checklist for case study

July 28, 2022

Writing successful case studies: a step-by-step checklist.

Case studies aren’t easy. They take cooperation and collaboration between your clients and your team to create a story that pulls in your ideal leads and offers valuable insight.

Even after all that work, case studies can still be a hit or miss. When done well, they have the potential to be the reassuring nudge your prospects need to move forward with your service or product. But when they’re…less than successful, it can feel like a poor use of time, energy and resources.

So, what steps can you take to build a compelling case study (that people want to read)? Let’s take a closer look.

Define Your Case Study’s Goal

If you don’t start building your case study with a specific goal , you’re not setting yourself up for success. The point of a case study is not just to highlight a positive experience (that will shine through anyway!) It’s intended to break down a specific situation where your team made a significant impact.

Start by asking yourself: what do I want to demonstrate to future clients with this case study? For example, you may be interested in communicating your company’s skill in creating customized products based on a client’s needs.

* Extra Credit: If there are special offers or new services you’re interested in advertising, case studies are a great way to show off your success in these areas.

Once you answer that question, you can further define your study’s goal:

□ Specify your intended audience: Is the client you’re writing about the ideal client you’re looking to attract? Define those preferred characteristics so you can target them in your study.

□ Tailor your study to their pain points: Your ideal client is likely having the same issues as your case study client. What are they, and why did they choose your services? Detail those pain points (for example, decreased warehouse productivity, unreliable data voice connections, insurance struggles) and how you solved their problem.

□ Refine your “elevator pitch:” A successful case study needs to be clear up top about your client’s problem, the solution you provided and the (successful) outcome. If you can’t quickly articulate this message at the beginning, your audience will lose interest.

Now, let’s move on to reaching out to your case study client.

We have your goal – great! Now, there are ideally a couple of clients you could choose from to highlight your team’s prowess. As you’re deciding, remember that there’s more to picking a case study than choosing a well-known name or the client you made the most money for. We suggest selecting projects where your team had the most significant, positive influence on a client’s success.

So, let’s say you have a project in mind you’d like to spotlight in a case study:

□ Specify your impact: Impact can translate to a variety of results: generating more leads, creating more efficient cybersecurity measures, performing a total design makeover, or, yes, increasing profit margins.

□ Define where you shined: What makes your performance in this project extra special? Did your team demonstrate exceptional expertise? Did your out-of-the-box thinking give your client an edge? Were your strategies incredibly effective?

□ Consider relatability: A successful case study covers a topic where your ideal client can self-identify with the content. If the challenges resonate with their experience, there’s a higher chance that they’ll continue reading to see how your team could make a difference in their situation.

Choosing The Right Questions

Here’s an area that can be trickier if you’re not prepared. It’s not your client’s responsibility to create a story for your case study. So, if you walk out of an interview without the material you need to build an in-depth analysis… it’s time to re-evaluate your process and questions.

To avoid that, come prepared with solid, personalized questions from the beginning:

□ Ask the right questions:

• Before looking for our services, what approach were you relying on to combat your challenges?
• What finally caused you to search for the services/products we provide?
• What made you decide to choose us over competitors?
• Can you provide metrics that speak to our impact on your business? (You may have some, but clients could provide additional information you may not be able to access.)
• Do you feel our team helped you achieve your goals?
• How was your overall experience working with our team? (Did you feel supported throughout the process? Was there consistent communication?)
• Would you choose to work with us again or recommend us to a colleague? (This may not be something you include in your case study, but it’s good feedback.)
• Is there anything we could have done differently to improve your experience? (Definitely, a question intended only for feedback.)

Your clients are busy. You don’t want to keep coming back to them with additional questions, so it’s best to get it right the first time.

Finish with Flair

Now comes the fun part! Once you have all the assets and angles you need for a successful case study – it’s time to put those pieces together.

□ Outline the facts: It’s helpful to create an outline for yourself that hits the major points:

• Start with your elevator pitch
• Explain who the company is and their challenges
• Describe the strategy you put together to overcome those challenges
• Detail the solutions you put into action
• Show the impact through metrics and client quotes

We know choosing a title can be tricky. It may be easier to get the study on paper first. Then you can go back and pick a title that best fits your content.

□ Tell a story: Yes, it’s essential to stick to the facts. But once you have your major points, you can start telling a relatable story about the experience. Remember, avoid industry jargon!

□ Short and sweet: Once that story’s on the page, find the places where you can tighten it up, hitting the key points succinctly. If you waxed a little too poetic telling your original story, here’s where you can edit it down.

*Extra Credit: Don’t forget to include some eye-catching images or helpful graphs!

□ Position yourself as the expert: Say your ideal client is reading your case study. They may not be ready to commit to your services just yet. But a detailed, convincing analysis showing your successful proven process is a great way to get your name in their mind. Position yourself as the industry expert by proving how your team’s skills, past experiences and creative thinking led to a positive result for your client. This will help build credibility and trust in your services.

Don’t Have Time?

As you can see from the steps above, putting together a successful case study takes a good deal of time, from start to finish.

We understand that many busy business leaders don’t have the time for this lengthy process, and we’re ready to help. Contact us today for help building compelling, engaging case studies for your company.

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About the author: simple machines.

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A checklist for architectural case studies

A case study is a process of researching into a project and documenting through writings, sketches , diagrams, and photos. To understand the various aspects of designing and constructing a building one must consider learning from other people’s mistakes. As Albert Einstein quoted, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” 

A case study can be a starting point of any project or it can also serve as a link or reference which can help in explaining the project with ease. It is not necessary that the building we choose for our case study should be the true representation of our project. The main purpose is to research and understand the concepts that an architect has used while designing that project and how it worked, and our aim should be to learn from its perfections as well as from its mistakes too while adding our creativity.

• Primarily, talk to people and never stop questioning, read books, and dedicate your time to researching famous projects . Try to gather information on all famous projects because it is essential for a successful case study and easily available too. Also before starting the case study do a complete literature study on a particular subject, it gives a vague idea about the requirements of the project.
• Study different case studies that other people have done earlier on the projects which you would choose for your own just to get a vague idea about the project, before actually diving into it.
• Do case studies of similar projects with different requirements. For example, while doing a case study of a residential building, you should choose 3 residential buildings, one with the minimum, average, and maximum amenities. It helps in comparing between different design approaches.
• If possible, visit the building and do a live case study, a lot of information can be gathered by looking at the building first hand and you will get a much deeper insight and meaningful understanding of the subject and will also be able to feel the emotion which the building radiates.
• While doing the case study if you come across certain requirements that are missing but went through it while doing the literature study, they should try to implement those requirements in the design.

Certain points should be kept in mind while preparing the questionnaire, they are as follows,

Style of architecture

• The regional context is prevalent in the design or not.
• Special features.

Linkage / Connectivity diagrams

• From all the plans gather the linkage diagram.

Site plan analysis

• Size of the site.
• Site and building ratio.
• The orientation of the building.
• Geology, soil typology, vegetation, hydrography

Construction technologies and materials

• Related to the project.
• Materials easily available in that region and mostly used.
• Technologies used in that region. Search for local technologies that are known among the local laborers.

Environment and micro-climate

• Try to document a building situated in a region that is somewhat similar to the region in which the project will be designed.
• Important climatic factors- sun path, rainfall, and wind direction.

Requirements and used behaviors

• Areas required that will suffice the efficiency of the work to be done in that space.
• Keeping in mind the requirements, age-group, gender, and other factors while designing.

Form and function

• The form is incomplete without function. To define a large space or form it is necessary to follow the function.
• To analyze the reason behind the formation of a certain building and how it merges with the surroundings or why it stands out and does not merge with the surroundings.
• Why the architect of the building adopted either of the philosophies, “form follows function” or “function follows form”.

Circulation- Horizontal and Vertical

• Size and area of corridor and lobbies.
• Placement of staircases, ramps, elevators, etc.

Structure- Column, beam, etc.

• Analyzing the structure detail.
• Types of beams, columns, and trusses used, for example, I- section beam, C- section beam.

Building services or systems

• Analyzing the space requirement of HVAC, fire alarm system, water supply system, etc.

Consideration of Barrier-free environment in design detailing

• Designing keeping the requirements of disabled people, children, pregnant women, etc. in mind.

Access and approach

• Entry and exit locations into the site as well as into the building.
• Several entries and exit points.

Doing a case study and documenting information gives you various ideas and lets you peek into the minds of various architects who used their years of experience and dedicated their time to creating such fine structures. It is also fun as you get to meet different people, do lots of traveling, and have fun. 

She is a budding architect hailing from the city of joy, Kolkata. With dreams in her eyes and determination in her will, she is all set to tell stories about buildings, cultures, and people through her point of view. She hopes you all enjoy her writings. Much love.

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How To Use Architecture Case Studies

• Updated: August 28, 2024

Architecture is more than just constructing buildings; it’s about creating spaces that inspire, function, and stand the test of time.

Understanding the depth and breadth of architectural practice requires examining past projects—seeing what worked, what didn’t, and why.

This is where architecture case studies come into play. They provide invaluable insights into the design process, materials used, environmental considerations, and the social and cultural impact of architectural work.

Whether you’re an architecture student aiming to grasp complex design principles, a professional looking to refine your practice, or simply an enthusiast interested in the built environment, diving into case studies is a powerful way to learn.

From understanding their purpose and structure to analysing some of the most iconic architectural works in history, here we explore how to critically assess and learn from the successes and challenges of past projects.

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Analysis : A thorough case study examines all aspects of a project, including context, design, materials, sustainability, and user experience, to provide deep insights into its overall impact.
• Visuals and Narrative : Effective case studies use clear visuals and structured narratives to make complex architectural concepts accessible and engaging for readers.
• Technology and Sustainability : Leveraging digital tools and focusing on sustainability are key to developing forward-thinking architecture case studies that address modern challenges.
• Inclusivity and Diversity : Including diverse perspectives and project types in case studies broadens our understanding of architecture’s role in different cultural and social contexts.

What is an Architecture Case Study?

An architecture case study ( similar to precedent studies ) is an in-depth analysis of a particular architectural project, focusing on various aspects such as design philosophy, construction techniques, site context, user experience, and the project’s overall impact.

Unlike standard project descriptions, case studies go beyond the superficial details to explore the intricacies and decision-making processes that shaped the final outcome.

Definition and Purpose

At its core, a case study serves as a detailed examination of a building or structure, aimed at understanding the various elements that contribute to its design and function.

This includes the architect’s intentions, the challenges faced during the design and construction phases, and how those challenges were addressed. The purpose of an architecture case study is multifaceted:

• Educational Tool : For students and professionals alike, case studies offer real-world examples of how theoretical concepts are applied in practice. They provide insights into the complexities of architectural projects and the various factors that influence design decisions.
• Design Inspiration : By analysing different architectural works, designers can draw inspiration for their own projects, discovering new ways to approach design challenges and innovative solutions.
• Critical Analysis : Case studies encourage a critical evaluation of architectural work, prompting questions about what worked, what didn’t, and why. This analysis helps architects learn from past mistakes and successes, contributing to the evolution of architectural practice.
• Preservation of Knowledge : Documenting the details of architectural projects ensures that valuable knowledge and insights are preserved for future generations. This is particularly important for iconic or groundbreaking projects that have significantly influenced the field.

Importance in Architectural Education and Practice

In education, case studies are indispensable. They bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to see how abstract concepts are implemented in real-world situations.

Case studies also promote a deeper understanding of architectural principles by highlighting the relationship between design intent and execution.

For practising architects, they offer a wealth of knowledge that can inform future projects. By examining the successes and challenges of previous works, we can refine their own methodologies and strategies, ultimately leading to better design outcomes.

Additionally, case studies foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the architectural community, as they provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences.

Key Elements of an Effective Case Study

A compelling case study goes beyond basic descriptions and floor plans; it delves into the multifaceted aspects that define a building’s essence and performance.

