Choose UX/UI Portfolio Projects: 5 Expert Tips for Perfection

Your UX/UI portfolio is more than just good-looking designs. It shows how you think, solve problems, and help users. The projects you choose say a lot about the kind of designer you are.

Today, companies want more than nice visuals. They’re looking for people who understand real user problems, care about accessibility, and work well with teams.

In this blog, we’ll help with expert tips on how to choose UX/UI portfolio projects. You’ll see real examples, learn what makes a project strong, and get a checklist to help your work stand out when applying for jobs.

How to Choose UX/UI Portfolio Projects Aligned with Your Role

Before you pick a project, ask yourself:

• What kind of design jobs am I applying for?
• What skills do these jobs need?
• Does this project show those skills clearly?

Example:

• If you’re applying for a UX Research job, choose a project that shows your research, interviews, and testing.
• If you’re applying for a Product Designer role, pick something that shows teamwork, business goals, and how your design fits into a system.

To choose UX/UI portfolio projects that match your desired role, remember the goal is to show work that proves you’re ready for the role you want.

If you’re still figuring out which type of UX/UI role suits you best, this UX Design Fundamentals course is a great place to start. 

It gives you a clear understanding of the basics from user research to wireframing.

Real Example 1: Choose UX/UI Portfolio Projects with Accessibility Focus

Project: Government Health Portal
Focus: Accessibility and user-friendly design

Problem:

Older people and users with vision problems found it hard to book appointments.

What Was Done:

• Improved contrast, added alt-text, and keyboard navigation
• Followed accessibility rules (WCAG)
• Made the design easier for users with low literacy

Why It Works:

It shows that you care about real users, follow standards, and solve problems many teams face.

Real Example 2: Building a Design System

Project: SaaS Dashboard Redesign
Focus: Scalability and system thinking

Problem:

Too many different UI styles were slowing down developers and confusing users.

What Was Done:

• Audited all UI components
• Built a design system in Figma
• Worked with developers to create clear documentation

Why It Works:

Design systems are important in fast-moving teams. This project shows you know how to create one and keep it consistent.

Real Example 3: Mobile-First Redesign with Real Results

Project: E-Commerce App for Organic Store
Focus: Mobile UX and business results

Problem:

Users were leaving their shopping carts before completing purchases on mobile.

What Was Done:

• Cut checkout steps by 30%
• Made buttons easier to tap
• Ran A/B tests to check the results

Why It Works:

It connects design changes to business goals, something hiring managers love to see.

Mobile-first design is in high demand, especially for e-commerce and SaaS products. If you want to learn how professionals design for impact, check out this UI/UX Design Course.

Choose UX/UI Portfolio Projects That Stand Out

When picking a project, make sure it checks at least 3 of these boxes:

Checklist to Choose UX/UI Portfolio Projects Effectively

Design Thinking & Problem Solving

• Did I solve a clear user or business problem?
• Did I include research, sketches, and testing?
• Can I explain my design decisions?

Impact & Results

• Did my design improve something measurable (like conversions or feedback)?
• Did it help the user or the business?

Trends & Relevance

• Is it mobile-first, responsive, or system-based?
• Does it show team collaboration?

Accessibility & Inclusion

• Did I consider different user needs (like age, ability, or devices)?
• Did I follow accessibility standards like WCAG?

Presentation & Storytelling

• Is the story clear from problem → solution, → result?
• Are visuals clean and easy to follow?

Tools & Skills

• Did I use tools like Figma or prototyping apps?
• Did I contribute to a design system or build reusable components?

If you check at least three or four boxes, it’s a strong project to include.

Not sure if your project covers all the important areas? This UI/UX syllabus breakdown shows what skills are currently trending and helps you see if your portfolio is up to date.

Final Tips to Choose UX/UI Portfolio Projects

A great UX/UI portfolio doesn’t need to be big. It needs to be thoughtful.

Don’t just pick projects because they look nice. Choose ones that show how you think, how you solve problems, and how your design helps users or the business.

Show your process. Share your impact. And always pick projects that match the kind of job you want next.

And if you’re still exploring learning paths or want to compare your options, here’s a blog with the best online UI/UX courses, handpicked to help beginners and professionals choose the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many projects should I have in my UX/UI portfolio?
Start with 2 to 3 strong projects. It’s better to show a few great ones than many average ones.

2. Do I need client work, or can I show self-made projects?
Self-made or passion projects are totally fine, as long as they show clear thinking and a good process. Recruiters care more about your problem-solving than the client’s name.

3. What’s more important: visual design or UX process?
Both matter, but your process and impact are more important. Show how you reached your design decisions, not just the final screens.