3 Ways to Boost Your UX Portfolio
Hey! It’s Joe from Bitesize UX and today I’m here to share three straightforward and actionable tips to make a significant impact on your UX portfolio. If you’ve been struggling with your portfolio, feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or just looking for ways to breathe new life into your case studies, this article is for you. We’ll explore three categories: Monkey Wrenches, Behind-the-Scenes Artifacts, and Big Bold Visuals. After reading this, you’ll have practical steps to enhance your portfolio and gain momentum. Let’s dive in!
1. Monkey Wrenches
Monkey wrenches are unexpected challenges, disruptions, or twists in your UX design process. Sharing these in your portfolio adds authenticity and relatability. Here are some examples:
- Unexpected project twists or user feedback.
- Tricky challenges or side quests.
- Lessons learned from struggles or mistakes.
The Benefits:
- Authenticity: Perfect processes can raise suspicion, while sharing challenges humanizes your work.
- Relatability: Unexpected issues resonate with experienced designers and hiring managers.
Tips:
- Keep it brief: Share one or two significant challenges per case study.
- Offer lessons learned: Explain how you navigated unexpected hurdles and what you’d do differently.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Artifacts
Behind-the-scenes artifacts provide a glimpse into your design process beyond traditional deliverables. They can include:
- Unique process sketches.
- In-field photos and stories.
- Less typical UX deliverables.
- Screenshots of collaborative tools like Zoom.
The Benefits
- Humanizing your process: Adding personal touches makes your portfolio less formulaic.
- Creativity: Showcase your unique approach and creative thinking.
Tips
- Limit the artifacts: Choose a few that add context to your case study.
- Provide context: Explain the significance of each artifact to your process.
3. Big Bold Visuals (BBVs)
Big Bold Visuals are simple graphics that summarize or highlight key points in your case study. They enhance skimability without sacrificing content. Examples include:
- Bold quotes or statements.
- Simple infographics
- Callouts and summaries.
The Benefits
- Skimability: BBVs make it easier for readers to navigate your case study.
- Summarizing dense content: Use visuals to distill complex information.
- Enhanced readability: Break up text and improve the flow of your portfolio.
Tips
- Keep it simple: Bold, straightforward visuals work best.
- Use BBVs sparingly: A few well-placed visuals can significantly improve readability.
Enhancing your UX portfolio doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By incorporating monkey wrenches, behind-the-scenes artifacts, and big bold visuals, you can breathe new life into your case studies and make them more engaging and relatable. Remember, your portfolio is a reflection of your unique journey as a UX designer, so embrace the process, share your challenges, and highlight your creative solutions. If you’re looking to make substantial progress on your portfolio, consider joining our full-day workshop. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to level up your UX portfolio. Check out the email for sign-up details, dates, and promo codes. See you there!
