designwho

designwho is a fictional online platform designed as a comprehensive directory and learning resource for designers and design enthusiasts. The project aims to help users discover designers, compare portfolios, and study design processes. The name is commonly stylized in lowercase as designwho.

Core features include designer profiles with portfolios and bios; project case studies that document problem framing, work-in-progress iterations, and final outcomes; a searchable taxonomy by discipline, industry, tools, and methods; and learning resources such as tutorials, interviews, and best-practice guides. Community features may include forums, events, and collaboration opportunities.

Origin and goals: designwho originated as a small collaborative project in the early 2020s by designers and developers seeking to reduce portfolio fragmentation and promote transparent design processes. The platform emphasizes process over aesthetics, with an emphasis on clear problem statements, iteration notes, and measurable results.

Business model and accessibility: in its hypothetical form, designwho could offer free core features with optional premium profiles or sponsorships for publishers, alongside a permissive license for shared case studies. Accessibility and inclusivity are cited as core principles for platform design.

Reception and influence: as a concept, designwho is sometimes discussed alongside established portfolio platforms such as Behance and Dribbble, used to illustrate how portfolio platforms can balance visibility with process transparency. Critics note that a real implementation would need robust moderation and quality controls to avoid bias.