contents of case study

How to build a case study?

How to Build a Case Study: A Step-by-Step Guide

A case study is a detailed analysis of a specific situation or organization that is used to understand a particular issue or problem and identify potential solutions. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to build a case study, highlighting the key elements to include and the benefits of using this research method.

What is a Case Study?

A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination of a particular situation or organization to understand a specific issue or problem. It involves collecting and analyzing data, identifying patterns and trends, and drawing conclusions based on the findings. Case studies can be used in various fields, including business, medicine, education, and social sciences.

Why Use Case Studies?

There are several benefits to using case studies:

• Deeper Understanding : Case studies provide a deeper understanding of a particular situation or organization, which can inform decision-making and improve performance.
• Increased Credibility : Case studies can be used to demonstrate expertise and establish credibility in a particular field or industry.
• Practical Applications : Case studies can provide practical applications and solutions to real-world problems, making them a valuable resource for practitioners and researchers.

Building a case study involves several key steps:

Table of Contents

Step 1: Define the Research Questions

• Identify the specific issue or problem to be studied
• Determine the research questions to be answered
• Determine the scope of the study : Identify the parameters of the study, including the population, setting, and time period

Step 2: Collect Data

• Identify data sources : Determine where to collect data, such as interviews, surveys, observations, or secondary data sources
• Collect and analyze data : Gather and organize data, and perform statistical analysis and other data analysis techniques as necessary

Step 3: Analyze the Data

• Identify patterns and trends : Look for patterns and trends in the data, and identify the most significant findings
• Draw conclusions : Draw conclusions based on the analysis of the data, and identify potential solutions to the problem

Step 4: Write the Case Study

• Format the case study : Use a clear and concise writing style, and organize the case study in a logical and easy-to-follow manner
• Include the following elements : Introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions

Example of a Case Study Outline

Step 5: Present the Case Study

• Format the presentation : Present the case study in a clear and concise manner, using visual aids such as charts, graphs, and tables as necessary
• Target the right audience : Tailor the presentation to the target audience, and use language and terminology that they will understand

Best Practices for Building a Case Study

• Be thorough and detailed : Ensure that the case study is thorough and detailed, and that all data is carefully collected and analyzed
• Use visual aids : Use visual aids such as charts, graphs, and tables to present the findings and make the case study more engaging
• Write clearly and concisely : Use a clear and concise writing style, and avoid jargon and technical language unless necessary
• Address potential biases : Be aware of potential biases, and take steps to minimize their impact

In conclusion, building a case study requires careful planning, execution, and analysis. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a comprehensive and informative case study that provides valuable insights and practical applications for real-world problems. Remember to be thorough, detailed, and clear in your writing, and to use visual aids and other tools to present the findings in a clear and engaging manner.

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How to Write a Case Study

You’re not the first person to feel like you’re drowning in data and information while planning for a case study. The good news is that it’s not as complex as you think. 

This guide on how to write a case study breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps — from information-gathering to writing to design. Pro tip : Get your free Piktochart account before you scroll down. This way, you can immediately put our tips to practice as you read along. Alternatively, you can hop over to our AI case study generator and find more examples of professional case study templates. 

Why case studies matter across industries 

A case study is not just a school assignment or an item on your marketing checklist. They are persuasive stories that demonstrate your expertise and build credibility. A well-crafted business case study can sway potential clients, as demonstrated by HubSpot’s study on the Lean Discovery Group , which helped increase deal value fivefold. Even in the social sciences, case studies like the “ Bobo doll experiment ” yield powerful insights, such as revealing the impact of media violence on children. It’s clear that case studies remain highly effective. Content Marketing Institute’s 2025 outlook even ranks them second only to video in terms of content effectiveness.

For these reasons, investing time and resources in crafting a unique and insightful case study that resonates with your target readers makes sense. This brings us to the next section!

