Pixels to Product: How to Write (and Get Hired) as a Designer (Part 2)
Choose your adventure: You’re about to build your design portfolio. It could go one of two ways:
Option 1: Let’s drop every exported image we have into project pages. We dazzle with visual prowess, and showcase the latest design trends. Maybe there’s a paragraph or two for some context.
Option 2: This takes more work. While still visually appealing, it’s mainly rich in narratives, offering insights into the rationale for each design choice. There’s a clear story starting with problem framing, hypotheses, and solution shaping, followed by outcomes and retrospection.
The first, despite its visual allure, lacks depth. The second, however, invites us on a journey, revealing the thought process of the designer. It’s a testament to the impact of storytelling in design, showing that what truly resonates is not just what we see, but the stories we’re told.
The impact of narrative depth
Why do we create digital spaces, like personal websites? They’re more than just showcases; they’re reflections of our journey, lessons, and insights. My website’s redesign was inspired by a renewed interest in writing, aiming to share my journey and insights.
Amidst the clutter of “how-to” articles on product and design, the authentic, story-rich content from figures like Julie Zhuo, Paul Graham, Brandon Chu, and Chris Do stand out. They don’t write for fame, but to share genuine experiences, blending personal tales with professional learnings.
I hope to emulate this mix of the personal and professional on my website, providing clarity and insight to others as I have gained through those I learn from.
Mapping our next moves
As we journey through a design career, it’s crucial to not just float by but to actively assess where we are and where we’re headed. This is where the power of writing and narratives shines — not just as tools for documenting. They frame our thoughts, connect us with others, help us consider solutions, and chart a path forward. Getting this right could be the difference in whether you land that new role.
Created with DreamStudio
During a key phase in my role, the task of hiring a new product designer highlighted this truth. The applications and portfolios flooded in, but it wasn’t the polished designs that caught my eye. Instead, I was drawn to the stories they told through:
Thinking: Showcasing introspection and understanding.
Solving: The ability to simplify complex problems.
Planning: A methodical approach, evident through clear headings.
Communicating: The skill to articulate what truly matters.
Conversely, immediate turn-offs included:
CVs focusing on tasks rather than impactful results.
Portfolios that were all style, no substance — missing the ‘why’ behind the design.
For those who caught my attention, I looked for:
Outcome focus: Prioritizing product impact over aesthetics.
Systems thinking: A structured approach to tackling design challenges.
Narrative flair: The ability to weave the problem-solution journey into a concise, compelling story.
This experience reinforced a tough lesson I learnt: in the realm of product design, and perhaps in life, the clarity and depth of our narratives outweigh outward appearances.
How to write better in design
Understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of integrating narrative into design is one thing, but putting it into practice is another.
Here are some actionable steps that have significantly improved my work across various formats, from product documentation and design presentations to messages and product design copywriting. While these tips aren’t new, personalising your own framework can transform your writing.
Just start: Writing clarifies thinking. The more you write, the clearer your thoughts are.
Read widely and deeply: Learn from your favourite authors. Break down what makes their writing compelling and practice those techniques.
Know your audience: Tailor your writing to the needs, expectations, and comprehension level of your intended audience.
Simplify: Avoid c̶o̶n̶v̶o̶l̶u̶t̶e̶d̶ ̶v̶e̶r̶b̶o̶s̶i̶t̶y̶ complex words. Aim for clarity and simplicity, as if explaining ideas to a friend. Trying to sound smarter like research papers or architecture project descriptions won’t achieve much.
Organise thoughts: Structure your content with well-planned headings and subheadings. This guides the reader through your ideas one step at a time.
Be direct: Avoid leaving your readers guessing. Be precise and clear in your messages.
Explore variations: Just as with design, drafting variations with different tones, styles, and lengths can reveal the most effective way to communicate a point.
Cut, cut, cut: Keep an eye out for and eliminate any unnecessary fluff. This is especially crucial in UI copywriting, where brevity is key.
Edit, edit, edit: Embrace the editing process. The first draft is just the start; refining your words sharpens your message.
Designing with words
Created with DreamStudio
Some might argue that writing shouldn’t be a priority in design roles. Yet, I’ve found that blending writing with design is not just beneficial; it’s crucial. In the fast-moving fields of design and technology, being able to think, strategize, and articulate ideas is as important as the design itself. Here’s why:
In choosing between a seasoned designer with an eye-catching portfolio versus a novice who clearly articulated their thought process, I’ve consistently leaned towards the latter. The ability to think on your feet and make well-reasoned decisions quickly is invaluable in our rapidly growing industry.
My experience hiring for our design team illustrates this point. I could have defaulted to looking for traditional design expertise. Instead, candidates who came from diverse backgrounds like industrial engineering or bizdev & sales, and could articulate their approach to problem-solving and their understanding of systems, stood out. They weren’t just designers; they were thinkers and communicators. This ability to explain their methodologies, learning, and thought processes — both verbally and in writing — was what set them apart.
Moreover, the most insightful colleagues I’ve worked with, across all domains, share a common trait: they write. Whether on Medium, Substack, or personal blogs, their written work reflects deep thinking and expertise.
In a space where every outcome is measured and results are expected at set intervals — great visual or UI design is a minimum requirement, not an advantage. We’ve seen it play out in so many cases — hiring, team processes, design cycles, user experience — true impact in design doesn’t come from pixel perfection, but from the capacity to think critically, adapt, and communicate clearly.