To provide a holistic understanding of a project, an effective case study should cover several key elements. These elements help paint a comprehensive picture of the design process, the challenges faced, and the solutions devised, offering valuable insights to readers.

Site Analysis and Context

The foundation of any architectural project is its site. A thorough site analysis is crucial for understanding the physical, cultural, and environmental context in which a building exists.

This includes examining the site’s topography, climate, surrounding buildings, historical significance, and socio-cultural environment.

Understanding a site’s unique characteristics allows us to create proposals that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also sensitive to their surroundings.

A good case study will explore how these contextual factors influenced the design decisions and how the building responds to its environment.

For instance, does the design maximize natural light and ventilation? Does it respect the cultural or historical context of the area? How does it integrate with or stand out from its surroundings?

Design Concept and Philosophy

Every architectural project is driven by a design concept —a central idea or philosophy that guides the development of the project . This could be a response to the site conditions, a functional requirement, an aesthetic vision, or a combination of these and other factors.

The design concept is what gives a project its identity and coherence.

An effective case study should clearly articulate this and the philosophy behind it. It should explain the your vision and how this vision is reflected in the building’s form , function, and aesthetics.

Additionally, the case study should examine how successfully the design concept has been realised and whether it aligns with the project’s goals and user needs.

Materials and Construction Techniques

The choice of materials and construction techniques is a critical aspect of any architectural project, influencing not only the building’s appearance and durability but also its sustainability and cost.

A detailed case study should discuss the materials selected, the reasons for their choice, and how they contribute to the overall design.

Furthermore, it should explore the construction techniques employed and any innovations or challenges encountered during the building process.

For example, were there any unique construction methods used to address site-specific conditions? How did the choice of materials impact the construction timeline or budget?

Understanding these elements provides valuable insights into the practical aspects of design and execution.

Environmental and Social Impact

Architecture does not exist in a vacuum; it interacts with and affects its environment and the people who use it.

An insightful case study will evaluate the environmental impact of a project, including its sustainability features, energy efficiency, and resource management strategies. This analysis should cover both the construction phase and the building’s ongoing operation.

Equally important is the building’s social impact. How does it serve the community? Does it foster social interaction and inclusivity? Has it positively or negatively affected the local economy, culture, or way of life?

Functionality and Aesthetics

A successful project balances functionality with aesthetics. Here you can examine how well a building meets its intended use and the needs of its occupants.

This includes considerations of spatial layout , accessibility, flexibility, and comfort. Are the spaces designed to facilitate the intended activities? Is the building easy to navigate? Does it adapt well to changing needs?

In addition to functionality, the aesthetic qualities of a building play a significant role in its success. Analyse the visual and experiential aspects of the design, including form, colour, texture, and light.

How do these elements contribute to the building’s character and appeal? How do they interact with the environment and the user experience?

User Experience and Feedback

Ultimately, the success of a project is measured by how well it serves its users. A user experience analysis should include feedback from the people who interact with the building on a daily basis—whether they are occupants, visitors, or maintenance staff.

This feedback provides real-world insights into the building’s performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

User experience covers a wide range of factors, from comfort and convenience to safety and satisfaction. A case study should explore how users perceive the building and how it affects their daily lives. Are there any recurring issues or complaints?

What aspects of the design are most appreciated? By incorporating user feedback, a case study becomes a more dynamic and informative resource, offering a grounded perspective on the building’s impact.

How to Conduct an Architecture Case Study: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide to conducting a thorough and effective architecture case study:

Step 1: Selecting a Project

The first step is choosing the right project.

The selection should be guided by your objectives, whether you are studying a particular architectural style, learning about sustainable building practices, or understanding the relationship between design and user experience.

Consider projects that are well-documented, have a significant impact, or present unique design challenges.

Additionally, ensure that you have access to adequate information and resources about the project, including drawings, photographs, and any available documentation or interviews.

Tips for Selecting a Project:

• Choose a project that aligns with your interests or professional goals.
• Consider the availability of information and resources for in-depth analysis.
• Look for projects that have had a significant impact or present unique design challenges.

Step 2: Research and Data Collection

Once you’ve selected a project, the next step is to gather as much information as possible.

This involves conducting thorough research using various sources such as architectural journals , books, online databases, and interviews with the architects, users, or other stakeholders involved in the project.

Collecting primary data, such as original drawings, plans, and site visits, is also crucial for a comprehensive understanding.

During this phase, focus on gathering data about the project’s background, including the client’s brief, the architect’s design intent, and any constraints or challenges faced.

Also, collect information about the site context, materials, construction methods, and the building’s performance post-completion.

Data Sources to Consider:

• Architectural publications and academic journals.
• Interviews with architects, clients, and users.
• Project documentation, such as drawings, models, and photographs.
• Site visits and observations.

Step 3: Analysis of Design Intentions vs. Realities

With a wealth of data in hand, the next step is to analyse the project. This involves comparing the the initial design intentions with the realities of the completed building.

Look at how the design concept was translated into the final structure and identify any compromises or deviations from the original plan.

Consider the following aspects during your analysis:

• Design Intent: What were the architect’s goals and motivations? How did they plan to achieve these through their design?
• Site Response: How well does the building respond to its site? Consider factors such as orientation, integration with the environment, and respect for local culture or history.
• Materials and Construction: Were the chosen materials and construction techniques effective in achieving the desired outcomes? Did they contribute to or hinder the project’s success?
• Functionality and User Experience: Does the building serve its intended purpose well? How do users interact with and experience the space?
• Sustainability and Impact: What are the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the project?

This critical analysis helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of the project, providing valuable lessons for future architectural endeavours.

Do you find design projects difficult?

Have confidence in your design process.

Step 4: documentation and presentation of findings.

After completing your analysis, it’s time to document your findings. A well-documented case study should clearly present all the relevant information, analysis, and insights in a structured and engaging format.

Start with an introduction that provides an overview of the project and your objectives. Then, detail your findings in a logical order, covering aspects such as site analysis, design concept, materials, construction methods, and user feedback.

Use visuals—such as photographs, plans, sections, and diagrams—to complement your text and provide a clearer understanding of the project. Include quotes from interviews and references to your sources to add credibility and depth to your case study.

Tips for Effective Documentation:

• Organize your case study into clear sections with descriptive headings.
• Use visuals strategically to enhance understanding.
• Include direct quotes from interviews or primary sources to support your analysis.

Step 5: Reflecting on Lessons Learned

The final step in conducting an architecture case study is reflection. This is where you draw conclusions about what you’ve learned from the project and how these lessons can be applied to future architectural work.

Consider what the project reveals about effective design practices, common challenges, and innovative solutions.

Reflect on how the project could have been improved, what strategies were particularly successful, and what could serve as a cautionary tale for other architects.

This reflective process not only solidifies your learning but also contributes to the broader discourse on architecture by offering insights and recommendations based on real-world examples.

Questions for Reflection:

• What were the key successes and failures of the project?
• How did the architect’s design intentions align with the final outcome?
• What lessons can be drawn from the project’s approach to materials, construction, and sustainability?
• How can these lessons be applied to future architectural projects?

Case Study Examples

Analysing real-world architectural projects through detailed case studies provides invaluable insights into the complexities of design, construction, and user experience.

This section presents three in-depth case studies of iconic architectural works, each illustrating unique aspects of architectural practice, from innovative design solutions to the integration of cultural and environmental contexts.

Example 1: The Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe

Overview of the Project: The Farnsworth House, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in the late 1940s, is an exemplary work of modernist architecture.

Located in Plano, Illinois, this one-room weekend retreat was designed for Dr. Edith Farnsworth and is renowned for its minimalist design and seamless integration with its natural surroundings.

Analysis of Design and Functionality: The Farnsworth House embodies Mies van der Rohe’s philosophy of “less is more,” emphasizing simplicity and clarity of form.

The house’s steel and glass construction creates a transparent box that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing occupants to feel immersed in the surrounding landscape.

This design approach fosters a deep connection with nature, reflecting the architect’s intention to create a space that is both contemplative and serene.

Functionally, the open-plan layout of the Farnsworth House eliminates the need for interior walls, creating a flexible space that can be adapted to various uses.

However, this design also presents challenges, particularly in terms of privacy and storage.

The house’s minimalism, while visually striking, may not fully accommodate the practical needs of everyday living, highlighting a tension between aesthetic ideals and functional requirements.

Impact on Modern Architecture: The Farnsworth House has had a profound influence on modern architecture, particularly in its use of modern materials and its emphasis on openness and transparency.

It serves as a case study in balancing minimalist design with functional living spaces, offering lessons on the importance of considering both form and function in architectural design.

Example 2: The Sydney Opera House by Jørn Utzon

Unique Challenges and Solutions: The Sydney Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and completed in 1973, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

Its distinctive sail-like roof structure posed significant engineering and construction challenges, which required innovative solutions.

The original design, conceived as a series of parabolic arches, was re-engineered as a series of interlocking precast concrete shells to simplify construction and reduce costs.

Utzon’s design was groundbreaking not only for its aesthetic boldness but also for its pioneering use of computer-aided design (CAD) and prefabrication techniques.

These methods allowed for greater precision in the construction process and set a new standard for complex architectural projects.

Materials and Construction Techniques: The use of prefabricated concrete panels for the shells was a significant innovation at the time, enabling the complex curves of the roof to be built more efficiently.

The interior of the Opera House is equally innovative, with its use of local materials such as Australian white birch for the concert hall’s acoustic panelling, enhancing the building’s cultural resonance.

Cultural and Social Impact: The Sydney Opera House is not just an architectural icon; it is a cultural landmark that has had a lasting impact on the identity of Sydney and Australia as a whole.

It represents a bold vision of modern architecture that is deeply connected to its location, with its form inspired by the sails of Sydney Harbour and its materials and construction methods reflecting a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The building has become a symbol of Australian culture and creativity, attracting millions of visitors each year and hosting thousands of performances and events.

Example 3: The Salk Institute by Louis Kahn

Integration with the Natural Environment: Designed by Louis Kahn and completed in 1965, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, is an example of how architecture can harmoniously blend with its natural surroundings.

The Institute’s design emphasizes the relationship between built and natural environments, with a layout that frames stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and incorporates open spaces that encourage interaction among researchers.

Kahn’s design strategically uses materials like concrete, teak wood, and travertine to create a timeless aesthetic that complements the rugged coastal landscape.

The open courtyard, central to the design, is lined with teak paneling that weathers naturally over time, enhancing the connection between the building and its environment.

Structural Innovations: The Salk Institute features several structural innovations, including its pioneering use of post-tensioned concrete to create large, uninterrupted interior spaces that are ideal for laboratory use.

The building’s design also incorporates flexible lab modules that can be easily reconfigured as scientific needs evolve, demonstrating Kahn’s forward-thinking approach to functionality.

Legacy and Influence on Future Designs: The Salk Institute is widely regarded as one of the most important architectural works of the 20th century, influencing subsequent generations of architects with its thoughtful integration of form, function, and context.

It serves as a model for designing spaces that inspire and support scientific research while also creating a powerful architectural presence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a compelling and informative case study involves more than just documenting the features of a building; it requires a nuanced analysis that captures the essence of the design, its context, and its impact.

However, there are common pitfalls that can detract from their effectiveness, leading to incomplete or biased conclusions. By recognizing and avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your analysis is thorough, insightful, and valuable.

01 Overlooking Contextual Factors

One of the most significant mistakes in architecture case studies is neglecting the contextual factors that influence a building’s design and function.

Every architectural project is deeply rooted in its context, which includes the physical site, cultural and historical background, and environmental conditions.

Ignoring these elements can result in a superficial analysis that fails to explain the rationale behind design decisions.

Avoiding the Mistake: To avoid this, make sure to conduct a comprehensive site analysis that covers all relevant contextual aspects.

Consider how the building interacts with its surroundings, how it responds to climatic conditions, and how it fits within the cultural and historical context of the area. This will provide a deeper understanding of the project and allow for a more nuanced critique.

