I have to regularly evaluate portfolios, so I have developed my own opinions on what stands out. Still, every reviewer is different, and what works can vary.

To go beyond my own view, I asked designer friends what they look for, what grabs attention, and what turns them off, looking for patterns that feel more universal. This document is the result of that effort. It is a collection of practical insights meant to help students think more clearly about how to structure and present their portfolio, focusing on what actually matters when someone is reviewing their work. The idea is to keep this doc updated over time, so feel free to reach out if you have suggestions.