A Guide to Building a Portfolio for Early UI Designers

As a beginner UI designer, the challenge of creating a portfolio can be daunting. You might be wondering, how do I showcase my skills and experiences when I haven't had any official design work yet? The key is to start creating your own projects and projects based on real-world challenges. This method not only helps you hone your skills but also provides a tangible showcase of your abilities.

Creating Your First Portfolio Pieces

When you're just starting out, it's important to take the initiative and create your own projects. This approach can be especially powerful because it shows your dedication and passion for UI design. Instead of waiting for clients, you can focus on producing high-quality work that demonstrates your expertise and creativity. Here are some project ideas to get you started:

1. Personal Passion Projects

Identify a project that has been on your mind for a while. This could be an existing app, website, or piece of software that you feel could be improved. Document your design process and explain why you chose to make these changes. This approach not only showcases your technical skills but also gives insight into your thought process and design choices. To illustrate, consider building a redesign of a popular app or creating a website that addresses a specific need. A great example is Stacey Wang's Medium article, which details her UI design process for a passion project.

2. Exploring New Technologies and Devices

As new devices and platforms emerge, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve and experiment with them. For example, when the iPad was first released, one might have designed a tangible app, such as a quotes app to explore new design possibilities. Similarly, the first release of the Apple Watch presented an exciting opportunity to explore wearable technology. Create concepts and designs for these new platforms, not just because they are popular, but to demonstrate your adaptability and problem-solving skills.

3. Designing Semiotic Systems

Another way to build your portfolio is by designing your own semiotic systems. This involves creating a set of symbols and icons that are relevant to a particular topic. Document your process, including the research, ideation, and final selection. This not only showcases your visual design skills but also your ability to think critically and solve problems creatively. For example, designing a set of icons for a travel app could help you demonstrate your ability to create clear and effective visual communication.

4. Building UI Concepts with Pattern Libraries

Pattern libraries are a valuable resource for designers, and creating your own concept using elements from a pre-existing library can demonstrate your proficiency. Choose a pattern or asset library, such as those available in Adobe Illustrator or Sketch App, and use its elements to build a UI concept. This exercise highlights your understanding of design principles and your ability to work within a structured design framework. For instance, creating a concept for a food delivery app using design elements from a popular UI library can show your skill in combining prescribed elements to achieve a cohesive design.

5. Showing Technical Interest with HTML/CSS

Beyond visual design, it's also beneficial to demonstrate a basic understanding of web development. You don't need to be a full-fledged developer, but knowing the essentials can be impressive. Use tools like Adobe Brackets to create simple web designs, such as dropdown menus or navigation bars, and explain your process. This shows your willingness to learn and adapt, which is crucial in the fast-paced world of design. It also helps you understand the technical constraints that designers face when implementing their designs on the web.

Conclusion

Building a portfolio as an early-stage UI designer is a blend of creativity, technical skills, and dedication. By taking the initiative to create your own projects, you can showcase your abilities and attract potential clients or employers. Remember, the process is as important as the final product, so document your journey and explain your thought process. With practice, you'll develop a strong portfolio that will set you apart as a designer.

Good luck on your design journey! Whether it's creating a passion project, exploring new technologies, or building HTML/CSS concepts, each step you take will bring you closer to your goals.