Quick UX Projects for Your Portfolio: Strategies to Attract Top UX Jobs

You get what you put into your portfolio, especially if you are seeking a job in the field of UX design. To catch the attention of top UX companies, you must showcase your understanding of the UX process, including the discovery phase, customer journey mapping, prototyping, usability testing, and the iterative design process.

Remember, your approach to UX design should be data-driven, not based on assumptions. It's essential to provide evidence and insights that you have a practical, user-centered design mindset.

Real UX Work Over Redesigns

I understand that redesigning popular applications such as the Facebook website or the Spotify iOS app might seem like a popular suggestion, but these projects might not be the best choice for your portfolio. Instead, consider tackling real problems for real clients. Does anyone in your network run a business that could benefit from a tailored iOS app? Can you find a non-profit organization that needs some pro-bono work on their website?

Being able to discuss how you have succeeded in addressing specific issues for actual clients can significantly increase your chances of landing a job. Tackling real-world problems not only provides valuable experience but also demonstrates your responsiveness and initiative.

Innovative Portfolio Pieces

Take inspiration from the Fast Company article on UX design facing political websites. While it might not be your first choice to focus on politics for your portfolio, this idea can still be a great addition. You can analyze website design trends and make suggestions for improvements, which even if not directly job-related, can serve as a creative and engaging portfolio piece.

Presenting your findings and insights on the web can further increase your profile and make you stand out. Consider launching your analysis on Medium, a platform that can help you become an online published author. This not only showcases your skills and initiative but also makes you more accessible to potential employers who are browsing through digital content.

Focusing on User-Centered UX Design

When you are coming up with your own small projects, keep in mind that the right balance is key. To secure a job as a UX designer, your portfolio should have a higher emphasis on UX design than visual design. Aim to create projects that demonstrate your ability to conduct user research, develop personas, map user journeys, and create prototypes that reflect real user needs and behaviors.

Focus on projects that showcase your ability to understand and solve user problems, rather than just aesthetics. This could be something like improving an e-commerce checkout process, enhancing the user journey on a booking app, or redesigning a nonprofit's donation flow. By doing so, you will not only attract attention from potential employers but also build a portfolio that truly highlights your skills and experiences.

In conclusion, creating a robust and meaningful UX portfolio is crucial for landing a job in this competitive field. By choosing projects that reflect real-world problems and demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving skills, you will be well-prepared to showcase your value to potential employers.