What is the purpose of a design portfolio?

A design portfolio primarily serves to display a designer's skills and projects. It is a curated collection of work that demonstrates the designer's abilities, creativity, and approach to problem-solving. This collection can include various forms of design work, such as sketches, prototypes, finished products, and descriptions of the design process. The portfolio reflects the designer's journey, showcasing not just the final results but also the thought process, methodologies, and unique solutions applied to different design challenges.

In contrast, while personal interests can be a component of a portfolio, they are not the primary purpose. A portfolio is intended to highlight professional work and competencies rather than personal preferences. Detailing every technical specification of designed products would likely overwhelm or confuse potential employers or clients, as they are usually more interested in the overall concept and execution rather than exhaustive technical details. Additionally, focusing only on successful projects would ignore the valuable lessons learned from challenges and failures, which are essential for professional growth and development in design. Thus, the essential purpose of a design portfolio is to effectively showcase a designer's skills and projects.