Ever looked at your UX portfolio and felt it just doesn't do justice to your skills?

You know what I'm talking about:

That sinking feeling when your work seems to blend into the background, unnoticed in a sea of portfolios. Trust me, I’ve been there, 13 years in the game and I felt exactly this way a million times.

Imagine this goes on.

Your unique talents stay hidden, opportunities slip by.

What if you could transform your portfolio into a compelling story of your design journey?

A narrative that grabs attention and showcases your unique flair?

Imagine the doors that could open.

Let's see how.

Today, I'm going to walk you through a step-by-step guide to building a UX portfolio that not only showcases your skills but tells your unique story as a designer.

This isn't just about displaying your work; it's about making a lasting impression.

1. Showcase Diverse Projects

Have you ever looked at a portfolio and thought, "Wow, they've done it all"?

That's the feeling we're aiming for. Including a mix of projects - from mobile apps to web redesigns - shows your range.

It's like being at a buffet; you want a little bit of everything.

Take Action: Spend five minutes listing the types of projects you've worked on.

Notice any gaps? Those are your opportunities for growth.

2. Be Clear About the Problem You're Solving

Every great design starts with a problem.

Be laser-focused on what issue each project in your portfolio addresses.

It’s like telling a story where your design is the hero saving the day from the villain, which is the user's problem.

Take Action: Write down the core problem for one of your projects in two sentences. Keep it crisp and compelling.

3. Detail Your Design Process

People love to see how the magic happens.

Your design process is your magic show. Walk viewers through your journey from research to final execution. It's like giving them a backstage pass to your creative concert.

Take Action: Jot down your process for a project using bullet points. Think of it as creating a mini-timeline of your design journey.

4. Leverage Storytelling Techniques

Stories captivate us. They make us feel, think, and remember. Apply this to your portfolio. Let each project tell a story, from the user's struggles to the triumphant solution your design provided.

Take Action: Draft a short story for a project, focusing on the user's journey. Remember, every character (user) needs a good narrative.

5. Include Outcomes and Feedback

Your portfolio isn’t just about what you've created; it’s about the impact your creations have had. Did your e-commerce site redesign increase sales? Did user satisfaction soar? This is the proof that your designs don’t just look good – they perform.

Take Action: List out the measurable impacts or feedback for one of your projects. Numbers and quotes can be persuasive.

6. Keep It Updated and User-Friendly

An outdated portfolio is like last year's calendar – not very useful. Keep adding fresh projects and refining the old ones. And remember, your portfolio itself is a UX project. Make it as user-friendly and engaging as your designs.

Take Action: Identify one change to make your portfolio more navigable or visually appealing. Small tweaks can make a big difference.

Remember, your portfolio is more than a collection of work; it's your narrative in the UX world. It's your first impression, your brand, your story. Make it count.

Cheers to your journey in UX design