02 Failing to Engage with Multiple Perspectives

A robust architecture case study should include multiple perspectives, incorporating insights from various stakeholders such as the architect, the client, the users, and even the local community.

Focusing solely on the architect’s perspective can lead to a biased analysis that overlooks other critical viewpoints, particularly those of the building’s users who interact with the space daily.

Avoiding the Mistake: Engage with multiple sources of information and viewpoints. Conduct interviews or surveys with different stakeholders to gather a range of opinions on the project’s success and shortcomings.

This will enrich your analysis and provide a more balanced evaluation of the building’s design and performance.

03 Neglecting Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

In today’s world, sustainability is a crucial consideration. However, many case studies fail to adequately address the environmental impact of a building, both during construction and over its lifetime.

This oversight can result in an incomplete analysis that misses important lessons about sustainable design practices and long-term building performance.

Avoiding the Mistake: Ensure that your case study includes a thorough assessment of the building’s sustainability features, such as energy efficiency, material use, waste management, and its adaptability to future needs.

Evaluate the environmental impact of the project throughout its lifecycle, from construction to demolition, to provide a comprehensive view of its sustainability credentials.

04 Focusing Too Much on Aesthetics Over Functionality

While aesthetics are an important aspect of architecture, an overemphasis on visual appeal can overshadow the functional aspects of a building.

Architecture is not just about how a building looks but also about how it works for its intended purpose and users. Case studies that prioritize aesthetics at the expense of functionality may miss critical insights about usability, accessibility, and overall performance.

Avoiding the Mistake: Balance your analysis by equally weighing aesthetic qualities and functional performance. Examine how the design serves its intended purpose, how spaces are organized, and how the building meets the needs of its users.

This holistic approach will provide a more complete picture of the project’s success.

05 Ignoring Post-Occupancy Evaluation

Another common mistake is failing to consider the building’s performance after it has been occupied.

A post-occupancy evaluation (POE) provides real-world insights into how a building functions once it is in use, revealing potential issues that were not apparent during the design or construction phases.

Ignoring this aspect can lead to an incomplete understanding of the building’s effectiveness and user satisfaction.

Avoiding the Mistake: Include a post-occupancy evaluation in your case study to assess the building’s performance in practice. Gather feedback from users to understand their experiences and identify any unforeseen challenges or successes.

This will help you evaluate the building’s long-term impact and relevance.

06 Relying on Outdated or Incomplete Information

Relying on outdated or incomplete information can lead to incorrect conclusions and reduce the credibility of your case study.

The architecture field is constantly evolving, with new technologies, materials, and practices emerging all the time. Using outdated sources may overlook recent changes or developments that impact the project.

Avoiding the Mistake: Ensure that your research is thorough and up-to-date, utilizing the latest sources of information. Cross-check facts from multiple reliable sources and, where possible, obtain first-hand information directly from those involved in the project.

This approach will ensure that your case study is accurate and current.

Best Practices for Presenting your Research

Effectively presenting a case study requires more than just compiling information and analysis. It’s about crafting a narrative that is both informative and engaging, allowing readers to fully understand and appreciate the complexities of the project.

A good presentation should use a combination of clear writing, compelling visuals, and strategic organization to convey its insights. Here are some best practices for presenting architecture case studies.

01 Using Visuals Effectively: Plans, Sections, and Elevations

Visuals are a crucial element of any presentation, and provide readers with a clearer understanding of the project’s design and spatial qualities.

Architectural drawings such as plans, sections, and elevations allow readers to see the building’s layout, structural details, and relationships between different spaces.

High-quality photographs and renderings further help illustrate the building’s materiality, texture, and interaction with light.

Best Practices for Using Visuals:

• Include High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images to ensure clarity and detail. Poor-quality visuals can detract from the professionalism of your case study and make it difficult for readers to understand the project.
• Use a Variety of Visuals: Incorporate different types of visuals, such as floor plans, sections, elevations, and 3D renderings, to provide a comprehensive view of the project.
• Label and Annotate: Clearly label all visuals and provide annotations where necessary to explain key features or design decisions. This helps readers follow along and understand the significance of each visual element.
• Balance Text and Images: Ensure that visuals complement the text rather than overwhelm it. Use visuals strategically to highlight important points and break up large blocks of text to maintain reader engagement.

02 Creating Compelling Narratives

You must tell a compelling story that guides readers through the design process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. A strong narrative helps contextualize the project, making it easier for readers to understand the architect’s intentions and the factors that influenced their decisions.

Best Practices for Creating Narratives:

• Start with a Strong Introduction: Begin with a brief overview of the project, including its location, purpose, and key design challenges. This sets the stage for the rest of the case study and captures the reader’s interest.
• Use a Clear Structure: Organize your case study into logical sections, such as background, design concept, materials and construction, sustainability, and user experience. This makes it easy for readers to follow the progression of the project.
• Include Personal Insights: Whenever possible, include quotes or insights from the architect, clients, or users to add a personal touch and provide different perspectives on the project.
• Highlight Key Moments: Focus on pivotal moments in the design and construction process that had a significant impact on the outcome. These could include design revisions, construction challenges, or key decisions that shaped the project.

03 Leveraging Digital Tools and Software for Enhanced Presentation

In today’s digital age, there are numerous tools and software available that can enhance the presentation of architecture case studies.

From interactive 3D models to virtual reality (VR) experiences, digital tools can provide readers with a more immersive and engaging way to explore architectural projects.

Best Practices for Leveraging Digital Tools:

• Use Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements such as clickable floor plans, panoramic views, or 3D models that allow readers to explore the project in greater detail.
• Embed Videos and Animations: Use videos or animations to show the design process, construction phases, or even a walk-through of the building. This can bring the project to life and provide a dynamic way to convey information.
• Consider VR and AR Applications: If resources allow, explore virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) applications that provide an immersive experience of the project. This can be particularly useful for complex projects where understanding spatial relationships is crucial.
• Ensure Accessibility: While digital tools can enhance a case study, it’s important to ensure that all content is accessible to readers. Provide alternative formats or descriptions for interactive elements to accommodate different user needs.

05 Engaging the Reader

Beyond visuals and narratives, the way you write and format your case study can significantly impact reader engagement. Clear, concise writing and thoughtful formatting help maintain reader interest and make your case study more accessible.

Best Practices for Engaging the Reader:

• Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid jargon or overly technical language that may alienate some readers. Instead, aim for clear and concise language that is accessible to a broad audience.
• Break Up Text with Subheadings and Bullet Points: Use subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break up large blocks of text and make your content easier to digest.
• Include Callouts and Sidebars: Use callouts or sidebars to highlight key points, interesting facts, or quotes from the architect or users. This can add visual interest and draw attention to important information.
• Encourage Interaction: Encourage readers to engage with the content by including questions or prompts for reflection. You could also invite readers to leave comments or share their thoughts on the project.

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To Sum Up…

Case studies are powerful tools for learning, inspiration, and the advancement of architectural knowledge.

By diving deep into the details of design, context, materials, and user experience, case studies provide invaluable insights into the complex decision-making processes that shape our built environment.

They allow us to learn from past successes and failures, understand the impact of design choices, and explore innovative solutions to architectural challenges.

As the profession continues to evolve, so too must the approach to conducting and presenting case studies. Embracing new technologies, such as digital modeling and virtual reality, will enable more immersive and interactive explorations of architectural projects.

Focusing on sustainability and resilience will ensure that future designs meet the needs of both current and future generations, while incorporating diverse perspectives will make architecture more inclusive and reflective of the communities it serves.

By adhering to best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, we can create case studies that are not only comprehensive and engaging but also meaningful and transformative.

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Blog Business How to Present a Case Study like a Pro (With Examples)

How to Present a Case Study like a Pro (With Examples)

Written by: Danesh Ramuthi Sep 07, 2023

Okay, let’s get real: case studies can be kinda snooze-worthy. But guess what? They don’t have to be!

In this article, I will cover every element that transforms a mere report into a compelling case study, from selecting the right metrics to using persuasive narrative techniques.

And if you’re feeling a little lost, don’t worry! There are cool tools like Venngage’s Case Study Creator to help you whip up something awesome, even if you’re short on time. Plus, the pre-designed case study templates are like instant polish because let’s be honest, everyone loves a shortcut.

Click to jump ahead: 

What is a case study presentation?

What is the purpose of presenting a case study, how to structure a case study presentation, how long should a case study presentation be, 5 case study presentation examples with templates, 6 tips for delivering an effective case study presentation, 5 common mistakes to avoid in a case study presentation, how to present a case study faqs.

A case study presentation involves a comprehensive examination of a specific subject, which could range from an individual, group, location, event, organization or phenomenon.

They’re like puzzles you get to solve with the audience, all while making you think outside the box.

Unlike a basic report or whitepaper, the purpose of a case study presentation is to stimulate critical thinking among the viewers. 

The primary objective of a case study is to provide an extensive and profound comprehension of the chosen topic. You don’t just throw numbers at your audience. You use examples and real-life cases to make you think and see things from different angles.

The primary purpose of presenting a case study is to offer a comprehensive, evidence-based argument that informs, persuades and engages your audience.

Here’s the juicy part: presenting that case study can be your secret weapon. Whether you’re pitching a groundbreaking idea to a room full of suits or trying to impress your professor with your A-game, a well-crafted case study can be the magic dust that sprinkles brilliance over your words.

Think of it like digging into a puzzle you can’t quite crack . A case study lets you explore every piece, turn it over and see how it fits together. This close-up look helps you understand the whole picture, not just a blurry snapshot.

It’s also your chance to showcase how you analyze things, step by step, until you reach a conclusion. It’s all about being open and honest about how you got there.

Besides, presenting a case study gives you an opportunity to connect data and real-world scenarios in a compelling narrative. It helps to make your argument more relatable and accessible, increasing its impact on your audience.

One of the contexts where case studies can be very helpful is during the job interview. In some job interviews, you as candidates may be asked to present a case study as part of the selection process.

Having a case study presentation prepared allows the candidate to demonstrate their ability to understand complex issues, formulate strategies and communicate their ideas effectively.

The way you present a case study can make all the difference in how it’s received. A well-structured presentation not only holds the attention of your audience but also ensures that your key points are communicated clearly and effectively.

In this section, let’s go through the key steps that’ll help you structure your case study presentation for maximum impact.

Let’s get into it. 

Open with an introductory overview 

Start by introducing the subject of your case study and its relevance. Explain why this case study is important and who would benefit from the insights gained. This is your opportunity to grab your audience’s attention.

Explain the problem in question

Dive into the problem or challenge that the case study focuses on. Provide enough background information for the audience to understand the issue. If possible, quantify the problem using data or metrics to show the magnitude or severity.

Detail the solutions to solve the problem

After outlining the problem, describe the steps taken to find a solution. This could include the methodology, any experiments or tests performed and the options that were considered. Make sure to elaborate on why the final solution was chosen over the others.

Key stakeholders Involved

Talk about the individuals, groups or organizations that were directly impacted by or involved in the problem and its solution. 

Stakeholders may experience a range of outcomes—some may benefit, while others could face setbacks.

For example, in a business transformation case study, employees could face job relocations or changes in work culture, while shareholders might be looking at potential gains or losses.

Discuss the key results & outcomes

Discuss the results of implementing the solution. Use data and metrics to back up your statements. Did the solution meet its objectives? What impact did it have on the stakeholders? Be honest about any setbacks or areas for improvement as well.

Include visuals to support your analysis

Visual aids can be incredibly effective in helping your audience grasp complex issues. Utilize charts, graphs, images or video clips to supplement your points. Make sure to explain each visual and how it contributes to your overall argument.

Pie charts illustrate the proportion of different components within a whole, useful for visualizing market share, budget allocation or user demographics.

This is particularly useful especially if you’re displaying survey results in your case study presentation.

Stacked charts on the other hand are perfect for visualizing composition and trends. This is great for analyzing things like customer demographics, product breakdowns or budget allocation in your case study.

