Quick note from me

This week I’m talking about the most underrated part of your portfolio, yet also the most important: discussing the design changes you made. This is the part of the story that should be at the core of your portfolio.

And by the way, hit reply if you have any questions. I’m planning topics for my next newsletter issue 🙂 

Story outline

• Level 01: Align to the job

• Level 02: Present design changes strategically

• Level 03: Communicate with trade-offs

• Level 04: Explain your decisions

• Portfolio inspiration I’m loving this week

🫶 Together with The Jaw Breaker

Tired of generic LinkedIn tips and “insider secrets” that aren’t actually secret?

The Jaw Breaker from Amy Santee delivers grounded, candid advice for navigating UX careers in the real world. Because you deserve guidance that’s actually useful. No spin. No sugar-coating.

What you’ll get:

• Real-talk career strategy

• Candid advice for navigating UX careers

• Practical frameworks and tips

All delivered by Amy Santee
Career Strategist & Coach for UX Professionals

Read The Jaw Breaker

Level 01: Align to the job

Your portfolio should prove you can do the job well.

• Select projects relevant to the role or company you’re applying for

• Emphasize skills and decisions that match the job description

• Craft → high-quality visuals, Interaction → recorded prototype

• Show versatility without overloading the portfolio with unrelated work

Level 02: Present design changes strategically

Frame your portfolio around the changes you made.

• Flat presentation → show 2–5 impactful changes

• Wide presentation → show user flows and detailed UI

• Deep presentation → show iterations or alternative solutions

• Combine styles if needed, but always prioritise clarity

Level 03: Communicate with trade-offs

Show your design decisions through variants, iterations, or before/after comparisons.

• Highlight what changed, why, and how it improves the solution

• Include 1-2 design variants or iterations

• Demonstrate reasoning rather than just showing the final result

• Side-by-side visuals make this presentation clearest

Level 04: Explain your decisions

Always answer the “why” behind your decisions.

• Tie decisions to user needs, business goals, or design principles

• Highlight learnings from testing, accessibility, or market research

• Keep explanations concise: 1–3 sentences per change is enough

• Use annotation notes to explain choices on the visual

Want help with your UX portfolio? 🎁

1. Build your UX Portfolio with my course

2. Sign up for a call with me to discuss your portfolio

3. Get an async portfolio review (no call)