I've reviewed a lot of design portfolios. Some are great, some… not so much. If you're wondering what hiring managers like me actually care about when we look at your work, here's what stands out.
1. Show Me Your Design Thinking Process
I don't just want to see the final polished UI. I want to understand how you got there. What problem were you solving? What trade-offs did you make? What insights did you gain along the way? A good case study isn't just a collection of pretty screens; it's a story of problem-solving.
👍 Good
Users struggled with X, so we tested A, B, and C before landing on Y. This increased conversion by 15%
👎 Bad
Here's a redesign of [brand]'s homepage with zero data or insight behind it
2. Results Matter
A beautiful UI is great, but if it doesn't improve performance, engagement, or user satisfaction, then it's not doing its job. Show me measurable impact: Did sign-ups go up? Did drop-offs decrease? Did customer support inquiries go down? If you don't have hard numbers, provide qualitative insights on how the changes improved the user experience.
👍 Good
We simplified the checkout process, reducing drop-offs by 22%
👎 Bad
I made the buttons rounder because it felt nice
3. Demonstrate Collaboration & Communication
Design usually isn't a solo effort. Tell me how you worked with developers, PMs, researchers, or stakeholders. If you faced pushback, how did you handle it? I want to see that you can defend your work and adapt when needed.
👍 Good
Engineering told me this was going to increase delivery time by 3 months, so we worked together on a compromise
👎 Bad
They didn't build my design. I am furious!
4. Make Your Portfolio Easy to Navigate
Hiring managers are busy. We're opening dozens of tabs. If your site is slow, confusing, or makes me hunt for information, I'm out. Your portfolio should be clear, scannable, and user-friendly. Show me 3 to 5 projects that highlight your best work, not every project you've ever done.
👍 Good
Simple, clear navigation. Case studies that get to the point
👎 Bad
A weird experimental scrolling effect that takes 10 minutes to get to your work
5. Let Your Personality Shine
I want to hire you, not just another portfolio with perfect grids. What excites you? What kind of projects get you out of bed in the morning? Do you have any hobbies? Do you nerd out over Figma components? Have you built a wild side project?
The reality is, teams work best when people connect beyond just their skills. Culture fit matters, which is why many companies include a culture stage in their process. If you're passionate about something, let it show. It's way easier to picture working with someone who shares their interests than a generic "detail-oriented designer."
👍 Good
I love designing for e-commerce, but when I'm not, I also play guitar.
👎 Bad
I am a passionate, detail-oriented designer
Final Thoughts
Great portfolios aren't just about what you designed - they're about why you designed it, what you learned, and how you work with others. Keep it clear, concise, and human, and you'll already be ahead of most candidates.
If there's specific case studies that are more relevant to the role you're applying for, then make sure to highlight that in your cover letter.
And if you ever need someone to review your work, hit me up.