Portfolios that hide work behind NDAs or offer surface-level examples now risk immediate rejection by hiring managers. Standards for design portfolios have evolved, requiring detailed case studies, measurable outcomes, and clear demonstrations of competencies. Sustainability metrics such as portfolio CO2 emissions now matter and should be included where relevant. Practices that succeeded in 2023, like minimal teasing, are no longer sufficient due to a stronger candidate pool with comprehensive skills. Designers should update portfolios to showcase demonstrable, NDA-free artifacts, thorough process documentation, and concrete impacts to meet current hiring expectations.
As someone who recently worked partially in the sustainability industry, I was pretty upset to find out that my portfolio was emitting a hecklot of CO2. But that was just the tip of the iceberg of why I decided to dive into the portfolio topic again, years after I wrote an extensive guide on designing better portfolios. Tldr? Standards have changed. And I think it's time you knew about it.
Are you a design professional with lots of years of experience, but you can't show it because of ongoing NDAs? Empty portfolios will immediately send you to the rejection line. How did I know? I made this exact mistake with my initial applications a month prior. Teasing worked in 2023 where surface-level skills are good enough to get you an interview, because back then UI-weak designers were aplenty. Now, you have extremely competent designers flanking you with both competencies.
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