How can you effectively design for user experience in your 3D design portfolio? (2024)

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As a UX designer, it's important to understand the target audience's needs, wants, and expectations. In my experience, the most impactful 3D designs are those that speak directly to their targeted audience. Whether I'm designing a 3D icons for an application, an animation for a splash screen, or a product mockup, I always start by asking, "Who am I designing for?" and "What emotion or message am I trying to convey?"After all, in the world of design, the difference between a good design and a great one often lies in its ability to connect and communicate.

Understanding your audience is akin to tailoring a bespoke suit - a perfect fit ensures satisfaction. Tools like personas and user journeys are compasses guiding designers to the heart of user expectations. By crafting a portfolio with this compass in hand, you narrate a story that resonates profoundly with your audience.Imagine designing a video game. For an avid gamer, seamless user experience includes intuitive controls, immersive graphics, and an engaging storyline.Utilize tools like Adobe XD for creating personas and user journeys, allowing a tangible grasp of your audience's needs and expectations.

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When I started in UX, I designed an app for home automation full of 3D elements. But during a review, my design lead asked about the steps I took to get there. I realized I was missing the rough drafts and feedback that led to the final design. I added those steps to my portfolio, which helped others see how I worked from start to finish. My advice for my fellow UX designers: our work is as much about the journey as the product. By showcasing our process, we offer potential employers or clients a window into how we think, adapt, and solve real-world user challenges.

A masterful chef doesn't just present a dish; they showcase the art and effort in its creation. Similarly, displaying your design journey - from concept to creation - illustrates your prowess. Letting your audience witness the journey humanizes your work, connecting them to the effort behind the scenes.Presenting a 3D model alongside the initial sketches and iterations brings your design to life, letting the audience appreciate the evolution.Tools like Figma and Sketch facilitate sharing design processes, enabling collaboration and feedback at various stages.

Your portfolio should showcase not only your 3D designs but also the 'why' and 'how' behind them. Employ storytelling techniques like captions, headlines, summaries, and case studies to explain the context, challenges, solutions, and impact. Incorporate testimonials, reviews, or metrics to demonstrate the value your designs provide to users.Storytelling in your portfolio adds depth, making your work engaging and relatable, creating a more impactful presentation.

In a world buzzing with noise, a well-crafted story cuts through the clamor. Your portfolio isn't merely an exhibit; it's a narrative. Every project has a story to tell - the problem faced, the journey undertaken, and the triumphant solution achieved. Present it like a captivating tale, and your audience will hang on to every word.Imagine presenting a 3D model for a medical app. Your story could highlight how the design simplifies complex medical data for patients, making it a life-saving tool.Tools like Trello and Milanote assist in structuring and presenting your story, ensuring a coherent and engaging narrative.

Imagine a museum where you can touch the art. That's the allure of interactivity. 3D models are no exception. Allowing your audience to interact, to immerse themselves in your designs, creates a lasting impression.If designing a virtual tour of a property, enabling users to 'walk through' virtually or manipulate elements like furniture can enhance their engagement.Consider platforms like Spline, Dora, Sketchfab or Vectary, Verge3D, enabling interactive 3D experiences within a web browser.

Especially for 3D models, it makes sense to make your work interactive; it's 3-dimensional. It's a great way to bring users into your design and truly immerse them into your work.Think about how you showcase your work with interactive elements such as video, renderings, etc.

Design is inclusive or it's flawed. Accessibility isn't an afterthought; it's a prerequisite. Your portfolio should speak a universal language, ensuring every visitor comprehends the narrative, regardless of any limitations they might have.Incorporating screen reader compatibility allows visually impaired individuals to 'read' your portfolio.Utilize accessibility checkers like WAVE or axe Accessibility Checker to ensure your portfolio is inclusive and meets accessibility standards.

Optimizing for accessibility is often an afterthought, but that really shouldn't be the case. Building your portfolio with accessibility in mind helps you build a product that is useful for everyone. It also shows that you're thinking about users and you truly care about the usefulness of your website for all users.

Feedback is the compass that keeps a designer on course. Like a ship at sea, your portfolio can be steered effectively with the right feedback. It's the key to growth, helping you iron out imperfections and refine your craft.For ex. Receiving feedback on a gaming app could shed light on control issues, prompting adjustments for a smoother user experience.Feedback tools like Hotjar or Usabilla enable real-time insights into user behavior and preferences, aiding in iterative improvements.

Designing a 3D portfolio for UX goes beyond aesthetics. Focus on 1. Contextual Showcasing—demonstrate your 3D designs in real-world settings to aid users in visualizing utility 2. Prioritize - Load Times—your most brilliant work loses impact if users wait too long 3, Categorization is key-segment your work for easy navigation 4. Include Close-ups & Angles offering detailed views to spotlight craftsmanship 5. Integrate User Testimonials if possible, blending user feedback with design narratives. Remember, it's about making designs relatable, swift, and intuitively accessible, bridging the gap between 3D art and its tangible impact.