Consider this example of a stacked bar chart template. It provides a straightforward summary of the top-selling cake flavors across various locations, offering a quick and comprehensive view of the data.

Not the chart you’re looking for? Browse Venngage’s gallery of chart templates to find the perfect one that’ll captivate your audience and level up your data storytelling.

Recommendations and next steps

Wrap up by providing recommendations based on the case study findings. Outline the next steps that stakeholders should take to either expand on the success of the project or address any remaining challenges.

Acknowledgments and references

Thank the people who contributed to the case study and helped in the problem-solving process. Cite any external resources, reports or data sets that contributed to your analysis.

Feedback & Q&A session

Open the floor for questions and feedback from your audience. This allows for further discussion and can provide additional insights that may not have been considered previously.

Closing remarks

Conclude the presentation by summarizing the key points and emphasizing the takeaways. Thank your audience for their time and participation and express your willingness to engage in further discussions or collaborations on the subject.

Well, the length of a case study presentation can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the needs of your audience. However, a typical business or academic presentation often lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. 

This time frame usually allows for a thorough explanation of the case while maintaining audience engagement. However, always consider leaving a few minutes at the end for a Q&A session to address any questions or clarify points made during the presentation.

When it comes to presenting a compelling case study, having a well-structured template can be a game-changer. 

It helps you organize your thoughts, data and findings in a coherent and visually pleasing manner. 

Not all case studies are created equal and different scenarios require distinct approaches for maximum impact. 

To save you time and effort, I have curated a list of 5 versatile case study presentation templates, each designed for specific needs and audiences. 

Here are some best case study presentation examples that showcase effective strategies for engaging your audience and conveying complex information clearly.

1 . Lab report case study template

Ever feel like your research gets lost in a world of endless numbers and jargon? Lab case studies are your way out!

Think of it as building a bridge between your cool experiment and everyone else. It’s more than just reporting results – it’s explaining the “why” and “how” in a way that grabs attention and makes sense.

This lap report template acts as a blueprint for your report, guiding you through each essential section (introduction, methods, results, etc.) in a logical order.

Want to present your research like a pro? Browse our research presentation template gallery for creative inspiration!

2. Product case study template

It’s time you ditch those boring slideshows and bullet points because I’ve got a better way to win over clients: product case study templates.

Instead of just listing features and benefits, you get to create a clear and concise story that shows potential clients exactly what your product can do for them. It’s like painting a picture they can easily visualize, helping them understand the value your product brings to the table.

Grab the template below, fill in the details, and watch as your product’s impact comes to life!

3. Content marketing case study template

In digital marketing, showcasing your accomplishments is as vital as achieving them. 

A well-crafted case study not only acts as a testament to your successes but can also serve as an instructional tool for others. 

With this coral content marketing case study template—a perfect blend of vibrant design and structured documentation, you can narrate your marketing triumphs effectively.

4. Case study psychology template

Understanding how people tick is one of psychology’s biggest quests and case studies are like magnifying glasses for the mind. They offer in-depth looks at real-life behaviors, emotions and thought processes, revealing fascinating insights into what makes us human.

Writing a top-notch case study, though, can be a challenge. It requires careful organization, clear presentation and meticulous attention to detail. That’s where a good case study psychology template comes in handy.

Think of it as a helpful guide, taking care of formatting and structure while you focus on the juicy content. No more wrestling with layouts or margins – just pour your research magic into crafting a compelling narrative.

5. Lead generation case study template

Lead generation can be a real head-scratcher. But here’s a little help: a lead generation case study.

Think of it like a friendly handshake and a confident resume all rolled into one. It’s your chance to showcase your expertise, share real-world successes and offer valuable insights. Potential clients get to see your track record, understand your approach and decide if you’re the right fit.

No need to start from scratch, though. This lead generation case study template guides you step-by-step through crafting a clear, compelling narrative that highlights your wins and offers actionable tips for others. Fill in the gaps with your specific data and strategies, and voilà! You’ve got a powerful tool to attract new customers.

Related: 15+ Professional Case Study Examples [Design Tips + Templates]

So, you’ve spent hours crafting the perfect case study and are now tasked with presenting it. Crafting the case study is only half the battle; delivering it effectively is equally important. 

Whether you’re facing a room of executives, academics or potential clients, how you present your findings can make a significant difference in how your work is received. 

Forget boring reports and snooze-inducing presentations! Let’s make your case study sing. Here are some key pointers to turn information into an engaging and persuasive performance:

• Know your audience : Tailor your presentation to the knowledge level and interests of your audience. Remember to use language and examples that resonate with them.
• Rehearse : Rehearsing your case study presentation is the key to a smooth delivery and for ensuring that you stay within the allotted time. Practice helps you fine-tune your pacing, hone your speaking skills with good word pronunciations and become comfortable with the material, leading to a more confident, conversational and effective presentation.
• Start strong : Open with a compelling introduction that grabs your audience’s attention. You might want to use an interesting statistic, a provocative question or a brief story that sets the stage for your case study.
• Be clear and concise : Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Get to the point quickly and stay focused on your objectives.
• Use visual aids : Incorporate slides with graphics, charts or videos to supplement your verbal presentation. Make sure they are easy to read and understand.
• Tell a story : Use storytelling techniques to make the case study more engaging. A well-told narrative can help you make complex data more relatable and easier to digest.

Ditching the dry reports and slide decks? Venngage’s case study templates let you wow customers with your solutions and gain insights to improve your business plan. Pre-built templates, visual magic and customer captivation – all just a click away. Go tell your story and watch them say “wow!”

Nailed your case study, but want to make your presentation even stronger? Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your audience gets the most out of it:

Overloading with information

A case study is not an encyclopedia. Overloading your presentation with excessive data, text or jargon can make it cumbersome and difficult for the audience to digest the key points. Stick to what’s essential and impactful. Need help making your data clear and impactful? Our data presentation templates can help! Find clear and engaging visuals to showcase your findings.

Lack of structure

Jumping haphazardly between points or topics can confuse your audience. A well-structured presentation, with a logical flow from introduction to conclusion, is crucial for effective communication.

Ignoring the audience

Different audiences have different needs and levels of understanding. Failing to adapt your presentation to your audience can result in a disconnect and a less impactful presentation.

Poor visual elements

While content is king, poor design or lack of visual elements can make your case study dull or hard to follow. Make sure you use high-quality images, graphs and other visual aids to support your narrative.

Not focusing on results

A case study aims to showcase a problem and its solution, but what most people care about are the results. Failing to highlight or adequately explain the outcomes can make your presentation fall flat.

How to start a case study presentation?

Starting a case study presentation effectively involves a few key steps:

• Grab attention : Open with a hook—an intriguing statistic, a provocative question or a compelling visual—to engage your audience from the get-go.
• Set the stage : Briefly introduce the subject, context and relevance of the case study to give your audience an idea of what to expect.
• Outline objectives : Clearly state what the case study aims to achieve. Are you solving a problem, proving a point or showcasing a success?
• Agenda : Give a quick outline of the key sections or topics you’ll cover to help the audience follow along.
• Set expectations : Let your audience know what you want them to take away from the presentation, whether it’s knowledge, inspiration or a call to action.

How to present a case study on PowerPoint and on Google Slides?

Presenting a case study on PowerPoint and Google Slides involves a structured approach for clarity and impact using presentation slides :

• Title slide : Start with a title slide that includes the name of the case study, your name and any relevant institutional affiliations.
• Introduction : Follow with a slide that outlines the problem or situation your case study addresses. Include a hook to engage the audience.
• Objectives : Clearly state the goals of the case study in a dedicated slide.
• Findings : Use charts, graphs and bullet points to present your findings succinctly.
• Analysis : Discuss what the findings mean, drawing on supporting data or secondary research as necessary.
• Conclusion : Summarize key takeaways and results.
• Q&A : End with a slide inviting questions from the audience.

What’s the role of analysis in a case study presentation?

The role of analysis in a case study presentation is to interpret the data and findings, providing context and meaning to them. 

It helps your audience understand the implications of the case study, connects the dots between the problem and the solution and may offer recommendations for future action.

Is it important to include real data and results in the presentation?

Yes, including real data and results in a case study presentation is crucial to show experience,  credibility and impact. Authentic data lends weight to your findings and conclusions, enabling the audience to trust your analysis and take your recommendations more seriously

How do I conclude a case study presentation effectively?

To conclude a case study presentation effectively, summarize the key findings, insights and recommendations in a clear and concise manner. 

End with a strong call-to-action or a thought-provoking question to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

What’s the best way to showcase data in a case study presentation ?

The best way to showcase data in a case study presentation is through visual aids like charts, graphs and infographics which make complex information easily digestible, engaging and creative. 

Don’t just report results, visualize them! This template for example lets you transform your social media case study into a captivating infographic that sparks conversation.

Choose the type of visual that best represents the data you’re showing; for example, use bar charts for comparisons or pie charts for parts of a whole. 

Ensure that the visuals are high-quality and clearly labeled, so the audience can quickly grasp the key points. 

Keep the design consistent and simple, avoiding clutter or overly complex visuals that could distract from the message.

Choose a template that perfectly suits your case study where you can utilize different visual aids for maximum impact. 

Need more inspiration on how to turn numbers into impact with the help of infographics? Our ready-to-use infographic templates take the guesswork out of creating visual impact for your case studies with just a few clicks.

Related: 10+ Case Study Infographic Templates That Convert

Congrats on mastering the art of compelling case study presentations! This guide has equipped you with all the essentials, from structure and nuances to avoiding common pitfalls. You’re ready to impress any audience, whether in the boardroom, the classroom or beyond.

And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Venngage’s Case Study Creator is your trusty companion, ready to elevate your presentations from ordinary to extraordinary. So, let your confidence shine, leverage your newly acquired skills and prepare to deliver presentations that truly resonate.

Go forth and make a lasting impact!

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How To Write A Case Study [Template plus 20+ Examples]

In an era where every niche seems completely saturated, learning how to write a case study is one of the most important time investments you can make in your business.

That’s because case studies help you present a compelling story of success to bottom-of–funnel decision makers. Do it right, and a solid case study can greatly increase your chances of closing new deals.

A 2023 study from the Content Marketing Institute found that 36% of B2B marketers consider case studies to be effective tools for converting prospects into customers.

In this article, I’ll show you step-by-step exactly how to write a case study that makes an impact. Along the way, I’ll highlight several stellar case studies that illustrate how to do it right.

What you will learn

• What a case study is and what it's not.
• How an effective case study can help establish you as an expert and land more clients.
• How to choose the right topic for your case study, taking into account client successes and broad appeal in your customer's industry.
• The essential parts of a good case study and how to write each one.
• Style and formatting points that will make your case study stand out for readers to understand.
• 4 tips for conducting an effective client interview.
• 6 real-life case studies that you can use as examples for creating your own customer stories.

What is a case study?

A case study is a detailed story about how your products or services helped a client overcome a challenge or meet a goal. Its main purpose is to prove to potential customers that you understand their problems and have the experience and expertise to help solve them.

But, even though a case study can help you attract and win customers, it's not just an advertisement for your offerings.

In truth, your company shouldn’t even be the main focus of a good case study.

Instead, a winning case study follows a successful business transformation from beginning to end and shows how you made it all possible for your client.

An example of a case study that conveys a strong customer story is the deep dive we did into how ClickUp used SurferSEO to boost their blog traffic by 85% in a year.

Why you should write a case study

The most obvious reason why you should write a case study is that it's a great way to show potential customers how others in their position have benefited from your product or service.

Here are a few of the key benefits of writing a case study, all of which can help you turn readers into customers.

Demonstrates expertise 

A well-written case study shows clearly how your company solved a complex problem or helped a particular customer make improvements using your solution.

This is the sort of expertise other potential clients will look for when they run into the same sort of issues.

