What are some user-centered design projects that you can add to your portfolio?

1 Identify a problem

The first step of any user-centered design project is to identify a problem that affects a specific group of users, and that can be solved with design. You can find problems in your own experience, in your community, or in your industry. For example, you might notice that a website is hard to navigate, that a service is inefficient, or that a product is inaccessible. The problem should be clear, relevant, and measurable.

2 Research the users

The next step is to research the users who face the problem, and learn more about their needs, goals, motivations, frustrations, and behaviors. You can use various methods to collect data, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or personas. The research should help you understand who your users are, what they want, and how they behave.

3 Define the solution

Based on your research, you can define the solution that will address the problem and meet the users' needs. You can use tools such as user stories, scenarios, or user journeys to describe how the solution will work and how it will benefit the users. The solution should be feasible, viable, and desirable.

4 Design the solution

The design phase is where you create the visual and interactive elements of the solution, such as the layout, the colors, the typography, the icons, the buttons, or the animations. You can use tools such as sketches, wireframes, mockups, or prototypes to communicate your design ideas and test them with users. The design should be consistent, intuitive, and engaging.

5 Evaluate the solution

The final step is to evaluate the solution and measure its impact on the problem and the users. You can use methods such as usability testing, feedback sessions, or analytics to collect data on how the users interact with the solution, what they like, what they dislike, and what they suggest. The evaluation should help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of the solution, and suggest improvements.

6 Present the project

To present your user-centered design project in your portfolio, you need to tell a story that shows your design process and your design outcomes. You can use a combination of text, images, videos, or links to showcase your work and explain your decisions. You should highlight the problem, the users, the solution, and the evaluation, and show how you applied user-centered design principles and methods throughout the project.

7 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?