Aspiring UX/UI Designers: Want to Stand Out?

If you're just starting out, especially as a freelancer, it can be tempting to focus only on visuals. But in the real world, great design is about results, not just good looks.

This article from Uxcel breaks down how UX success is measured in agile teams; it's a must-read for anyone building their first case studies (or portfolio).

Main points:

• Show the outcomes of your work: Did it improve usability? Boost conversions? Make tasks easier?

• Use both data (like NPS, time-on-task) and feedback (user quotes, usability test results) to tell a full story.

• Think like a collaborator (even if you're freelancing). Match up your work with goals, not just deliverables.

A pro tip for portfolios: Don’t just show your design - explain the impact it had. That’s what can catch the eyes of hiring managers and clients.

Understanding how UX fits into agile teams also helps you speak the language of product teams and gives you a real edge early in your career.

Need some inspiration? Here are a handful of notable freelancers whose journeys highlight the importance of measuring UX success and building impactful portfolios:

Dhiren Patel – Building Confidence Through Measurable Impact

Dhiren transitioned into freelance UX design by leveraging tools like Sketch, InVision, and Proto.io. He emphasizes the significance of tracking outcomes, such as improved usability and user satisfaction, to demonstrate the value of his designs. By focusing on measurable results, Dhiren not only built confidence in his work but also attracted clients through staffing agencies and personal networks. (Mary Shaw)

Kanako Shimomura – Diversifying Through Strategic UX

With a background in visual design and extensive experience in UX, Kanako has successfully freelanced for multiple companies, including those in mental health and AI-based education sectors. Her approach involves aligning design decisions with business KPIs, ensuring that her work contributes directly to client goals. This strategic focus has enabled her to secure diverse projects and build a robust freelance career. (Medium)

Nicole Saidy – Leveraging Social Media to Showcase UX Value

Nicole has established herself as a freelance UI designer and mentor by effectively using social media platforms. She shares her projects, design advice, and industry insights, which demonstrate her expertise and highlight the tangible impact of her work. This online presence has been instrumental in attracting clients and establishing her reputation in the UX community. (UX Planet)

Jim Raptis – From Freelance Designer to SaaS Entrepreneur

Jim began his career as a freelance UI/UX designer and software engineer, eventually co-founding VisualEyes, a predictive design tool utilized by companies like Airbnb and Spotify. By focusing on data-driven design solutions that deliver measurable results, Jim transitioned from freelancing to building successful SaaS products, highlighting the scalability of impact-focused UX work. (Setproduct)

What This Means for New Freelancers:

These examples show that focusing on measurable outcomes - such as user engagement, conversion rates, and client KPIs - can significantly enhance your credibility and attract clients.

When building your portfolio, remember to:

• Highlight Results: Highlight the actual impact of your designs, not just the visuals.

• Align with Business Goals: Show how your work contributes to the client's objectives.

• Take Advantage of Online Platforms: Use social media and personal websites to share your process and successes.

By adopting these strategies, you can create a compelling portfolio that resonates with potential clients and sets you apart in the competitive field of UX/UI design. Baby steps can lead to leaps and bounds.

Thanks for celebrating another day of living, see you next time!

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