For instance, one of CrowdStrike's case studies shows how they helped Vijilan scale its logging capacity so they could stop turning away business.

This positions CrowdStrike as experts in helping deal with log management issues.

Other companies dealing with their own logging problems will definitely find this to be a compelling story. And you can bet CrowdStrike will be on their short list of potential solution providers after reading this case study.

Educates potential customers 

You might have the best product on the market, but it won't do you any good if potential clients don't understand how it might help them.

A case study breaks down those barriers by showing real-life examples of your product in action, helping other customers solve their problems.

A good example is the Trello case study library .

Each story gives detailed examples showing how the customer uses Trello and includes actual screenshots from their workflows.

Here is an interesting snapshot from the BurgerFi example.

Here, you get a glimpse of a live Trello board that BurgerFi uses to manage their marketing assets.

By showing how existing clients use your product, you make it a lot easier for future customers to imagine how it might work for their needs, too.

Generates leads 

A strong case study is a valuable piece of content that provides insights and can help companies make decisions.

Many of them would be happy to give you their contact information in exchange for the chance to read about potential solutions to their problems.

That combination of valuable content and a hungry market makes case studies great tools for lead generation.

You can either gate part of your case study and leave the rest of it public, or require an email address and other contact information in order to download the full study.

That's the approach Pulsara took in detailing how their telehealth communication platform helped EvergreenHealth improve efficiency:

The names and addresses you collect with this approach will be about as warm as you could ever hope for since they probably have the same sort of problems you solved in your case study.

Along the same lines, case studies can be extremely effective in upselling or cross-selling other products to the decision-makers who read them.

And they are great tools for persuading a client to make a purchase with you.

Indeed, a great case study can often be the "final straw" that lands you a client considering your services.

A 2023 survey by Uplift Content , for example, found that 39% of SaaS marketers ranked case studies as being very effective for increasing sales.

That made it their #1 tactic for the second year in a row.

Builds trust 

Potential clients want to know that they can trust you to handle their business with care and to deliver on your promises.

A case study is the perfect vehicle to show that you can do just that.

Take advantage of that opportunity to present statistics, client testimonials, graphics, and any other proof that you can get results.

For example, in their case study about helping a law firm uncover critical data for a tricky case, Kroll shows us just how much they were able to cut through the noise:

Any law firm staring at its own pile of documents to search through would love to have that haystack reduced by a factor of 32.5x, too.

And Sodexo makes good use of customer testimonials in their case studies, like this quote from the procurement lead for a Montana mining company.

Having existing customers tell the world that they count on you is powerful free advertising and builds trust with your readers. That can help transform them into customers down the road.

Provides social proof 

You can also use your case study to show that your product or service works in a specific industry.

Real-world examples of customer success stories position you as someone their peers and competitors can turn to, too.

For instance, Stericycle details how they helped seven children's hospitals get a handle on their "sharps" management:

They also include glowing quotes from hospital leaders in the same study.

Other hospitals looking for help in disposing of their hazardous waste will know right away after reading this study that Stericycle understands their needs.

This is the type of social proof that can really help establish you as a go-to solution for the industries you serve.

How to choose a subject for your case study

In order to get the most bang for your buck from your case study, you need to make sure you pick a topic that resonates with your target audience. And one that can make your solution look its best.

Below are 4 ways to select the best subject for your case study.

1. Choose a popular topic

Make sure the topic you tackle in your case study is one that most of your potential clients are searching for.

You may be tempted to highlight an unusual project that you find especially interesting. But that usually won't have the same sort of selling power as a topic with more broad appeal.

For instance, Aruba Networks has helped colleges and universities with all sorts of networking projects. Some of those involve really fascinating edge cases like research labs, esports arenas, and other innovative solutions.

But what most schools are looking for in a network upgrade is improving connectivity across campus while enhancing security and saving money.

Those are exactly the outcomes Aruba focuses on in its Doane University case study .

Remember that your case study is likely to be read by decision-makers at the bottom of the sales funnel who are ready to buy.

Your content needs to resonate with them and address the questions they want answered in order to make their decision.

Aruba tackles their customers' concerns head-on throughout the Doane study, as you can see from their section headings:

• "Realizing a hyper-connected vision"
• "10X throughput eliminates academic barriers"
• "More secure with less effort"
• "Greener and more resilient at better insurance rates"

College administrators can see at a glance that Aruba understands their needs and has helped other institutions with similar problems.

2. Consider relevance and attractiveness

Although you want to choose a popular subject for your case study (as discussed above), it's also important to make sure it's relevant to your target audience.

For instance, if you provide design services, a one-off project you did to help a local company set up its website might have taught you a lot. But most of your potential readers will be much more interested in reading about how your designs helped that client improve brand perception.

It’s also best to choose a situation where your product or service is used in a way that you expect most potential users to adopt. 

For example, Allegion's Mount Holyoke case study (PDF) details how one campus used their products to move to contactless and mobile entry systems.

Students today demand more control over their physical security than ever before. And the administrative overhead of managing thousands of doors and physical keys on a college campus is enormous.

As a result, most schools are interested in using technology to enable their students and reduce staffing costs.

Allegion hits those points dead-on with this case study.

An added benefit of choosing a topic with broad appeal among your target client base is that you can use the content in your normal distribution channels.

For example, you can publish all or part of it as a blog post, include it in your newsletter, or use it as the basis for a YouTube video. Wherever your audience is, that's probably a good place to promote your case study.

3. Identify a 5 star use case

A case study is like a sales executive for your company.

It needs to show your product or service in the best possible light and highlight its features and benefits while distinguishing it from other products.

Choose a client example that really makes your solution look like a superstar and showcases its most outstanding attributes.

You should also avoid showing your product or service being used in a novel or completely innovative way. While that can provide some solid insight, you risk alienating your typical client who needs to know that you can solve their specific problem.

Instead, your case study should demonstrate how your solution took on a common industry problem and delivered stellar results.

A great example is Beckman Coulter's case study that details their work with Alverno Labs.

The objective was to reduce the time it took Alverno to deliver lab test results while reducing operating costs, which are common goals for many testing labs.

The case study presents a detailed description of how Beckman Coulter implemented a continuous improvement process for Alverno. They enhance the discussion with several meaty visuals like this project roadmap:

They also include plenty of tangible data to prove their success.

And of course, include direct client testimonials:

From top to bottom, this case study proves that Beckman Coulter understands their customers business needs and can offer top-notch solutions.

4. Find a satisfied customer

You're going to need input from your client in order to build the most complete and accurate case study that you can.

So when you're trying to choose a customer story to use, look for a client who is happy to share their positive experience working with you.

Try to find one who seems genuinely eager to talk so that they will be timely with their responses to your questions.

If you have a customer who is willing to sit down for an actual interview with you, they're a great candidate. You'll get answers quickly, and the client is obviously comfortable enough with your relationship to talk with you directly.

A good example that focuses on a satisfied client comes from Aerofloat, an Australian wastewater treatment company.

In their Norco Food Case Study , Aerofloat reports that Norco hired them for additional projects as a result of their successful prior engagement:

It's always good to show prospective clients that your existing customers stick with you.

So try to pick a case study done in collaboration with a current client, not one from the past.

Aerofloat also highlights their ongoing relationship with Norco by also including them in the customer list on their About page:

How to write a case study

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of writing a case study and figured out how to pick the best topic for your situation, it’s time to get down to the business of writing.

Below is a rundown of the sections that make up the structure of a typical case study. For each piece, I’ll show you what types of content you should include and give you an example of a study that does it right.

Here are 8 tips to writing a case study.

1. Attention grabbing title

The title of your case study needs to grab potential readers attention and convince them that this is a valuable piece of content.

Make your title catchy, concise, and descriptive, just like you would for a good blog post. But you also need to make sure you give your readers a clear idea of what the case study is about.

Offer them at least a hint of the type of results you were able to deliver, too.

It’s a good idea to use numbers here – the higher, the better. It's especially effective if you can show how quickly you got results and how much money your client saved or made as a result of working with you.

Our ClickUp case study that I mentioned earlier is a good example. The full title is

SurferSEO Helps ClickUp Publish 150+ Articles And Achieve Blog Traffic Growth of 85% in 12 Months.

Here are some other case studies that make effective use of numbers in their titles:

• Healthcare Administrative Partners Increases Online Patient Payments by 20% in Two Months
• Case Study: Taylor Kotwa, Sprinter, Increases FTP 7% in 4 months
• Case Study: Lakeview Farms Reduced Downtime by 36% in 6 Months
• CASELY case study: Improved first response time by 10x while experiencing 16,954% growth

This type of headline gives potential clients a sense that you will work with urgency to improve their bottom-line results.

2. Hook readers in your introduction

The introduction of your case study should set the stage for the comprehensive narrative that follows.

Give a brief description of the problem for context and quickly introduce the customer's story. Touch on the results you helped them achieve, but don't go overboard on details.

Overall, the introduction should give your reader just enough information to keep them engaged and ready to move into the heart of the case study.

It should also establish that they're in the right place and that you are the right person to be telling this story.

This case study about the cybersecurity program at Investors Bank includes a solid example of an effective introduction:

3. Highlight the challenge

This section should clearly outline the problem or challenge that your customer is facing.

Help your readers understand why a solution was necessary, and why that specific pain point was bothering the client. 

And, since this is the entire motivation for the project in the first place, don't skimp on details.

For instance, one of Verkada's case studies explains why maintaining security cameras is a huge challenge for Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington state. They start off with a direct quote from the resort's IT director:

The elevation tops out at a little over 7,000 feet, so the weather conditions can get extreme. We needed durable cameras capable of handling everything from snowstorms to 100 MPH winds.

That makes it crystal clear what sort of problem Crystal Mountain was facing.

The case study then adds more detail with separate subsections about hardware durability, image quality, and cumbersome footage retrieval.

By the time they finish reading this section, your readers should have no doubt about what the problem is and why a solution is needed.

4. Solve their problem

The solution section is one of the most important parts of a case study.

This is your chance to describe how your product or service provided a solution to the problem or challenge your client was having.

It's where you can really start to make a connection with potential new clients by showing them that you understand the issue at hand.

First, provide some details about how you analyzed the situation. The Kroll case study on handling critical legal data mentioned earlier does a great job of this with bullet points describing their research process.

This type of analysis helps build confidence that you take a thorough approach to your engagements and are looking out for your clients best interests.

Now you can move on to describe the solution you and your client chose based on your investigation.

In their legal case study, Kroll determined that the best solution involved digitizing thousands of paper documents and using AI to analyze more than a million documents.

Kroll describes in detail how they used their RelativityOne system to achieve those goals:

This level of detail helps prospective customers better understand the root cause of their problems and positions you as the right company to solve them.

5. Showcase your results

The results section is all about proving that you can actually deliver on the promise of your proposed solution. Go heavy on the details here, too, and make sure your readers understand the results you achieved.

Wherever possible, use specific numbers and data points to show exactly how effective your solution was for your client.

A good example is this BetterBricks case study showing how they helped an aerospace company slash energy costs.

They distilled their bottom line results into a simple table:

The text of the study then goes into more detail about what these numbers mean, but this quick graphic lets readers know right away the scope of the results achieved.

Here is a sampling of BetterBrick’s more detailed explanation of their results in this case:

This is your place to really crow about the success you achieved with your client, so make it as obvious as possible just how impactful you were.

6. Use multimedia well

One way to make a lasting impression on potential clients is to include relevant visuals throughout your case study.

Graphs, screenshots, and product photos help break up the text and make your study more engaging overall.

But they can also add details to your story and make a memorable visual impact beyond what mere words can accomplish.

We got a taste of that with the table of results in the BetterBricks example above, but that's just the start.

Inrix is a good example of a company that loads up its case studies with insightful and engaging media to tell a better story.

For instance, in their breakdown of a collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT), Inrix uses charts, tables, and graphs throughout.

One innovative example is this diagram about crash distances:

This really brings the idea to life in a way that words alone can't, and it's likely to stick with readers long after they've clicked off the case study.

