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Most portfolios show the screens but very few focus on explaining the work.

If your case study doesn’t clearly explain:

• The problem
• Your role
• The outcome

Recruiters will have to fill in the blanks. And they usually guess wrong.
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I teach a UX Portfolio class at Pratt Institute, and this is one of the first things we work on. Because a strong case study isn’t just a gallery of screen and images.
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It’s a story about how you solved a problem.
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Over the years, I’ve developed a simple structure I use with my students to help them present their work clearly.
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Today I’m walking you through it:
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The simple case study structure

Think of your case study as divided into six sections. This will help keep it focused, easy to remember and repeatable.
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1. The Problem

Start with the problem statement. Most designers skip this.

Explain:

• What problem existed?
• Who had the problem?
• Why it mattered to the business or users?

Example:

Tip: Keep 'the problem' statement brief and to the point. One sentence is often enough.

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2. Your Role

This adds context to your case study and helps prevent confusion.
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Recruiters need to know:

• Were you the only designer?
• Part of a team?
• Leading the work?

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Example:

If you don't clarify your role in the project then reviewers will assume you had less ownership.

3. Constraints

This is where real design work appears.

Contraint examples:

• Technical limitations
• Timeline
• Business requirements
• Stakeholder opinions

Example:

This shows the hiring-manager that you are capable of real-world decision making.

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4. Process (share only the important parts)

This is where most designers show everything they've done on the project. This can be overwhelming for the reviewer. Clarity is what you are striving for.

Focus on just the key decisions.

Examples:

• Research insight
• A major design iteration
• Trade-offs made

Example:

Then show how that insight shaped the design.

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5. The Solution

Now show the screens. But make sure clearly explain them clearly.

Example:

Include:

• 2–4 key visuals
• Short explanations

Tip: Use high-resolution screens and avoid click-to-enlarge images

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6. The Outcome

This is the most important section. I see so many portfolios that skip it.

Examples:

• Metrics
• Business impact
• What changed

Example:

If metrics aren't available:

• What feedback did you receive?
• What did the team learn?

Adding quotes from user testing are also a valuable metric you can share.

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Think of your case study like this:

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Problem → Role → Constraints → Process → Solution → Outcome

Each section answers a question a recruiter or hiring manager naturally has while reviewing your work.

Close

Recruiters aren’t just evaluating your design skills.
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They’re evaluating how you think. And a clear case study should always show that thinking.
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Talk soon, Anthony
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P.S. If you're serious about leveling up your design career, here are three ways to work with me... all focused on getting you hired or promoted faster.
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​Portfolio Review (Video Audit) – If your portfolio isn’t converting into interviews, I’ll record a direct 20-minute video audit showing exactly what to fix.
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1:1 Career Strategy Session – Stuck on a project, interview, or promotion? Bring me the real problem. You’ll leave our 50-minute intensive knowing exactly what to fix, what to remove, and what to focus on next.
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Career Accelerator (3-Session Intensive) – For designers ready to move into Senior or Lead roles. We’ll refine your portfolio, positioning, and promotion strategy.
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If you’re curious how I work with designers 1:1, you can explore more here.

Anthony Faria
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