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As designers, we are constantly judged by our portfolios and resumes. These documents, while important, are inherently backward-looking—showcasing the projects we’ve worked on, the constraints we’ve navigated, and the outcomes we’ve achieved. But here’s the thing: our past work is only a snapshot of who we were at that time. It may not fully represent our current capabilities, especially in rapidly evolving fields like AI and machine learning. This realization hit me during a career introspection phase, and I discovered a powerful practice that helped bridge the gap: journaling.

Journaling, as I’ve come to understand, isn’t just about keeping private notes. It’s a versatile practice that can take many forms—blogs, vlogs, talks, or even detailed case studies. It offers designers the opportunity to introspect, document their learning, and share their evolving journey with others. Let me share why I believe journaling is essential for every designer and how it has transformed my approach to both personal and professional growth.

Image Credit: Pixabay

The Limitations of Portfolios and Resumes

In one of my past roles, I worked on platforms across industries like healthcare, banking, and supply chain. The organization’s maturity level, budgeting constraints, and tight timelines often meant I couldn’t implement ideal user research methods or explore advanced design approaches. Deadlines loomed large, and I frequently had to prioritize execution over exploration. While the results were functional and appreciated, they didn’t always reflect the full extent of my skills or potential.

This is a reality for many designers: we rarely get ideal scenarios to work in. Instead, we operate within the constraints of the organization, balancing timelines, budgets, and resources. Our portfolios, then, often reflect what we were able to do rather than what we could have done given more freedom. This gap between reality and aspiration is where journaling and its expressive forms like blogging come in.

Journaling: A Tool for Reflection and Growth

Journaling became my way to fill this gap, while expressing it through forms like blogs helped me share my reflections with the world. Together, they offer:

1. Relooking My Past Work: Through journaling, I revisited old projects, dissecting the decisions I made under constraints. For example, I reflected on a healthcare app I designed years ago and identified where additional user research could have significantly improved the outcome. Sharing these insights through blogs allowed me to connect with the design community and spark discussions.
2. Comparing Ideal Scenarios: Journaling lets me explore hypothetical scenarios. For that same healthcare app, I wrote about what I would have done differently with a larger budget, more time, or access to advanced tools like predictive analytics. Blogging these scenarios invites discussions and feedback, enriching my perspective.
3. Reorganizing My Strengths and Weaknesses: Journaling allows me to see patterns in my work. I realized that while I’m strong in strategic problem-solving, I could improve in stakeholder communication during the early project phases. Blogging these realizations makes them relatable to others facing similar challenges.
4. Aligning With Future Goals: As someone deeply interested in AI and machine learning, I’ve started documenting my learnings and experiments in this space. Journaling helps me track my progress, while blogging connects me with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators.

Present Learning for Future Readiness

A pivotal moment for me was when I journaled a case study-style analysis of a project from scratch. Instead of merely writing what I did, I included sections on:

• What I Could Have Done: This section allowed me to explore techniques I wasn’t able to use at the time, like participatory design workshops or advanced usability testing.
• What I Learned Since: I reflected on the design and research trends that have emerged since the project and how they could have been applied.
• How I Would Approach It Now: This section focused on applying my present understanding of AI-driven user insights to the same problem.

These reflections didn’t just make me feel more prepared for future challenges; they also gave me confidence during interviews when asked how I would approach specific scenarios. Recruiters value not just what you’ve done but also how you’re evolving.

A Realistic Approach to Portfolios

When presenting portfolios, designers can acknowledge the constraints they worked under while also sharing their vision for how they could have approached the project under ideal conditions. For example, you could say, “Given the timeline and budget, this was the solution we implemented. However, if I had the opportunity, I would have incorporated methods like field studies or usability testing to refine the user experience further.” This demonstrates both adaptability and forward-thinking.

A Guide for UX Hiring

Hiring managers should look beyond portfolios and resumes to understand a candidate’s present learning and future aspirations. Consider asking:

• What are you currently learning?
• Where do you see yourself going in the future?
• What steps are you taking now to achieve those goals?

Additionally, reviewing a candidate’s journaling practices—whether in the form of blogs, personal notes, or other mediums—alongside their CV and portfolio can provide valuable insights into their thought process, adaptability, and commitment to growth.

Beyond the Portfolio: A Designer’s Narrative

Your resume and portfolio might land you an interview, but your ability to articulate your journey—past, present, and future—is what sets you apart. Journaling and its expressive forms enable you to build this narrative with authenticity. They answer questions like:

• What have you learned from your past projects?
• How are you staying relevant in today’s rapidly changing landscape?
• What steps are you taking to prepare for the role you aspire to?

By combining the introspective power of journaling with the outward-sharing nature of blogging, designers can create a holistic picture of their journey, showcasing not just where they’ve been but also where they’re headed. This practice is invaluable, not only for personal growth but also for inspiring and connecting with the design community.