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How To Write a Great Design Case Study

Case studies are often seen as documentation. But they can be more than that — digestible, thorough stories that showcase skills, values and process. Here are some examples to refer to when writing one.

How do we write a great design case study? I’ve put together some practical guides, examples and do’s and don’ts on how to stand out.

Key Takeaways #

  • Think of a case study like a magazine feature.
  • Keep a case study digestible, thorough and a story.
  • Choose a customer that represents your scope of work.
  • Promote the skills that you want to be hired for.
  • Focus on insights rather than process.
  • Show your intention and your values.
  • Use the language that your future clients will understand.
  • Teach readers something they don’t already know.
Creating Slack's illustration voice

A fantastic example: Creating Slack's illustrations, neatly put together by Alice Lee.

I absolutely love diving into case studies that highlight wrong assumptions and failures, explaining how designers managed to turn the ship towards a better outcome. It’s a wonderful way to understand how a designer thinks, and that how they learn and adapt along the way.

Don’t be afraid to show your mistakes, and tell honest stories that your prospect clients can connect to. Probably the worst thing you could do is to create a polished, soulless, marketing version of your work that is too perfect to be true.

Authenticity and enthusiasm always shine through. Don’t hide them, and people will notice how incredible you are.

Design Case Study Examples and Guides #

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