrate your ability to learn, so that companies are confident that your skills will improve with experience and exposure.

Portfolios consist of two to four case studies of completed projects that demonstrate how you solved a problem for your end-users, and the process you used to get to the solution. They also usually have an ‘About Me’ section and contact information.

Portfolios are expected to be online. Each case study should include a link to its interactive prototype. Non-disclosure agreements may prohibit you from showing industry work (not usually student work) but be sure to have at least one interactive prototype of a case study available to the public. Some designers choose to password-protect sensitive case studies.

Treat your portfolio as another UX design project. Make sure it’s usable, scannable and can stand on its own without you having to explain it, because most of the time you won’t be there to lead a hiring manager through your portfolio. And, test your portfolio with peers or friends first before sending it out. Another pair of eyes can pick up errors that you may have missed,

You’ll need:

An online portfolio with a unique URL
2-4 case studies that showcase your skills, your knowledge of the entire UX design process, and your ability to learn

Previous Lesson

Back to Lesson

Next Topic