1. An Introduction to Portfolio Design
Steps of Portfolio Development
Contents of Portfolio
Additional Material
Portfolio Layout
Page Layout
Scaling & Sizing
Construction Work
Progress & Revisions

2. Contents of Portfolios: What to Include?
May want to consider:
Engineering Projects (hardware-based)
Design Projects (CAD/sketch models)
Intern/Research Experience
Related Analyses & Publications
Related Hobbies (e.g. graphic design, artwork)
If you can represent it on paper,
in words, pictures, photos, drawings,
it may be worth including.

3. Critical Contents: Visual Representations
Photos are easy and powerful:
Proof of Design Work
Demonstrative of Your Skills
Visually Attractive
Caution!
Poor photos add little to your portfolio.

4. Critical Contents: Sketches & Drawings
“Simpler” visuals reveal:
The design process
Project complexity
Practical skills
Aesthetics
They also provide:
Alternate graphical elements
Interesting filler material
Sketches, renderings, CADwork, etc.,
make a portfolio more personal and believable.

5. Additional Contents: Related Activities
“Non-engineering” content can be useful!
Demonstrates broader application of skills
Shows complementary abilities and interests
Basis for deeper interviews & discussions
Documents your interests and perspectives
If you only want to be a brick-maker,
only show the bricks you’ve made.
But if you want to build an empire,
show your greater arsenal.

6. Portfolio Layout: Organize & Allocate
Look at the portfolio as a whole:
Limited number of pages
(Hopefully) more material than available space
Choose the best projects & visuals
Consider thematic design and style
Similar rules as resume design
A portfolio is a representation of your self:
coordinated,
integrated,
appealing,
organized.

7. Page Layout: Dominant Elements
Elements (photos, text, etc.) attract attention by:
Size and shape
Placement on page
Color or pattern
Position relative to facing page
Neighboring elements and spaces
Pick the dominant element wisely,
and “weight” all other elements accordingly.

8. Sizing & Scaling: Modifying Elements
Reproduction techniques allows customization:
Color balance, contrast, brightness
Reorientation and enlargement/reduction
Photocopying (color, b/w) of sketches and photos
Online adjustment (computer scanning, layout) or offline tasks (handwork, cut&paste)
Allows preservation of original materials
If the world doesn’t quite fit,
make adjustments.

9. Constructing the Portfolio: Hands-on vs. Computer
Choosing production platforms:
Access to resources
Ease of modification and revision
Wear and quality over time and reprinting
Level of desired detail
Professional portfolios are often out of reach.
But computer-aided layout gets you close.