A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a design, a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. It is commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research. Case studies are particularly effective for describing, comparing, evaluating, and understanding different aspects of a research problem.
In the context of design, a case study is an in-depth analysis of a particular product or project, aimed at showcasing your design process, challenges, and outcomes. It usually includes information about who was involved in the project, the goals and objectives, research and ideation processes, design decisions and iterations, and the final product's impact on the user and the market.
The process of creating a case study involves several steps:
Select a case: Choose the specific case that you want to focus on. This could be a particular project, a client you've worked with, or a product you've designed. The case you select should be something that can shed light on your capabilities as a designer.
Provide Context: This includes details such as the date of the project, name of the client, and what the client does. Providing context makes the case study more relatable to potential clients.
Explain the Client’s Expectations: Highlight what the client wanted to accomplish with the project. This includes the guidelines the client provided, and what they would consider a successful outcome.
Document Your Design Process: Explain your thought process, why you took the approach you did, and how you managed your time, communicated with clients, and kept things on track.
Showcase the Results: Highlight the outcomes of the project. This could be how the design improved user experience, increased sales, or achieved other business goals.
Design the Case Study: Make your case study visually appealing. Use a variety of designs, such as infographics, images, and text, to make your case study engaging and easy to understand.
In terms of format, a case study can take various forms, such as a simple two-page document or a detailed infographic. Most business case studies feature sections about the company, an overview of the case study, the research process, the results of the case study, and contact information for the client.
Case studies are a powerful tool for showcasing your skills and experiences as a designer. By effectively utilizing case studies, you can demonstrate your ability to solve real-world design problems and deliver valuable results.