Hiring UX Product Designers can be tricky. You have to be careful not to be swayed by flashy design without substance. When reviewing a UX portfolio, there are five key aspects I consider that can provide valuable insights into a designer's skills and experience.
1. Diverse Range of Projects:
A strong UX portfolio should showcase a variety of projects that demonstrate the designer's ability to work across different platforms, industries, and user demographics. Look for examples of web, mobile, and product design projects, as well as any specialty areas such as e-commerce, healthcare, or IoT. A variety of project types indicates adaptability and a breadth of experience.
2. User-Centered Design Approach:
Evaluate the extent to which the designer emphasizes a user-centered design approach in their portfolio. Look for evidence of user research, persona development, user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. These elements demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the end user throughout the design process.
3. Problem-Solving and Innovation:
Assess the portfolio for examples of how the designer has tackled complex design challenges and proposed innovative solutions. Pay attention to case studies that outline specific problems faced, the designer's approach to solving them, and the outcomes achieved. Evidence of creative thinking, strategic problem-solving, and successful outcomes is indicative of a strong UX designer.
4. Collaboration and Communication Skills:
Look for indicators of the designer's ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicate design decisions. Portfolios should highlight the designer's involvement in cross-functional collaboration, such as working with developers, product managers, and stakeholders. Additionally, pay attention to how the designer communicates their design process and decisions, including visual storytelling, presentations, and documentation.
5. Impact and Results:
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, consider the measurable impact of the designer's work. This is the information that is too often left off of Portfolios. Look for quantitative and qualitative evidence of how their designs have positively impacted user experiences, business goals, and key metrics. Examples of A/B testing results, conversion rate improvements, and user feedback can illustrate the tangible results of the designer's contributions. It's not just about fulfilling a design request, it's about the success of the deliverable.
By evaluating a UX portfolio through these five lenses, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of a designer's capabilities, strengths, and potential fit for a given role or project. Each aspect provides valuable insights into the designer's experience, approach, and impact, helping you make informed decisions when selecting UX talent.