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Design sprints for self-promotion

Online portfolio development

Year: 2017-2018

Designer: Hyesun Kim

Part of participation: Online portfolio development

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Background

As I graduated in July 2017 from Aalto University, I am looking for a new opportunity for the next step in my journey as a visual designer. I need my web portfolio, which demonstrates my design skills and outcomes. The web portfolio is a platform to practice for UX/UI as well as get feedback from users. 

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Challenge

My challenge is how the design skill set can transform from traditional media to new digital tools. It requires adjustment from A to Z, for example, design programs, design methodologies, and outcomes.

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Objects

The online portfolio objects to lead positive feedback from users like getting more chance of interviews. It should deliver the design process and the result in a clear demonstration.

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  • Articulate the design process

  • Demonstrate the design outcome

  • Practice UX/UI, and online service

  • User test and get feedback

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Design Process

  1. User profile

  2. Review clients

  1. Define problems

  2. Set the goal

  1. Wireframe

  1. Reflection

  1. User test and feedback

PHASE 1

Graphic Design Works 

Empathize: User profile

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Define: Set the goal 

In the first stage, I mainly focused on showing visual skills with proven design outcomes since I define my target position as a graphic designer or a visual designer. I set the goal based on some user profiles and references who charge of recruitment in companies.   

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Ideate: Wireframe

The wireframe is quite simple consisted of the main page and sub-pages.

  • Name: K****

  • Head of Design

  • Company: A**

  • Name: N****

  • Head of Communications

  • Company: K**** *****

Prototype: Reflection & User test 

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N**** says,

  • Make sure your portfolio only contains your best work and remember that the portfolio itself is also a great place to showcase your skills - what it looks like and how it works is very important.

  • The process behind each design is of importance: what you did and how you ended up with final design. This helps us to better assess your skills.

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K**** says,

  • You could add even more works.

  • When showing UI/UX work, add wireframes and flowcharts if possible.

PHASE 1 : Demonstration visual skills

MISSION FOR THE NEXT PHASE

Illustrate the design process in a persuasive way
Redesign the portfolio itself as a showcase

PHASE 2

UX/UI and Design Processes

Empathize: User profile

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Define: Problems and solutions 

I identify the problems and the solutions getting the feedback from phase 1.

  • Name: M***

  • Technical Lead

  • Company: E******

  • Name: J****

  • Head of Design

  • Company: S*********

1) Lack of the design process
2) Need more UX/UI projects

1) Apply the design thinking approach
2) Create more projects

To solve the problems, I apply design thinking as a methodology to coherently describe the design process. I looked for projects by participating in some workshops to get ideas to fit online services. 

 

 

Ideate: Wireframe

I redesign the website as a showcase which illustrates the design processes. At the same time, it should have a flexible structure with availability to extend further. 

Prototype: Reflection & User test 

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M*** says,

  • Expanding your portfolio

  • Adding more projects that are more polished

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J**** says,

  • A small summary of you in the CV would have been great and get a grasp of you as a person.

  • The “Navigate” logo in your online portfolio feels out of place - it would have been more professional if that was somehow related to more you. Now it raises questions more than answers.

PHASE 2 : Prototype UX/UI 

MISSION FOR THE NEXT PHASE

Present me as a professional designer and a person
Add a visual strategy to deliver a sharp message
Articulate clearly the project description

PHASE 3

Visual strategy & identity

Empathize: User profile

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Define: Problems and solutions 

I identify the problems and the solutions getting the feedback from phase 2.

  • Name: P***

  • Talent Management Coach

  • Company: S*****

  • Name: S****

  • Product Designer

  • Company: G********

1) Show the personal identity
2) Need a visual strategy
3) Give a simple and clear description

1) Add a page to present me
2) Align the contents with the design thinking approach
3) Demonstrate various mock-ups

I add a page to present myself as a professional designer as well as a person by expressing my passion for art and design and values in life with the story. I apply a strict visual strategy with the design thinking approach to present the processes of projects in a clear explanation. I build a realistic picture by putting various mock-ups.

 

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Ideate: Flowchart and wireframe

The flowchart shows the main feature of the portfolio, such as home, about, projects and contact. The wireframe focuses on simplicity of contents. 

1. Flowchart

2. Wireframe

Prototype: Reflection & User test 

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P**** says,

  • ...... looking for someone with a bit more years of experience in UX side as well. ... team's needs are quite special/demanding ones, therefore more seniority is needed in this particular role

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S**** says,

  • Especially on the UX research and testing, I personally liked a lot on those detailed articles on your portfolio. If I can give you some tips, just keep on developing the visual skills,

PHASE 3 : Visual strategy & identity

CHALLENGE FOR THE NEXT PHASE

There seems to be some confusion between UX and UI in design tasks. I would say UX and UI interconnect each other depending on the functionality of the other, for instance, UX is a kind of interior and UI is an exterior. However, I should prove one of them is my strength and interests for the next phase.

© 2024 by Hyesun Kim

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