For a summary (pdf) of the recommendations below click here.

Previously posted on the IIDA student blog I ♥ I.D .

Eight months ago I set out on a mission to find out what design professionals and students thought about the future of interior design portfolios.  140 survey respondents, 70 pages of findings, 5 hours of video footage, and one graduate degree in interior design later I’m able to report the following conclusions and recommendations:

ONE: Recognize preferred methods of portfolio design and visual communication are changing as the interior design industry e-volves. Ensure your portfolio presentation format is a flexible, adaptable, and progressive display of your work that can be accessible at any time/place.

TWO: Prepare for professionals who are exercising the “digital screen” when initially introduced to your work or when preparing for a virtual interview. Make sure you leave a professional and memorable digital impression by leveraging the advantages and mitigating the disadvantages of digital portfolio presentation in virtual environments.

THREE: Prepare for the future. The digital design portfolio or a combination of traditional/digital will become more of a standard; particularly during career networking events and in-person interviews. Consider your environment. While the digital portfolio has not replaced the physical or traditional portfolio with all employers and in all circumstances, it is a viable element to have available in preparation for the future.

FOUR: Utilize professional social networks appropriately to connect with industry and showcase your work. Create an online presence by connecting with professionals in virtual settings that are most familiar to them, such as LinkedIn or professional blogs.

FIVE: Always keep the reviewer, firm/organization and their culture in mind when selecting a portfolio presentation platform. Mirror how a firm markets/brands itself and showcases its work to a community of professionals, students and clients.