Other types of media that companies use to good effect in their case studies include pictures of key client stakeholders, interactive charts, tables, and simple graphs.

You can see in this high-level overview that Inrix includes most of these in their Pennsylvania DOT case study:

You can even use video to demonstrate your solution or to share a client testimonial.

If possible, include direct quotes from your client to add authenticity to the case study.

This will show potential customers that you and your existing client have a good relationship and that they value your work.

It’s pretty compelling stuff to have a ringing endorsement like this one from an EnergyCAP case study , to show your readers:

You can place customer quotes throughout the case study to highlight important points, and you should definitely try to include at least one that shows overall customer satisfaction.

Chances are you have some of these quotes already in the form of testimonials or as part of the customer interview you conducted in preparing for your case study (more on that later).

You can use those quotes here if they fit the context of your case study.

That will save time and red tape for both you and your client since they'll be reviewing your final case study before it goes live anyway.

8. Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize the key points of the case study and reinforce the success of the solution. It could also include a call to action, encouraging readers to try your product or service or to get in touch for more information.

You might also include information about future plans with the client to reinforce the idea that your relationship is strong and ongoing.

That's the approach that Gravitate Design used in their case study about helping GoBeyond with their bounce rates and time on page:

Like the introduction, the conclusion section of a case study should be short and sweet, giving just enough detail to make the reader want to hear more from you.

Checklist for case studies

Beyond the story that you want to tell in your case study, you also need to pay attention to several other factors. Indeed, the layout and format of your study can have a big impact on how effective it is at keeping your readers engaged and delivering your message.

Here is a quick checklist for creating case studies.

Break up the text with headings and subheadings

Big blocks of text can be intimidating and make it tough for your audience to stay on track.

In contrast, a case study with clear headings and subheadings throughout breaks up the story and gives readers visual clues about what's coming.

This also makes the case study easier for readers to scan and helps you keep each section focused on a single idea.

Use bullet points for lists or key points

Along the same lines, bullet points let you present important information in small bits that are easy for readers to digest.

Some of the best uses of bullet points include:

• A series of facts or tips
• A list of product features or benefits
• A quick summary of results
• Steps in a how-to procedure
• A rundown of multiple statistics

For these bite-sized hunks of detail, bullets often make for a much cleaner and readable list than jamming all the information into a single paragraph. 

Bullet point lists also make great quick references for readers to come back to later.

Highlight key points with bold or italic text

Bold and italic text draws the reader’s eyes to the words you highlight, which lets you really drive home key ideas in your case study.

You can use this technique to introduce new terms, place emphasis on a sentence, and showcase important parts of your approach or results.

Like bullet points, bold and italic text also give readers a visual anchor for reference as they’re working through your document.

Make paragraphs short and to-the-point

Aim for 3-4 sentences per paragraph to keep the text readable and engaging. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea to support the subject of the section it’s in.

Using short paragraphs tells readers at a glance that there are break points throughout your case study and helps keep them engaged.

Keep consistent length across the case study 

Throughout all parts of your case study, try to cover your main points in detail without overwhelming the reader.

Your potential clients are there to find a possible solution to their problems, not to read a novel.

Give them an inviting document structure and then lead them through each section with clear explanations and no fluff.

Adjust the length based on the complexity of the subject 

The flip side of the tip above about keeping your case study tight and focused is that you need to make sure you cover your topic in detail.

Very complex topics will require more explanation and longer overall case studies than simpler subjects.

For example, a case study about paving a church parking lot might be pretty short.

But a story about implementing a comprehensive information security program for a state government will likely be much longer and more detailed.

Include a summary with some takeaways 

At the end of your case study, summarize the key takeaways and results to reinforce the message you’re trying to get across.

Briefly recap the problem your client was facing, the solution you came up with, and the results you achieved. Think of this as an executive summary that gives business leaders the TL;DR version of your customer’s success story.

Content Snare includes an eye-catching summary in the case study detailing their efforts to grow their email list:

The overall goal is to leave potential clients with a good last impression and invite them to contact you with questions.

Use visuals to break up text and illustrate points

As we saw in the "How to write a case study" section above, graphs, charts, or images can make your case study more engaging and help illustrate key ideas or results. They also add visual variety and help break up the monotony of text-heavy studies.

Use these types of visuals to help keep your readers interested and make your story more complete.

Below is a high-level view of a portion of Advanced HPC’s Philips case study , which does a great job of incorporating the points in this section. It pulls together all the visual elements to create a very appealing reader experience.

4 tips to create an effective case study

You’re going to need your customer’s input in order to craft the most effective case study possible. It’s their story, after all, and they’re the ones who know what it was like to work with you throughout the process.

They also hold key details that you probably don’t know.

So, once you have their permission to write about the project, you’ll need to talk to them about the specifics. But you also want to respect their time.

Here are 4 tips on how to conduct an interview for your case study.

Prepare questions in advance

Know what information you need and prepare questions to pull that information from your client.

Doing this in advance will help you formulate the questions and sequence them properly to avoid bias and wasting time.

Have a few follow-up or emergency questions ready, too, in case you run into a dead end. 

Record the interview

With your client’s permission, record the interview to ensure accuracy and so you can come back to listen to important points again.

This helps you avoid bothering your clients with follow-up questions and also gives you more freedom to let the interview evolve in a natural conversational manner. 

Make the interviewee comfortable

Explain the interview process to your client, why you're asking them to talk, and how the information will be used. Remember that you are the one who “needs” the case study, not them. 

So you go the extra mile to ensure that your guest is as comfortable as possible.

That also means being flexible with the format of your interview.

If your client doesn’t have time for calls, offer to trade voice notes. Or give them a shared Google document for trading questions and answers.

And if you do end up conducting a live interview, agree to meet at a time that’s best for them.

No matter how you end up conducting your interview, make it clear that your client will be able to review the final version before you make it live.

Give them veto power over any of the information you put together.

Ask open-ended questions

Even though you’ll start out with a series of questions you need answered, don’t limit yourself to those. Instead, encourage your interviewee to share their story in their own words. 

Leave some room to ask open-ended questions and let the conversation evolve naturally.

Here are a few examples of the types of questions for discussion:

• What would you do differently if you were starting this project again?
• What do you think about XYZ emerging technology in relation to your industry's challenges?
• What sorts of other projects do you think Acme's solution might help with?
• How do your company's day-to-day operations and needs from how the relevant theories describe the industry?

Especially if you’re recording the interview, as suggested above, you can go back later and put things in a logical order.

Once you have all of the raw material, then you can curate the information and edit it to come up with your final product.

6 case study examples to follow

Now that you know what makes a great case study and how to write one, let's finish up with a few more top-notch business case study examples.

Each of the case studies below hits many of the points in this article, but they all take a different approach. Use them for inspiration or when you need a little refresher on how to write a case study.

This case study provides a detailed account of how Monograph, a B2B SaaS company, improved its marketing projects and reporting using Databox.

It's a pretty straightforward example of the best practices we've discussed in this article, with an introduction followed by background information on the company (Monograph) and the challenges they faced with manual tracking of each data point.

It describes the solution that Databox helped put in place and then shows clear evidence of the results their customer achieved:

Case studies don't come much more textbook than this one, which makes it a great example to follow.

Growth Design on Airbnb

Growth Design takes a totally unique approach to case studies, each one is an online comic book!

Read through their case study about Airbnb , though, and you'll see that it meets all the criteria for a complete case study even if the setup is a little different than most.

Here is a look at the landing page for this beauty of a study.

The author starts out with a problem: the need to book a place to stay in a foreign country in a hurry. So he heads to Airbnb but ends up overwhelmed by choices and bounces to Google Maps to make his reservation.

He concludes that Airbnb was not the full solution for him in this case and suggests several places they could make improvements.

It's a pretty neat dive into a well-known user experience, and it's also a great lesson in how to use visuals to keep your readers engaged in your case study.

This case study about how Grubhub used Webflow to build a viral marketing campaign hits you with stunning results right off the bat.

From there, the study tells the full story of how they achieved these results. Even though the author doesn't explicitly break out the problem, solution, and results sections, she still takes the reader through that journey.

It's a concise but complete story broken up by a few choice graphics.

This case study dives into how Employment Hero uses Slack to keep their remote employees engaged and productive as the company grows.

It details how Employee Hero continuously reevaluates its app usage to identify possible solutions to issues that arise and how Slack consistently helps meet the challenges.

This case study is a great example of picking a use case that is relevant to most of Slack's user base -- improving communication and productivity among remote employees.

Slack also makes effective use of quotes from the decision makers at Employment Hero.

We already talked about our ClickUp case study a little earlier in this article, but it's worth a deeper look as an example to help guide your writing.

As you would expect, this case study hits main points we've covered here: problem statement, solution, and results.

But there are a couple of "extras" that make this one stand out.

For starters, it doesn't just present a single solution. It presents three , each one addressing a different aspect of ClickUp's objectives and each one showcasing a different Surfer feature set. 

For example, solution #1 describes how ClickUp improved their on-page SEO with the help of Surfer’s Content Editor . 

This case study also provides a high-level view of ClickUp’s project management processes and describes how they incorporated Surfer into their content workflows.

It’s a really instructive example of how you can use a case study to help prospective clients envision how your product might fit their situation.

Zoom’s library

This one isn't a single case study at all but a library full of case studies designed to help potential clients understand how Zoom can benefit them.

Here you'll find stories about how very recognizable organizations like Capital One, Vox Media, and the University of Miami are using Zoom to boost connectivity and productivity among remote workers.

There are plenty of good examples here that you can consult when you get stuck writing your own case study.

And the entire library is a great example of using case studies to demonstrate expertise with the help of social proof:

The Zoom case study library also makes liberal use of video, which might give you some good ideas about how you can, too.

Key takeaways

• Case studies are one of the best ways to generate leads and convert readers into customers.
• By showcasing the success you've had helping previous customers, case studies position you as an expert in your field.
• Good case studies can be the final push businesses need in their decision making process to buy your products or services.
• Pick a use case for your study that has broad appeal in your industry and that showcases your products and services in the best light possible.
• Effective case studies follow a predictable format: introduction, problem statement, solution, results, and conclusion.
• Make your case studies as readable as possible by including visual elements like graphs and images, and by breaking up the text into smaller sections, subsections, and concise paragraphs.
• Be as thorough and accurate as possible by conducting client interviews to gather background information for your case studies.
• Follow top-notch case studies for inspiration and ideas about how to make your own case studies as good as possible.

A well-written case study shines a light on your products and services like nothing else and helps position you as an expert in your field.

By showing that you understand their problems and have helped others overcome similar issues, you can prove to prospective clients that you are well-suited to help them, too.

Use the step-by-step instructions in this article to craft a case study that helps you and your company stand out from the competition.

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11 Tips For Creating a More Effective Case Study (With Examples)

Are you using case studies to promote your business? If you’re not, it’s a good idea to consider including them in your content marketing.

Because case studies are a powerful tool to increase sales and drive conversions.

They provide real-life examples of how your brand helps customers reach their goals.

An in-depth case study highlights your successes and allows you to show rather than tell prospective customers how you can help them reach their goals.

However, writing a solid case study can be a challenge. Many examples I see online are bland, thin, and don’t deliver the value they could.

It’s time to change that. In this article, I detail 11 actionable tips explaining how to write a case study.

Let’s get started with tip number one.

1. Write About Someone Your Ideal Customer Will Relate To

Do you know who your ideal customer is ? If it’s someone in the education industry, make case studies about your university customers. If it’s someone in the automobile industry, make your case studies about auto parts and accessories manufacturers. Whatever niche you’re in, case studies give you the perfect way to reach your target market.

The goal is to ensure that your case study shows prospective customers that you are:

• comfortable in their industry
• understand their industry’s specific needs
• know how to give their industry targeted results

Think about it on a smaller level, such as when you’re reading a how-to blog post — most posts are geared toward average readers.

