Creating a standout UX portfolio without client work
One of the questions that I hear a lot from emerging UX designers is how they can make their portfolio stand out when applying for their first role. Starting off as a designer can be intimidating because many hiring managers want to see portfolios with “shipped” client work. But, in order to showcase client work, you need clients. So how do you break through with that first client project?
In this overview, I outline several methods for building out a UX design portfolio without client work. I want to emphasize that **I never recommend** doing free work or underpaid work for a friend or colleague, however, there are some exceptions to this rule¹. Each challenge should allow for a complete and unique case study to include in the designer’s portfolio.
In this case study, I review:
- Joining a hackathon
- Taking a class
- Collaborating on a design challenge or open-source project
- Partnering with an engineer to build a prototype app
- Finding (and solving) a problem in your community
Note: I’ve included some example side projects in this case study that I have used in my previous portfolio to demonstrate different soft and technical skills.
Developing a robust portfolio
Hiring managers are looking for a variety of skills — both soft skills and technical. The suggestions below can allow emerging designs to tackle a variety of UX challenges, such as:
- AR/VR
- 3D design
- Prototyping using code
- Prototyping using design tools
- Drawing/illustration
- Motion design
- Design systems
- Systems design (not the same thing as design systems)
- Service design
1. Join a hackathon
Hackathons can be a great way to quickly learn new skills, partner with engineers and create a product in just a few days. Those with family or childcare obligations (such as myself) might not be able to contribute the time to a hackathon. However, there are oftentimes hackathons or longer-term group projects that have more flexible hours for this reason.
2. Taking a class
It is a lot of work to complete a UX bootcamp, however, there are several ways that you can round out your skillset and create a unique portfolio that showcases your talents and curiosity.
Prototyping/Coding
I took the CodePath.org course and really enjoyed learning Swift and Xcode. Now there are courses and tutorials through SwiftUI that can be done remotely.
Data Visualization
There are several courses on data visualization. This is one that I particularly enjoyed learning processing to create a data visualization of earthquakes.
I grabbed the data from USGS, sorting by the past year and earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or higher. See more about the process here.
Animation
Skillshare has a lot of foundation motion and design courses for After Effects.
3D Illustration
Sketching/drawing
3. Joining a design challenge
Other ways to collaborate with other designers and devs is to join a design challenge. These are usually focused on problems around systems design, service design and design theory.
*Note: there are a lot of daily UI challenges which focus on specific UI problems. While these can help supplement a portfolio to show interest, they don’t make compelling case studies.
4. Partner with an engineer to build an prototype app
One of the best ways to build out a portfolio is to partner with an engineer to create a project. This is a great way to expand emerging designers’ skillset by focusing on a “real” challenge.
These are some examples of prototypes that I contributed to building with engineering partners.
Some of my earlier Android app projects were from these partnerships with engineers. I was able to learn the process of submitting to the Google Play store and getting feedback from real users. I recommend reaching out on Slack groups or social media to find someone to partner with.
5. Finding (and solving) a problem in your community
Are there better ways for the bus system to work in your community? Have to found challenges in your child’s school system or insurance company that could use a designer’s input? There are so many frustrations within our daily lives that have huge gaps in their systems design.
Other ways to get involved
Join a design board
Teaching or mentoring
I’ve mentored with DesignLab, GirlsWhoCode, UX Coffee Hours, and Hexagon UX. Everyone has a skill or experience that they can teach to others — you don’t need to be an expert! These are all wonderful organizations to get involved with.
Originally published in 2019 but updated November 2022
