Product Design Portfolio Tips

Author Béatrice Lorans

While our product design portfolio clinic is still in its infancy, its success has been undeniable. 

Having both feet in the industry, it’s so rewarding to engage with students and witness the talent that the next generation has to offer. To all the design students and graduates who have joined so far, we’ve been blown away by your ability to present your work with confidence, engage well with a group audience and showcase well considered projects that highlight a diverse skill set. 

Here are some insights gleaned from our sessions…

Find a Balance

The visual appeal of your portfolio is essential, but don’t forget: your primary goal is to spotlight your projects and process. A common misstep we’ve noticed is not allocating sufficient space to the presentation of a project, or cluttering the background. Try to strike a balance between graphical appeal and clear presentation. 

Establish an Information Hierarchy

Whether it’s sketches, photos, mock-ups, renders, or design choices, prioritise the information you want to be grasped immediately. For instance, on a sketch page, progress from preliminary, smaller sketches to the more definitive, larger ones that encapsulate your final choices.

Conciseness Over Quantity

Just as any potential employer would, we spend mere seconds perusing each slide of your portfolio. For that reason, it’s crucial for each slide to make a mark. If we’re met with excessive text, we may skim or skip—your job, then, is to keep each project as impactful as possible by keeping the text succinct and to the point.

The Art of Articulation

A word of advice: never belittle your efforts. Own your work with pride and conviction. A comment like “my project is quite simple,” said apologetically, won’t do you any favours. Simplicity in design, when well-articulated, can stand out as the most triumphant achievement.

To all who have taken part so far, thanks for sharing this journey with us. The talent we’ve seen is truly a testament to the bright future of design. Continue refining, exploring, and believing in your work. Keep pushing those boundaries and remember: your unique perspective is what sets you apart in this dynamic industry. 

To any design students, graduates or career switchers who are interested in joining our portfolio clinic, drop us a line at [email protected]