However, when you see a post explicitly designed for your needs (such as online marketing for the healthcare industry), you are more likely to understand and apply the information.

The same is true with case studies – people who read about results in their industry can see the possibilities. Writing case studies also positions you as an expert in your sector, helping to boost your authority and give consumers confidence.

2. Tell the Story from Start to Finish

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, storytelling matters . Telling a memorable story as a content writer sets you apart and positions you as the go-to expert in your industry.

Storytelling is the most powerful way to breathe life into your content and brand. It’s the art of communicating an event, project, or experience in an interesting and relatable manner.

In a nutshell, it’s about time you tap into the power of storytelling if you want your readers to really know your customers.

When you’re considering writing a case study, look at:

• Who is the sample customer, and what do they do?
• What were the customer’s goals?
• What were the customer’s needs?
• How did you satisfy those needs and help customers meet their goals?

Then, apply the same rules as you would with any other form of storytelling by including a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Interesting Beginning

The image below shows how Nick Francis from HelpScout started his story with a strong line. You have to keep reading after such a captivating beginning.

Expository Middle

Remember that this is the meat of your story – the main body.  It must resonate with people. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

• Use persuasive words, encouraging people to act.
• Lay out your thoughts and advice clearly by using bulleted points.
• Include interactive videos to make your story truly engaging. 
• Go straight to the point; avoid needless words.
• Outline the results your existing clients and students achieved by working with you.

For inspiration on the above, look at the NP digital case study library .

Action-Oriented Conclusion

Make your conclusion action-oriented. In other words, tell y our prospects what to do next and how to do it.

However, don’t bore readers and potential clients after you’ve persuaded them with a high-quality expository middle.

Remember to include a course of action in every phase of your client acquisition process . Otherwise, you’ll lose out on motivated clients.

When concluding your story-based case study, you can ask simple interview questions to avoid being sales-y or pushy. 

Later, you can follow up with the customer in the case study and update it to show how your clients continue to reap the benefits.

Finally, highlight emotional benefits and hard numbers. Did your solution improve morale, increase employee retention, or allow workers to focus on less tedious tasks?

This allows readers to see that your goal is to help with immediate needs and to deliver long-term results.

3. Structure Your Case Study to Persuade

Writing a case study only builds credibility if you know how to structure it. Don’t forget there are a gazillion case studies out there that no one cares about.

How do you write a case study that gets noticed above the noise? You need the power to persuade. Think Robert Collier, David Ogilvy, and Gary Halbert.

These copywriters are still talked about today, and they all know how to create persuasive copy by:

• Using emotional language to connect with an audience
• Focusing on the benefits of a product or service and not just the features
• Highlighting your audience’s pain points and positioning your product/service as the solution
• Including testimonials, or social proof as we most often refer to it today

You can apply these same steps to writing a case study that resonates with your audience. However, there are other approaches you could take, like telling the story from the perspective of a happy customer.

Case Study Outline Example

Here’s an example outline for a case study: 

• Introduction: Start with a brief overview of the problem your customer faced. Include a background of the company and the product/service you used to help resolve their issues.
• The Challenge: Clearly define the challenge or issue that led to the case study. This should include the impact, scope, and duration of the problem.
• The Solution: Next, explain the solution or strategy you implemented to address the challenge. Include the unique approach, resources, and other vital details.
• The Implementation: This section should cover how your company executed the solution, including timelines, roles and responsibilities of team members, and other details about the implementation process.
• The Results: Highlight the outcomes of the strategy, including the specific impact on customer satisfaction ratings, customer retention, and other metrics. Use graphs and charts to showcase the results.
• Conclusion: Finally, conclude with a recap of the problem, the solution adopted, and the results achieved. Also, include any additional insights, learnings, and recommendations for future improvements.
• References: Include references or sources that support the case study. This ensures credibility and can help readers further understand the solution and outcomes presented in the case study. For instance, include a screenshot of the increased conversions and quotes from your client.

4. Make Your Case Study Easy to Read

No one wants to read one huge chunk of text, no matter how interesting and informative it might be. Case studies, like blog posts, should be scannable and easy to read .

Be sure to use good content formatting elements as you would with articles, blog posts, and copywriting on your website, including:

• bulleted lists
• bold or italicized text

In addition to providing excellent SEO value for your case studies page, these formatting elements will help your readers (especially those that like to skim) find the most important parts of your case study and understand the value you deliver.

Consider adding multimedia elements in addition to written content, such as videos, PDFs, and images, to mix it up and make the content more engaging.

Images of the actual customer results dashboards, and even video interviews make your case study easier to read and more compelling.

• Include a clear introduction that offers context and outlines the main problem or challenges your case study covers.
• Use quotes and testimonials from customers or clients to add credibility and make the case study more relatable.
• Include a conclusion or summary that ties everything together and highlights the key takeaways.

Another way to produce case studies is with before and after images. We’ll look at an example next.

5. Provide Clear “Before and After” Examples

Fitness experts tend to use this strategy most effectively. You’ve all seen the “Before and After” example images of people who have lost a dramatic amount of weight.

When people want to lose weight or build muscle, purchasing any product or program often depends on the “before and after” images. Take a look at this example from Fit Father Project:

These case studies work well because they show what’s possible and what the program can help you achieve. There are few better ways to advertise a fitness business.

However, even as an internet marketer, you can still use the “before and after” when writing a case study.

You’ve got to understand that when prospective clients are seriously looking for the best solution or service provider to hire, they don’t want to hear or see anything except the results.

It’s not enough to highlight product features and benefits. That can help, but the real motivation usually comes from measurable results.

In your case study, you can showcase your clients’ challenges before they began using your product.

Showing the transition from before to after that product, strategy, or approach can persuade clients to hire you more than any other tactic.

I always do this when I host a live webinar or write a post, and you can do this when writing a case study, too.

6. Include Real Numbers

Have you ever read case studies where a business states they “doubled traffic” for the customer in their case study and wondered if that meant they went from 100 to 200 visits or 10,000 to 20,000 visits?

When writing a case study, you need to be specific. Share exactly how much your increased traffic, revenue, or whatever goals matter to your customers. Put the numbers out there. Including this data makes your case study more believable and helps build trust in your brand.

Instead of saying you doubled their traffic, provide specific, accurate numbers and (if possible) actual proof through charts, graphs, or analytics data.

Remember that only some people are as familiar with analytics technology as you are, so highlight the most important pieces of data and provide context as to why it matters.

Here’s an example from Page One :

This way, the reader can see where the customer began and where the customer ended up with your help.

Plus, having the picture proof can help the reader envision exactly what you might do for them, making your case study that much more powerful.

7. Talk About Specific Strategies in Your Case Study

You’ve doubled a website’s traffic or sales, right? How did you do it? This is where you sell your products or services simply by saying which ones you used and how they led to the desired result.

Don’t just say, “our online marketing services led to these results.” Instead, say something like, ” A three-month social media campaign focusing on Facebook and YouTube and a five-month link-building campaign led to an increase in rankings and an increase in traffic from 2,000 to 15,000 per month.”

Consider including metrics and data to support the campaign’s success, such as click-through rates, conversions, or engagement metrics. This helps to back up your claims and establish credibility with potential clients or customers.

Don’t worry about giving away your secrets — the goal is to establish your brand as an industry leader, and you need to show you know your stuff.

8. Test Different Content Formats

Writing a case study doesn’t have to follow the typical format. Try different types of case studies, such as video testimonials , where you have your clients answer questions about what they do, their needs, their goals, and how you met them.

Quoting your customer in their own words makes the case study even more relatable to your ideal customer than you telling the story.

Infographics, webinars , testimonials, and even podcasts can also be used to highlight case studies. Don’t get stuck in the same old text-only format — get creative and see what type of content your users respond to.

Here’s a case study example from Venngage that uses a brochure-style case study to highlight how Vortex grew conversion. (Notice the results section that highlights specific gains).

9. Find the Right Competitor to Profile in Your Case Study

Who are your competitors, and what results did they achieve? Profiling your competitor in your case study analysis is a great way to show how your product works.

Not sure how to get started? Check out our step-by-step guide below.

First, let’s find your competitors, in case you don’t know yet who they are.

i).   First step: Go to Semrush.com . Enter your blog URL (e.g., neilpatel.com) into the search box. Then, click on the “search” button.

ii).   Second step: Analyze your competitors. Scroll down through the results, and you’ll see your “Main Organic Competitors”:

iii).  Third step: Research your competitors. From the list of your main organic competitors, you can pick one of them to research.

Visit their website and read a couple of posts. Look for experiments, split tests, case studies, client testimonials, interview questions, etc.

Then, leverage that data in your case study.

In the client’s mind, since a brand offers the same service or sells the same product and it worked, your own offer may also work – all things being equal.

For example, if you’re a software marketer who just started out, you probably don’t have much data or any compelling success stories yet.

However, you can profile other SaaS marketers. You could share the results that Pat Flynn’s clients got or profile Derek Halpern and his students.

Here’s a recent case study where I profiled some of my competitors. I shared how these competitors increased their email open rates.

You don’t even have to showcase data from your core competitors as part of your custom paper.

If you see a brand that’s doing great and making a real impact, you can share its journey and revenue (assuming you have access to it).

Way back in February 2016, Pat Flynn generated over $65,000. You could share a case study on your blog to inspire clients on what’s obtainable.

Your titles could be similar to these:

• Case Study: How Pat Flynn Generated Over $65,000 in February [3-Step Process]
• 7 Steps to Making Over $100,000 From Blogging [Must Read for B2B Marketers]

Not too long ago, I profiled Shopify and shared how the online shopping cart company grew 10x in 3 years .

Is there a benefit of this case study, seeing that it’s not directly related to my blog or the results from my clients?

Well, take a look at the title again. See the underlined section. That’s what matters to any client.

When showcasing the results from competitors or other brands, find a way to provide value.

Help the reader see the possibility of getting similar or even better results. You could showcase results from competitors and use those as a benchmark for your own performance. 

Showcasing competitors’ results also gives you the opportunity to create content highlighting your brand’s unique value proposition or competitive advantages. This can help to differentiate your brand from the competition and make it more appealing to potential customers or clients.

10. Appeal to Different Types of Learners

While some people enjoy reading, others may prefer audio, video, or visual representation of your case study; consider taking your text-based case studies and re-purposing the content as:

• A YouTube video
• An engaging infographic (Hubspot has a list of 20 to inspire you).

The bonus of YouTube videos and infographics is that they are easy to share. Your case study could go beyond your site, helping more potential customers discover the benefits of your products/services.

You could also embed your case studies into other types of content — such as an ebook, how-to blog post, or resource guide. Additionally, you might link to your case study from other posts to prove your value, mention it in a webinar, or include numbers in a presentation.

11. Make Your Case Studies Easy to Find

What’s the point of writing a case study if no one reads it? For easy discoverability, keep your case studies organized and easy to find. This means listing them on your website, optimizing them for search , and promoting them in email and social media.

Here are a few case study examples that are easy to find — and, therefore, much more powerful.

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services provides case studies from multiple niches. AWS also makes it easy to look for industry-specific case studies. 

AWS mixes it up with podcasts, videos, and other media types.

What AWS also does well is detail specifics, as we suggested earlier. For instance, in a case study for its client Silverblaze, AWS highlights the 66 percent reduction in annual infrastructure costs.

Drupal provides case studies right on its homepage. Users considering using the solution don’t have to look far to see how other brands are succeeding with Drupal.

Quick Checklist: 11 Steps to Create a Better Case Study

Writing an in-depth case study helps highlight your successes and turn prospects into customers. Here’s how to make them more effective.

• Make it relatable. Highlight a customer similar to your ideal customer so they can relate to the results.
• Tell the whole story from start to finish. That means including a beginning, middle, and end and using storytelling. Don’t just tell how you helped a week out — carry the story through and show how your product or service delivered value weeks or months down the line.
• Structure your case study to persuade.
• Make it easy to read. Your case study should be detailed, but don’t make it dissertation-level. Use clear formatting and casual language.
• Provide before and after case study examples. .
• Include numbers: Storytelling is valuable, but so is proof. Use precise numbers to prove your value.
• Get specific about strategies. If you helped a client double their traffic, discuss how you did it. Did you up their content production, increase on-page SEO , etc.
• Find the right kind of competitor to profile in your case study. Look for competitors in your niche and profile them. Detail their results and let readers know what’s possible.
• Use different formats: Case studies don’t have to be in blog form! Consider videos, infographics, webinars, or even podcasts.
• Appeal to different learners: Some people respond to different kinds of content. Consider including multiple elements, such as an infographic in a blog post, to appeal to all types of learners.
• Make your case studies easy to find: Highlight them on your website, optimize them, and promote them on social media.

Case Study FAQs

What makes a good case study.

A good case study focuses on the customer’s experience and how they benefited from using a product or service.  It should be concise and evergreen, providing contextual details without being overly wordy. Rather than solely promoting the company, a case study should focus on the customer’s problem, how your product or service provided a solution, and the results your customer got.

What is the format of a case study report?

Typically, a case study details your customer’s problem, followed by the solution provided by the product or service, results, and data analysis. It also includes any limitations or challenges encountered and a conclusion with key takeaways. Case studies can come in a variety of formats from videos to infographics to text with images strategically placed throughout.

How long should a case study be?

The length varies, but they usually range from 500-1,500 words. Be sure to keep it to the point and don’t add copy just to make it longer.

What are the most important parts of a case study?

The most important parts of a case study typically include:

• The problem or challenge faced by the customer or client.
• The solution or approach provided by the product or service being studied.
• The results and data analysis of the solution or approach.
• The limitations or challenges encountered during the process.
• A conclusion or key takeaways that summarize the overall impact of the solution or approach.

Additionally, you can include a well-crafted title and executive summary that capture the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the case study.

Make it relatable, easy to read, and use storytelling. That’s the simplest way to build a case study. 

It starts with research. Ask your customers to fill out a short form highlighting how you helped them reach their goals — and be sure to ask for specific results.

Explain how the case study will help them by increasing brand awareness and link opportunities. Remember, a highly effective case study helps both you and your client build trust and reach a wider audience.

Then mix it up with different formats, ensuring you’re appealing to different learners, and apply the other tips in this article. 

I bet that was easier than you thought, wasn’t it? 

Keep trying different methods to find the ones that hit home with your clients, and you’ll soon be writing case studies that secure new leads .

How do you feel about building a client case study and then using them on your website? Share your thoughts below.

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About the author:

Co Founder of NP Digital & Owner of Ubersuggest

He is the co-founder of NP Digital . The Wall Street Journal calls him a top influencer on the web, Forbes says he is one of the top 10 marketers, and Entrepreneur Magazine says he created one of the 100 most brilliant companies. Neil is a New York Times bestselling author and was recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by President Obama and a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 35 by the United Nations.

source: https://neilpatel.com/blog/creating-a-great-case-study/

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Case Study Checklist: How Manufacturers Can Produce a Quality Marketing Case Study Every Time

by Greg Mischio | Case Studies

Consistency is important in your marketing communications and your workflow. This Case Study Checklist will help ensure you’ve literally checked all the boxes en route to producing a great case study.

The checklist is based on our post: “ How to Write a Case Study: A Complete Guide for Manufacturing Marketing Teams .” Refer to this post for more in-depth explanations for each of the areas listed below.

Get the checklist –

No email required.

Click to download

1. Strategy: Strategize before you editorialize

Before you do anything, make sure you have a solid strategy for your case study by answering these key questions:

☐ What’s your goal with the case study? 

☐ What type of prospect are you targeting? 

☐ How will you use the case study?

☐ Who owns the relationship with the client on your team? 

☐ What should you know about the client before proceeding?

2. Selection: Choosing your top case study prospects

Once you have the big-picture strategy aligned, now it’s time to narrow your client list even further, based on the following criteria:

☐ Identify client(s) that is ready, willing, and able to say positive things about you. (List here.)

☐ Find recent work you’ve conducted that’s worthy of sharing.

☐ Choose client and work that is relevant to your goal.

3. Pitch: Making the case to clients 

Now it’s time to reach out to the client.

☐ Create an email or phone script, which should include the following attributes:

☐ Explain how they’ll benefit from the case study.  

☐ Keep it short. 

☐ Explain why you want to do this now. 

☐ Give a deadline.

☐ Thank them for their participation in advance.

☐ Make contact with client.  

☐ Confirm either Yes or No.

4. Create a formalized “pitch package” 

This is a more formal document that can be shared with other members of the company to describe the parameters of the case study.

Create a document that:

☐ Summarizes the points in the pitch from above.

☐ Reassures them it won’t take a lot of time and that they have the final say for approving material.

☐ Explains the interview process.

☐ Makes it as easy as possible for them to schedule a time through something like a Calendly link. 

☐ Provides samples of previous case studies, or find ones on the Internet that you will emulate.

5. Scheduling and conducting the interview

Now it’s time to reach out to the client and conduct the interview. It’s essential you speak directly with the client to capture their words.

☐ Document your step-by-step process for the interview (if different from this checklist). ☐ Schedule a phone or Zoom interview (1-2 people maximum). ☐ Use a recording device to record the interview.  

☐ Review client’s background, company and the particular way you helped them.

☐ Create a list of questions for them to review.

☐ Ask questions about experience.

☐ Ask questions about impact. 

☐ Send questions to them a week before the interview. 

☐ Ask for graphics, videos to help tell the story. 

☐ Ask for stories or personal anecdotes to add.

6. Writing the case study

Integrate these key case study elements as you create your content.

☐ Choose a format for your company. “Challenge-Solution-Results” is solid, but don’t feel the need to be restricted to those words.

☐ Write 5-30 different headlines — choose the best. 

☐ Include numerics or goals achieved in headline.  

☐ Explain who you helped and what you did in headline, but save how for the case study.

☐ Use charts and graphics to tell the story.

☐ Limit the company details for your client — feature in a sidebar.

☐ Showcase your own people.

☐ Craft a specific call to action.

7. Boost your readability: Use proven methods that work for large bodies of content

We’ve listed a number of tried-and-true tactics we use with any type of writing. They definitely apply to case studies.

☐ Keep length to 2-5 pages.

☐ Use paragraphs only 1-3 lines in length (when possible).

☐ Use subheads (H2, H3, H4).

☐ Use paragraph subheads to break up the writing. 

☐ Use visuals for every page scroll.

☐ Use bullets, numbered lists.

☐ Use parallel form on bullet headers. 

☐ Make the writing lively.  

☐ Let the article sit overnight, then review and cut your word count by 10%.

☐ Integrate video and audio where possible.

8. Distribution: Getting the word out

After all that time and effort, you want to maximize the case study’s exposure. How? By leveraging the power of repurposing. Case studies can be used throughout the sales funnel.

Top of funnel

☐ Take the interview transcript, clean it up and edit, get it approved by the client, and, presto, you have a great Q&A blog post.

☐ Use it in your email subject line. 

☐ Print it out for trade show handouts.

☐ Post it to social media feeds. 

☐ Grab attention with Facebook and LinkedIn ads, then set a retargeting ad based on views of the page.

☐ Include a downloadable case study with your CTA.

☐ Use testimonial quotes on your landing pages or website pages.

☐ Use in email outreach and put quotes or stats in subject lines.

☐ Make a SlideShare presentation out of it.

☐ Use the case study itself as a lead magnet: How we solved this problem for this kind of company.

Middle of funnel

☐ Send along with your RFPs.

☐ Share in pitch meetings.

☐ Equip your sales team with them.

☐ Add to newsletters.

☐ Drip the story with an email series.

☐ Create handout that can be included with capabilities brochure and at pitch meetings.

Bottom of funnel

☐ Place case study stats or quotes next to friction points like pricing areas or landing pages (see below).

☐ For upselling options, have a case study available that demonstrates how a client benefitted from your premium package.

☐ Use on sidebar of landing page.

PRO TIP: Create top-of-funnel “case studies” for other people

Write a profile story about an expert or partner’s solution and highlight them as an expert source.

☐ Interview expert and write a post. 

☐ Make it more of a general article, and use keywords in the headline to rank. 

☐ Share it on your social media, and ask expert to link back to your page. 

☐ Produce a PDF document of the article for them to use with their clients. 

Re-use this Case Study Checklist every time to ensure you’re consistent! 

As creative beasts, we have a tendency to want to recreate the wheel with each piece of content. That’s fine, but save the creativity for the prose, not for the process. Follow this checklist to ensure you produce quality case studies, time after time.

This checklist is now available in an interactive PDF. Download it today!

Greg Mischio

Pin it on pinterest.

How to Write a Case Study - All You Wanted to Know

What do you study in your college? If you are a psychology, sociology, or anthropology student, we bet you might be familiar with what a case study is. This research method is used to study a certain person, group, or situation. In this guide from our dissertation writing service , you will learn how to write a case study professionally, from researching to citing sources properly. Also, we will explore different types of case studies and show you examples — so that you won’t have any other questions left.

What Is a Case Study?

A case study is a subcategory of research design which investigates problems and offers solutions. Case studies can range from academic research studies to corporate promotional tools trying to sell an idea—their scope is quite vast.

What Is the Difference Between a Research Paper and a Case Study?

While research papers turn the reader’s attention to a certain problem, case studies go even further. Case study guidelines require students to pay attention to details, examining issues closely and in-depth using different research methods. For example, case studies may be used to examine court cases if you study Law, or a patient's health history if you study Medicine. Case studies are also used in Marketing, which are thorough, empirically supported analysis of a good or service's performance. Well-designed case studies can be valuable for prospective customers as they can identify and solve the potential customers pain point.

Case studies involve a lot of storytelling – they usually examine particular cases for a person or a group of people. This method of research is very helpful, as it is very practical and can give a lot of hands-on information. Most commonly, the length of the case study is about 500-900 words, which is much less than the length of an average research paper.

The structure of a case study is very similar to storytelling. It has a protagonist or main character, which in your case is actually a problem you are trying to solve. You can use the system of 3 Acts to make it a compelling story. It should have an introduction, rising action, a climax where transformation occurs, falling action, and a solution.

Here is a rough formula for you to use in your case study:

Problem (Act I): > Solution (Act II) > Result (Act III) > Conclusion.

Types of Case Studies

The purpose of a case study is to provide detailed reports on an event, an institution, a place, future customers, or pretty much anything. There are a few common types of case study, but the type depends on the topic. The following are the most common domains where case studies are needed:

• Historical case studies are great to learn from. Historical events have a multitude of source info offering different perspectives. There are always modern parallels where these perspectives can be applied, compared, and thoroughly analyzed.
• Problem-oriented case studies are usually used for solving problems. These are often assigned as theoretical situations where you need to immerse yourself in the situation to examine it. Imagine you’re working for a startup and you’ve just noticed a significant flaw in your product’s design. Before taking it to the senior manager, you want to do a comprehensive study on the issue and provide solutions. On a greater scale, problem-oriented case studies are a vital part of relevant socio-economic discussions.
• Cumulative case studies collect information and offer comparisons. In business, case studies are often used to tell people about the value of a product.
• Critical case studies explore the causes and effects of a certain case.
• Illustrative case studies describe certain events, investigating outcomes and lessons learned.

Need a compelling case study? EssayPro has got you covered. Our experts are ready to provide you with detailed, insightful case studies that capture the essence of real-world scenarios. Elevate your academic work with our professional assistance.

Case Study Format

The case study format is typically made up of eight parts:

• Executive Summary. Explain what you will examine in the case study. Write an overview of the field you’re researching. Make a thesis statement and sum up the results of your observation in a maximum of 2 sentences.
• Background. Provide background information and the most relevant facts. