Advice for Design Students

Another in our series of guidance for design students looking to get their portfolio noticed and, more importantly, in front of the right people at the right studios.

Our senior designer Béa reflects on her own experiences and a few years of visiting New Designers.

Whether you’re an aspiring design graduate or still immersed in your studies, the journey to becoming a recognised designer begins with a well-crafted portfolio. 

In this fast-paced industry, your portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects, it’s a gateway to getting noticed. This is your chance to captivate potential employers and communicate your design philosophy in a way that resonates. 

So, what can you do to stand out?

Presenting your project with visuals (digital or physical) is one thing, but making these visuals clear and inspiring is another.

The age-old adage “We need to understand your project in an eye blink” still holds its sway. Opt for minimal text that wields maximum impact. A single phrase can encapsulate the essence of your project, so be sure to prioritise succinctness and let your visuals do the talking.

Design isn’t just about form and function—it’s about narratives that resonate. Think of your portfolio as a gallery where each project is a masterpiece with its own story waiting to be unveiled.

Through storytelling, you can take your audience on an immersive journey through your creative process. Let them experience the inception, the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the triumphs. Master the art of storytelling and you’ll be well on your way to enhancing the “wow” factor of your project.

Equally, it’s essential not to lose sight of the essence of your work.  Who is your creation meant for? What value does it bring to them? Why does it matter?

The 5 Ws—why, who, what, when, how—form the bedrock of your design’s realism. The more profoundly you can address these questions, the stronger your project will be. Balancing a beautiful story with the solidity of purpose is the key to creating an experience that not only captivates, but convinces.

From a professional perspective, it’s incredibly reassuring to know that a product or service has been tested with users and to see the different iterations of it. In this sense, your portfolio becomes a window into your design journey, revealing not only the polished outcome but the steps that brought it to life. 

Embrace the twists and turns, the experiments, and the real-world tests. These aren’t setbacks – they serve as evidence of your ability to persevere, test, refine and iterate until you reach the right solution. These skills will be key to a successful career in design, so don’t hesitate to shine a light on your process. 

If you want to get noticed as a design student or graduate, you need to show more than just the outcome. Each project in your portfolio is an opportunity to reveal your passion, your persistence and your unique perspective. 

Embrace the visual allure, harness the power of storytelling, and revel in the process. By blending these elements seamlessly, you’ll craft a product design portfolio that not only grabs attention but also stands as a testament to your evolution as a design student, and the burgeoning designer you’re about to become.