How to Create a UX Research Case Study That Captivates and Converts

By Philip Burgess - UX Research Leader

A well-crafted UX research case study is more than a portfolio piece—it’s a narrative that demonstrates your ability to solve complex problems, collaborate cross-functionally, and drive meaningful outcomes. Whether you're applying for a new role, pitching a client, or building thought leadership, your case study should be clear, credible, and compelling.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a UX research case study that stands out.

1. Choose the Right Project

Start with a project that reflects your strengths and aligns with your goals. Ask yourself:

• Did this project involve strategic thinking or complex problem-solving?

• Did it result in measurable impact?

• Can I share it publicly (without violating NDAs)?

If you're early in your career, even small projects can shine if framed thoughtfully.

2. Define the Structure

A strong case study follows a logical flow. Here’s a proven structure:

• Title and Summary: A concise headline and 2–3 sentence overview

• Context and Challenge: What was the problem? Who was involved?

• Goals and Research Questions: What did you aim to learn?

• Methodology: What methods did you use and why?

• Execution: How did you conduct the research?

• Findings and Insights: What did you discover?

• Impact and Outcomes: What changed as a result?

• Reflection: What did you learn? What would you do differently?

This format helps readers follow your thinking and appreciate your contribution.

3. Set the Scene

In the Context and Challenge section, describe:

• The product, team, or organization

• The business or user problem

• Any constraints (timeline, budget, access)

Use storytelling to make the challenge relatable. Avoid jargon—focus on clarity.

4. Articulate Your Goals

Clarify what you were trying to learn. Include:

• Research objectives

• Hypotheses (if applicable)

• Stakeholder needs

This shows strategic alignment and sets up your methodology.

5. Explain Your Methods

In the Methodology section, describe:

• Why you chose specific methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing)

• How you recruited participants

• Tools or frameworks you used

Be transparent about limitations and trade-offs. This builds credibility.

6. Showcase Execution

Walk through how you conducted the research:

• Session formats and protocols

• Collaboration with stakeholders

• Data collection and analysis techniques

Include anecdotes or quotes that humanize the process.

7. Present Findings and Insights

Highlight key discoveries:

• Patterns and themes

• Surprising insights

• Supporting evidence (quotes, metrics)

Use visuals like affinity maps or journey diagrams if helpful—but keep them clean and purposeful.

8. Demonstrate Impact

This is where your work shines. Show how your research influenced:

• Design decisions

• Product strategy

• Business outcomes

Include metrics, stakeholder feedback, or follow-up actions. If impact is ongoing, note that too.

9. Reflect and Evolve

End with a reflection:

• What did you learn?

• What would you improve next time?

• How did this project shape your approach?

This adds depth and shows growth mindset.

Final Tips

• Keep it concise: Aim for 800–1,200 words. Use headings and short paragraphs.

• Tailor for your audience: Hiring managers, clients, or peers may value different aspects.

• Make it visual: Use clean layouts and purposeful graphics to enhance readability.

• Tell a story: Don’t just list tasks—connect the dots between problem, process, and impact.

Conclusion

A great UX research case study doesn’t just document what you did—it reveals how you think. By following this structure and infusing your unique voice, you’ll create a narrative that builds trust, showcases expertise, and opens doors.