Many case studies in design portfolios follow a predictable structure using headlines like Research, Ideation, Prototyping, User Testing, etc. While it’s easy to understand, it’s not necessarily effective. Here are two ideas to consider.
Break the monotony by being specific
Design managers review countless portfolios each day. Differentiating yourself from other designers is crucial. Generic headlines can make your portfolio blend in with the rest. To avoid this, your headlines should go straight to the point and emphasize each phase’s outcome or main question. User quotes work well, too.
Use the messiness of creative work to your advantage
It’s fine if your design process wasn’t a straight line. This is nothing to hide. Your audience knows how messy and unpredictable designing and building digital products can be. What’s interesting to them is how you navigated this situation and the logic behind your decisions. It’s not about showcasing how you followed a process. It’s about showing who you are, how you think, how you collaborate in difficult situations, and how you built something valuable despite all the unpredictable challenges.
I was guilty of this myself in the past. It’s convenient to stick to a structure, but it’s worth being challenged to create something that better expresses your unique contribution.