Design Portfolio Review

What to Look For

Must Have

• Problem definition: Can they articulate the problem?
• Process evidence: Did they show how they got to the solution?
• Decision reasoning: Can they explain WHY, not just WHAT?
• Impact: What happened after they shipped?

Nice to Have

• Visual craft and polish
• Research and data references
• Before/after comparisons
• Honest reflection on what worked and didn't

Red Flags

• No problem definition (jumps straight to visuals)
• No mention of users, data, or outcomes
• All projects look the same (one style applied everywhere)
• Can't distinguish their work from team work
• Defensive about feedback in interview

Portfolio Structure Advice

1. 3-4 case studies (quality over quantity)
2. Most impressive work first
3. Each case study: Problem → Process → Solution → Impact → Reflection
4. 1,500-2,500 words per case study
5. Show the messy middle, not just the polished end
6. Include one project that failed and what was learned

Interview Questions

• 'Walk me through your decision on [specific element]'
• 'What would you do differently?'
• 'What constraints did you face?'
• 'How did you handle [disagreement/feedback]?'
• 'Show me something you're proud of that nobody notices'