Preparing your case study

Before you start writing your first case study, remember that a compelling case study requires careful preparation and research as your foundation for success.. 

1. Choose the right subject

Pick a case study subject that resonates with your target audience. A SaaS company aiming for enterprise clients, for example, might showcase a large corporation that saw major efficiency gains after using their software. Don’t forget to get consent before featuring any story. 

2. Define your case study’s purpose

Purpose matters too. Joanna Knight, founding director at merl and developer of impact case studies for the Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF), explains , “Although many case studies have more than one purpose (e.g. for learning and communication), to maximize their effectiveness it is important to be clear about what we want to achieve with the case study.”

3. Gather information

Gathering relevant information might involve interviews, data analysis, and understanding the “why” behind the numbers.

A business case study might examine business proposals , financial reports, customer interviews, and marketing materials. On the other hand, academic case studies may pore over archival records, interviews, written observations, and artifacts. Recommended resource : How to Transcribe an Interview Quickly with Tips and Tool Hacks

4. Decide on the format

While the traditional lengthy case study can be effective, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Consider your goals and audience – how can you best capture their attention and deliver your message?

Here are case study format alternatives you can try aside from the overly long ones:

• Interactive web pages
• Infographics
• Podcast episode
• Short blog post

Outside of a long-form text-based written case study, you can repurpose the content in several formats to share across your business’s distribution channels. You can combine visuals, interviews, and various elements for high-impact content.

You’ll find examples of these case study formats as you scroll down below. 

5. Create an outline and structure

A clear structure ensures your case study narrative flows logically and effectively communicates your key message.  The following frameworks are good starting points when planning for your case study’s structure: 

The Problem-Hypothesis-Solution-Impact framework

The Problem-Hypothesis-Solution-Impact framework guides case studies with a clear narrative flow: define the problem, propose a hypothesis, outline the solution, and analyze the impact. For example, Jon Knuston, Head of Core IT Services at Rockwell Automation, used Gartner’s insights to accelerate digital transformation and achieved results within 90 days of starting his role (as detailed in this Gartner case study ). This structure is adaptable to your needs. Feel free to:

• Expand where needed: If your solution involves a complex process, dedicate more space to explaining each step.
• Highlight unique elements: Showcase unexpected innovations or surprising outcomes.

The MEAL framework

Incorporating frameworks relevant to your industry adds depth and credibility to your case study. The MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) framework is a good example.

This framework is commonly used by NGOs (non-government organizations) to assess the effectiveness of their projects. It provides a structured approach to:

• Monitoring: Tracking progress towards project goals.
• Evaluation: Assessing the impact and effectiveness of interventions.
• Accountability: Ensuring transparency and responsibility in project implementation.
• Learning: Using data and insights to improve future projects and strategies.

Read about the MEAL framework’s role in writing effective case studies .

Other case study frameworks worth exploring are:

• SWOT analysis : This model examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the case study subject.
• Porter’s Five Forces analysis : This framework helps analyze competition in a case study. It looks at rivalry, new competitors, supplier and buyer power, and substitutes to understand how profitable an industry is.
• Customer journey map : For this framework, you’ll illustrate the customer’s experience with the product or service.

With your groundwork laid, it’s time to bring your case study to life and start writing!

Writing your case study

You’re halfway done! Keep these best practices in mind when writing your case study:

1. Use your chosen framework as a guide when writing

The framework you’ve picked during the preparation phase creates a logical flow. Make sure each section builds the story and supports your main point.

2. Be mindful of your headlines

Use clear, concise headlines that allow readers to skim and easily find the information they need. Intriguing headlines can also pique their curiosity and encourage them to read further.

Instead of a bland headline like “Project Overview,” try something more specific and engaging like “How We Increased Website Traffic by 40% in 3 Months.” This immediately tells the reader about the case study and highlights a key achievement.

3. Have a consistent narrative

Maintain a consistent tone and style throughout your case study. Whether you choose a formal or informal approach, make sure it aligns with your brand guidelines. 

