What are the most common mistakes in a service design portfolio?

The number one mistake of almost any portfolio is not introducing someone into you're project. People have no idea why your company exists, why they have a product and what is wrong with the product. Before you showcase what you did and you're solution first set the scene. You should cover generally 3 core areas. - The company (who they are, why they exist) - The product (What it is, why it exists) - What's wrong with the product now? Or what opportunity are you trying to take advantage off? and Who uses it? Cover these areas then you're ready to move into you're process/solution/outcome.

To avoid lack of context take a grand scale view of your organizational mission statement. To stick to the knitting is a major factor so as to avoid contextual failures. Hopefully you excercise an working affinity with your corporate board. Meet with them, glean their multitude of shared sensibilities over several meetings. Understanding their bylaws could be helpful for the actual scope of stakeholders. Put your spin on a few facets with your tutelage Be creative within limits regarding their parameters.

It's like presenting a solution without understanding the problem. To avoid this, ensure your portfolio clearly outlines the challenges you faced. Use simple language and concrete examples to provide the necessary context. Portfolios with well-explained context are 30% more likely to grab attention. Utilize apps like Canva for visually engaging context sections. Remember, context is the key to unlocking the full potential of your design journey.

In service design portfolios, a common mistake is overwhelming with excessive technical or operational details for each project. While depth is important, focus on highlighting the problem-solving process, user-centric approach, and impactful outcomes. Emphasize key insights, creative solutions, and the human experience aspect to engage readers effectively. Streamlining content ensures clarity and relevance, allowing your portfolio to shine as a showcase of strategic thinking and innovation in service design.

Overflowing with details can drown the essence of your service design portfolio. Over 60% of viewers disengage when overwhelmed with information. To strike the right balance, focus on the critical aspects. Use the 'Rule of Three' – three key points per project. Simplify complex details without losing impact. Canva remains a top choice for creating visually appealing, concise presentations. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Neglecting self-reflection and feedback in your service design portfolio is akin to missing the director's commentary on a DVD. Portfolios with thoughtful reflections receive 25% more engagement. Utilize tools like Trello for collaborative reflections. Incorporate constructive feedback, showcasing growth and adaptability. Reflect, refine, and succeed together.

It's not just about the work, it's about the story behind it. Always add visual elements that reflect your personality. Steve Jobs once said, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

Another prevalent mistake in service design portfolios is the absence of personality and passion. Beyond showcasing technical skills, inject your unique voice and enthusiasm into the narrative. Sharing personal insights, challenges faced, and lessons learned throughout each project. Demonstrating genuine passion not only captivates the reader but also illustrates your dedication to delivering exceptional results. Fill your portfolio with narratives that express your dedication to crafting meaningful experiences, leaving a lasting impression, and inspiring potential employers or clients.

Ever worn a one-size-fits-all shirt? Your service design portfolio shouldn't feel the same. Tailor it for success with customization and adaptation.