How do you measure the value of your Systems Design portfolio?

1 Define your goals

Before you can measure the value of your systems design portfolio, you need to define what value means to you. What are your goals as a systems designer? What kind of projects do you want to work on? Who are your target audiences? How do you want to showcase your process, methods, and outcomes? Having clear and specific goals will help you align your portfolio with your career aspirations and personal brand.

2 Choose relevant metrics

Once you have your goals, you need to choose relevant metrics to track your portfolio performance. Metrics are indicators that measure how well your portfolio meets your goals. For instance, some popular metrics for systems design portfolios may include the number of views, visits, or impressions; inquiries, leads, or referrals; feedback, comments, or testimonials; awards, recognitions, or publications; and conversions, sales, or revenue. Depending on your objectives, different metrics or combinations of metrics may be used to evaluate your portfolio value. Moreover, it is important to define how you will collect, analyze, and report your data.

3 Benchmark your portfolio

Measuring the value of your systems design portfolio can be done through benchmarking, which involves comparing your portfolio with other portfolios in your field or industry. Sources to find and review other portfolios can include online platforms, professional networks, competitors, clients, employers, and recruiters. Benchmarking your portfolio allows you to learn from best practices, trends, and standards in systems design, as well as gain insights into what your audiences expect and value from your portfolio.

4 Solicit feedback

Feedback is essential for measuring and improving the value of your systems design portfolio. It is the information you receive from others about your portfolio, such as praise, criticism, or suggestions; questions, clarifications, or requests; or ratings, scores, or rankings. You should solicit feedback from a variety of sources, including users, customers, or beneficiaries; clients, stakeholders, or sponsors; colleagues, teammates, or collaborators; and experts, reviewers, or evaluators. It is important to seek feedback regularly and from diverse perspectives. Additionally, you should be open, respectful, and constructive when receiving and giving feedback.

5 Update your portfolio

Finally, you should update your portfolio periodically to maintain and increase its value. This means adding, removing, or modifying content to reflect your current skills, experience, and value. You should consider updating your portfolio when you complete a new project or achieve a new milestone, learn a new skill or acquire a new certification, change your goals or target audiences, or receive feedback or benchmark results. Doing so will help you showcase your growth, relevance, and impact as a systems designer and attract and retain the attention of your audiences.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?