A brand style guide can be incredibly helpful for this. It provides clear guidelines for voice, tone, and visual elements to ensure every part of your case study feels cohesive. This consistency reinforces your brand identity and makes the information easier to digest. Need help with your brand style guide? We’ve got 11 amazing brand style guideline examples and ideas you can copy . 

4. Include data to support claims

Back up your claims with real results, including both quantitative data and customer quotes.

For instance, don’t just write that your new marketing campaign was successful. Instead, include specific numbers like “The campaign generated a 15% increase in leads, a 10% rise in website traffic, and a 5% boost in sales.” Follow this up with a quote from a satisfied customer praising the campaign’s creativity and effectiveness. This combination of data and customer feedback paints a convincing picture of your success.

5. Show, don’t tell with visuals

Incorporate infographics, charts, and other visuals to make your case study more engaging, memorable, and persuasive.

Let’s say you’re writing a case study about a website redesign. Instead of just describing the changes, include:

• Before and after screenshots to visually demonstrate the improved user interface and design elements.
• Charts or graphs to show how the bounce rate decreased and conversion rates increased after the redesign.
• An infographic to summarize key results, such as improved page load speed and mobile responsiveness.

6. Focus on value, not on sales

While the ultimate goal might be to promote your product or service, avoid overt selling. Instead, focus on demonstrating your value by showcasing the customer’s success story.

7. Wrap it up with a memorable conclusion

A memorable conclusion is just as important as a strong introduction. It’s your last chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader and reinforce the key takeaways of your case study.

Here’s how to make it count:

• Summarize the key takeaways of your case study.
• Use a powerful quote or anecdote highlighting your solution’s positive impact.
• End with a call to action . Encourage readers to learn more about your company or product, download a resource, or contact you for a consultation.

Want to see these case study writing best practices come to life? Check out the case study examples below. In the next section, let’s explore how thoughtful design can transform your content into a visually compelling and persuasive experience.

Designing your case study

A well-designed case study is more than just words on a page. You can also use visuals to get attention in seconds and communicate your information quickly.

The good news is you don’t have to design your case studies from scratch if you use Piktochart templates . These professionally-designed templates provide a solid framework you can use for visually engaging content. 

Here’s how to use Piktochart for case studies in 3 easy steps:

Step 1: Start with a template

Pick a template that aligns with your industry, brand, and the overall tone of your case study.

Step 2:  Customize your design

Adapt the template to fit your specific content and style. Change the colors, fonts, and layout to match your brand identity.  

Step 3: Add the final touches

Whether you use a template or start from scratch, these best practices will help you create a case study that looks as good as it reads:

High-quality visuals

Incorporate images, icons, and illustrations to break up the text and enhance your case study’s visual appeal. Use high-quality images that are relevant to your content and visually appealing.   

Data visualization

Use data visualization to highlight key findings and trends in your case study.  Piktochart offers a range of charts and graphs to present data in a clear and compelling way.

Visual hierarchy

Use headings, subheadings, and visual cues to guide the reader’s eye and emphasize key information. This creates a clear and consistent visual hierarchy to make your case study easy to read and understand.  

Color palette

Pick a color palette that reflects your brand and complements the overall design of your case study. Use color consistently throughout your case study to create a cohesive look and feel.

White space

Don’t overcrowd the page. Use white space effectively to improve readability and create a more modern look.  

Opt for fonts that are easy to read and visually appealing. Stick to two or three fonts to avoid visual clutter.

Proofreading

Typos and grammatical errors can undermine your case study’s credibility. Proofread your case study carefully before publishing it.

Recommended resources when designing your case study:

• Fonts and Colors for the Retail, Healthcare, and Financial Industries
• 4 Things You Need to Know to Pair Fonts Well

Get your free Piktochart account and start designing your case study. Now that you’ve got the case study design basics down, let’s see these principles in action with some inspiring case study examples below. 

