“Tell a story.”

You’ve heard that a hundred times about your UX portfolio.

→ “Don’t use cookie-cutter templates.”

→ “Skip the double diamonds.”

→ “No design thinking process slides.”

But what does that mean?

What kind of story?

What format?

What rhythm?

Nobody tells you that.

Because they don’t actually know.

So you’re stuck…

Wondering if your case study reads like a glorified instruction manual.

Let’s fix that.

Introducing PEARL → the 5-part storytelling arc to transform your UX case study from a dump of deliverables into a narrative that builds trust, shows thought process, and proves value.

→ P = Problem — what was broken, and why it mattered

→ E = Epiphany — what insight changed how you approached the problem

→ A = Action — what you actually did, not just the process steps

→ R = Results — what changed, with tangible metrics if possible

→ L = Learning — how this made you a better designer going forward

Most portfolios jump from wireframe to wireframe.

No context. No inflection. No soul.

It’s like watching a highlight reel with no announcer.

The PEARL framework gives your case study structure.

Like a Pixar short.

There’s tension, turning points, clarity, payoff.

You become the protagonist.

Not the tour guide.

Here’s a visual metaphor:

Think of your case study like a documentary.

You’re not just filming what happened.

You’re directing it.

You’re curating what matters.

You’re narrating the “why” behind every move.

Because storytelling isn’t about theatrics.

It’s about trust.

And trust is what gets you hired.

→ Not a fancy portfolio.

→ Not an extra certification.

→ Not 37 screens of pixel polish.

Trust that you can solve real problems in messy, ambiguous environments.

And that trust is earned one scene at a time.

So next time someone tells you “your portfolio needs to tell a story,” don’t nod and walk away confused.

Smile and say,

“Got it. I’ll PEARL it.”

Reply back to this email — what’s your take? Just 1–3 words is perfect.