WebSphere Portal 6.1 aims to enhance user experience through improved performance, scalability, and flexibility in creating composite applications. Key features include AJAX-based user interfaces, integration with Google Gadgets, and advanced content authoring capabilities, all while simplifying installation and migration processes. The portal is designed to support modern web standards like JSR 286 and WSRP 2.0, with a beta release available for users prior to its official launch in mid-2008.