How to Write Case Studies That Showcase Your Design Work Effectively

A design case study is a detailed description of the process of working on a product, from setting tasks to the result obtained. It helps clients and employers evaluate the professionalism and experience of a designer, as well as decide on cooperation. In this article, we will tell you what a case study consists of, how to correctly describe the work process, and how to create a successful portfolio.

What are Case Studies in Design?

A case study is a clear description of work on a specific project. It is not just a set of beautiful images. A competent case study represents a deep dive into the history of the product’s creation. It describes the problems that the performer faced, the ways to solve them, and the results obtained.

A case study is considered an effective tool for demonstrating skills. Unlike a standard portfolio, which only presents the results of the work, case studies cover the entire process. They highlight the method of solving problems. This is especially important with a creative approach. If it sounds too difficult for you, don’t despair. You can get help from the custom term paper writing service, where experts in design work. You can order example case studies there.

A detailed description helps potential clients learn how the designer works and how they cope with difficulties. The employer or client studies how suitable the contractor is for the project. They look at what solutions the designer finds to solve various problems in order to assess the level of knowledge, creativity, and professionalism.

A case study is used as a tool for self-analysis. The designer analyzes their work and identifies its pros and cons. This helps to work on mistakes. In this way, the designer improves their skills and monitors their own progress.

FlowsApp – SaaS Case Study by Halo Branding

Why a Designer Should Prepare Project Case Studies

A prepared case study helps to achieve the following goals:

• Increases the level of trust. A description of the path taken inspires trust in the performer and the potential customer. They see that the designer does not just create beautiful illustrations but deeply immerses themselves in the essence of the task and finds effective solutions.
• Attracts new clients. The project demonstrates what problems the performers faced and what results they came to. The description helps to assess the level of professionalism. Non-standard approaches to completing tasks may interest the employer.
• A well-prepared case study has a positive effect on the designer’s image.

What Rules Should Be Taken Into Account When Creating Case Studies?

To create a high-quality case study, you need to adhere to the following rules:

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1. Agree with the customer on the possibility of publishing the stages of work. Get consent to mention the name of the employer and the name of the company. Find out what information is acceptable to use in the case study. Be prepared for the fact that the client may prohibit the disclosure of information, especially if it is planned to be published in the public domain. It is better to clarify this issue before concluding the contract.
2. Start describing the project during work while you remember every detail.
3. Mention the main goal of the project to which you are gradually moving. Explain why you choose some methods and not others to achieve it.
4. A good description not only informs the client but also visually attracts their attention. Use high-quality images, photographs, and animation for a better presentation of the material.
5. Avoid complex terms. Write specifically, concisely, and clearly.
6. The case study is not just a technical report. Perceive it as a story about the creation of the product. Describe the difficulties that had to be faced and ways to overcome them.
7. Show specific results of your work. Use visual elements, graphs, and numbers to demonstrate the goals achieved. Don’t be afraid to show your individuality. Experiment with formats and visual solutions.

Revel – Case Study for Social Ai Art by Afterglow

How to Structure a Work Description Correctly

Creating a case study involves a clear plan. Its presence increases the effectiveness of the portfolio. A structured description helps clients better understand the main idea of ​​the project, evaluate the designer’s abilities, and verify their competence. The plan includes the following sections:

• Heading. The name that reflects the main idea.
• Introduction. A brief description of the product, goals, and objectives. Why is this project needed, and whom is it intended?
• The problem that the customer came to you with. The description of this point will help the new client find similarities with the issues that concern them.
• Describe in detail the ways of solving the problems. Show what tools and methods were used in the process, which method was ultimately chosen, and why.
• Demonstrate the design creation process. Add a mood board that you relied on in your work, and indicate the color palette and font options. Explain your choice. Tell readers about the customer’s wishes and your own decisions.
• Pay attention to non-obvious details. Highlight interesting techniques and small elements that positively influenced the product.
• Share the result if there are indicators of the effectiveness of the work done. Use numbers and graphs.

How to Format a Case Study for a Portfolio

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to correctly format a description of the work process:

1. Gather materials that will help you get acquainted with the project idea and demonstrate strong skills. This includes a product description, illustrations, source files, and sketches. Be sure to include contacts at the end so that the client can get in touch. Leave an email, phone number, or a link to social networks.
2. Make the design aesthetically pleasing.
3. Decide where you want to place the case study – on the website, on social networks, or a thematic online platform. Upload the description to the selected platform. Consider the platform’s recommendations and publication rules.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Not adding new work to your portfolio. Update your case studies regularly to demonstrate your professional growth. Delete irrelevant information.
• Using low-quality materials. For example, they can be blurry photos or screenshots. Add high-resolution images. The visual part forms the first impression of the designer.
• Not proofreading the case before publishing. Check the description for errors and inaccuracies. Make sure the text is readable. Use typography to control the reader’s attention.
• Creating cumbersome descriptions. Viewing should not take more than three minutes. Don’t describe the entire work process. Focus on the best moments.
• Not asking for feedback. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from colleagues and employers. An outside opinion will help improve the design.
• Using a minimum of information about the project. Describe the goals, objectives, and tools used. Support the text with visual illustrations. Provide sketches, prototypes, and layouts. Details will help assess the level of skill.

Case Study: School Education App Design by tubik UX

The Main Thing You Need to Know

1. A case study is a demonstration of experience through real practice. They show how the performer solves a particular problem, what tools they use, and what results they achieve. A case study in design includes not only a set of aesthetic pictures but also a story about the intricacies of the work with an emphasis on non-standard methods, thanks to which the designer achieves successful implementation of the product.
2. A well-designed project helps to quickly find new orders. A description of the process with visual examples makes the portfolio more convincing. With its help, the designer structures their knowledge and highlights their strengths.
3. High-quality images should be used for design. Animation graphics are added to create a sense of dynamics. Here, it is essential to take the general visual style of the case into account and adhere to the color scheme.

Rizzle UI/UX Design [Case Study] by Ramotion Inc.