Writing a Study Case: Storytelling with a Plot Twist
There’s no perfect way to write a study case. Every designer has a unique approach, shaped by their experiences and perspective.
Yet, I’ve noticed a trend among junior designers, particularly those fresh out of BootCamps: their study cases often revolve solely around the design thinking process. While design thinking is a valuable framework, it’s only one of many workflows available. Real-world design requires adaptability and creativity to tailor workflows to specific contexts.
That’s why I’ve embraced a storytelling approach to writing study cases. By mimicking the structure of a story — complete with exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution — I’ve been able to make my cases more engaging, authentic, and impactful. Here’s how I do it.
Background/Exposition
A good story begins with setting the stage, and so should your study case.
Start by describing the project’s context. Who was the client, or what was the purpose? What constraints or goals framed your approach? This section should ground your audience in the problem space you’re addressing and why it matters.
For example, in one of my projects, I worked with a financial advisory startup looking to simplify complex investment options for first-time investors. The client’s main goal was to increase user trust and engagement while ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
Conflict
Every compelling story needs a problem, and so does your study case.
In this section, highlight the main challenge or conflict that drove your design process. Why was the current solution inadequate? What user pain points did you uncover?
In my example, the problem was clear: users were overwhelmed by the technical jargon and felt unsure about making investment decisions. The existing interface failed to instill confidence, leading to high bounce rates and low conversion.
Rising Action
This is where the plot thickens. Detail the steps you took to explore the problem, generate ideas, and test solutions. Share your research insights, ideation process, and any iterations along the way.
For instance, I conducted user interviews to understand the emotional barriers to investing. Then, I created low-fidelity prototypes to test different ways of simplifying the onboarding process. After several iterations, we landed on a conversational interface that guided users step-by-step, using plain language and visuals.
Remember to keep this section focused. Highlight the decisions you made and why, rather than overloading it with unnecessary details.
Climax
The climax is the turning point of your study case — the breakthrough moment that solved the conflict.
In my project, the breakthrough came when we realized that reframing the investment journey as a “personal growth” narrative resonated deeply with users. We revamped the interface to include progress tracking and personalized insights, making the experience feel rewarding and empowering.
This section should showcase the core of your solution and why it’s effective. Use visuals or data to emphasize your point.
Falling Action
Now, it’s time to tie up loose ends. Describe how your solution was implemented and its impact. Did it meet the goals set in the exposition? What feedback did you receive?
For example, after launching the new interface, the startup saw a 30% increase in user retention and a significant rise in customer satisfaction scores. The conversational approach was praised for its simplicity and empathy.
Resolution
End your study case by reflecting on what you learned. What worked well, and what would you do differently? How has this project shaped your approach to design?
In my case, I learned the power of empathy in design and the importance of reframing problems to uncover innovative solutions. This experience reinforced my belief that every project is a story waiting to be told.
🥡 Key Takeaways
There’s no single “right” way to write a study case, but storytelling can make yours stand out. By treating your case like a story — complete with conflict, climax, and resolution — you can create a narrative that’s not only informative but also memorable.
Every project has a story; it’s up to you to tell it well.