Businesses often hire the “least risky” designer, not necessarily the most skilled one. To stand out, designers need to demonstrate the tangible impact of their work, not just showcase visual designs.

Many designers focus too much on before-and-after visuals, which don’t always convey the true impact. Instead, designers should quantify their accomplishments using metrics – for example, “Increased user signups by 10% through a redesigned account flow.”

To do this, designers should collaborate closely with their product team to understand a project’s key goals and metrics. By aligning their design work to those objectives, they can clearly show how they drove measurable business outcomes.

Unfortunately, many designers fail to take the extra step of connecting their work to real-world impact, which makes them appear less of a “safe bet” for employers. Highlighting the impact of your designs is crucial to differentiate yourself in the job market.