Real-word case study examples to learn from

Need inspiration for your next case study?  Here’s how others are doing (and nailing!) it!

1. How to reduce your SLA by 99.9% (Breadcrumbs)

Breadcrumbs, an AI-powered lead scoring platform, excels at demonstrating the value of its product in this case study for Thinkific. Here’s why it works:

• Impactful storytelling: The case study uses a clear problem-solution-impact format and backs it up with compelling data (like a 99% SLA reduction) to show the power of lead scoring.
• Credibility and clarity: A direct quote from Thinkific’s CMO adds credibility, while concise explanations make the information accessible to any reader. Plus, they offer a convenient downloadable version.

2. How SupportLogic AI-proofed and 5x its organic traffic in 12 Months (Animalz)

This Animalz case study tells a clear and compelling story about how SupportLogic overcame the challenge of AI-generated search results through content diversification. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• The case study uses visuals , including screenshots and charts to break up the text and make it more engaging.
• Detailed explanations of the different types of solutions that Animalz created for SupportLogic such as 101, 201, and 301 content. 

3. Helping Calm make work a better place to be with a new positioning and optimized content (Velocity Partners)

Calm partnered with Velocity Partners to solidify its position as the leader in B2B wellness solutions. This case study stands out because:

• Crystal-clear purpose: In just two sentences, it establishes the challenge, the players, and the goal.
• Simple, direct language: It reads like a story as it avoids jargon and gets straight to the point.
• Focus on “how” and “why”: It effectively explains both the content deliverables and how they connect to Calm’s larger business goals.

4. How Portland Medical Center is saving GP time despite increased demand (Klinik Healthcare Solutions)

Klinik Healthcare Solutions, a provider of intelligent healthcare software, created a visually engaging case study that’s as easy to digest as an infographic. Here’s what makes it stand out :

• Infographic-style summary: The last page uses visuals and minimal text to highlight key achievements, making it easy to grasp the impact at a glance.
• Visual cues: Icons and color-coded sections guide the reader’s eye to important information.
• Prominent call to action: A dedicated CTA section with photos and contact details encourages engagement.

5. The Wall brings design at the Hyundai America Technical Center to life (Samsung)

This video case study effectively showcases how Samsung’s The Wall display transforms Hyundai’s design process. It captures your attention because of:

• Visual storytelling: The video format brings The Wall’s impact to life, showcasing the immersive design environment and designers at work.
• Designer testimonials: Firsthand accounts from Hyundai designers add credibility and demonstrate the improved workflow.

6. A new day for the night shift (Deloitte)

This Deloitte case tells the story of how they helped Kroger improve the employee experience for night shift workers. Here’s why it works:

• Relatable challenge: It starts by highlighting the complexities of overnight stocking, a challenge that many retailers face.
• Humanizing the team: Instead of just names and titles, they feature photos and quotes from individual team members which makes them relatable and approachable.

7. Speed is nothing without reliability (Verizon)

This Verizon case study featuring a major US bank proves that sometimes less is more. Here’s a breakdown of its key strengths:

• The entire case study is condensed to a single page which makes it incredibly digestible for busy readers. It delivers key information without overwhelming the audience.
• Attention-grabbing headline . “Speed Is Nothing Without Reliability” immediately grabs attention.
• The copy uses clear. vivid language to paint a picture of the challenges and solutions. It avoids jargon and focuses on the impact.

Want to see more examples of case studies? Head on over to 8 Amazing Case Study Examples & Ideas to Copy

Use Piktochart to create case studies that leave a lasting impression

Whether you’re a student, marketer, or researcher, keep in mind that a truly compelling case study isn’t just about the data – it’s about weaving a narrative that informs and resonates with your readers.

Piktochart has everything you need to bring your case studies to life visually. From customizable templates to our AI case study generator , you can bring your case studies to life and make your research findings stand out.

Get your Piktochart free plan if you haven’t yet!

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