Structuring a UX Research Case Study for Clarity and Flow

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

When I first started writing UX research case studies, I struggled to present my work in a way that was clear and engaging. I knew the research was valuable, but the story often felt scattered or hard to follow. Over time, I learned that the way you structure your case study can make all the difference. A well-organized case study not only highlights your findings but also guides readers through your process smoothly. Here’s how I approach structuring a UX research case study to ensure clarity and flow.

UX Research Case Study: Start with a Clear Problem Statement

Every case study should begin by defining the problem you aimed to solve. This sets the stage and helps readers understand the purpose of your research. I make sure to describe the context briefly and explain why the problem matters to users or the business.

For example, instead of saying, “We researched user behavior,” I write, “Users struggled to find key features in the app, leading to frustration and drop-offs.” This specific problem statement immediately tells readers what to expect.

Describe Your Research Goals and Questions

Next, I outline the goals of the research and the questions I wanted to answer. This section acts as a roadmap for the study. It helps readers see what you focused on and why.

I keep this part concise and clear by listing the goals and questions in bullet points:

• Understand how users navigate the app’s main menu

• Identify pain points in the checkout process

• Discover opportunities to improve user satisfaction

  
  

This approach keeps the case study focused and easy to scan.

Researcher’s notebook showing sketches and notes from UX study

Explain Your Research Methods

After setting the goals, I describe the methods I used to gather data. This section should explain what techniques you applied and why they were suitable for the problem.

For example, I might say, “I conducted five user interviews and observed users completing tasks in the app to uncover navigation issues.” I avoid jargon and keep explanations straightforward.

Including details like participant demographics or session length can add credibility without overwhelming the reader. For instance:

• Five participants aged 25-40

• Sessions lasted 45 minutes each

• Tasks focused on menu navigation and checkout

  
  

This level of detail helps readers understand the scope and reliability of your research.

Present Key Findings Clearly

This is the heart of the case study. I focus on presenting the most important insights in a way that’s easy to digest. I use headings, bullet points, and visuals to break up the text.

For example, I might highlight three main findings:

• Users often missed the “Help” button because it was hidden in a submenu

• Confusing labels in the checkout process caused delays

• Participants wanted a progress indicator during checkout

  
  

Whenever possible, I include quotes or specific examples from participants to bring the findings to life.

Show How Findings Led to Design Decisions

Readers want to see how research influenced the product. I explain the connection between findings and the changes made.

For example, “Based on user feedback, we moved the ‘Help’ button to the main menu and simplified checkout labels. We also added a progress bar to guide users.”

This section shows the practical impact of your work and demonstrates your ability to translate research into action.

Whiteboard displaying UX flow diagrams and sticky notes from research analysis

Reflect on Challenges and Learnings

Including a brief reflection adds depth to your case study. I share any obstacles I faced and what I learned from the process.

For example, “Recruiting participants took longer than expected, which delayed the timeline. I learned the importance of starting recruitment early and having backup plans.”

This honesty builds trust and shows your growth as a researcher.

Wrap Up with a Summary and Next Steps

Instead of a formal conclusion, I end with a summary of the key takeaways and what comes next. This leaves readers with a clear understanding of the study’s value and future direction.

For example, “This research clarified key navigation issues and guided improvements that increased user satisfaction. The next step is to test the updated design with a larger group.”

This approach encourages ongoing learning and shows your commitment to continuous improvement.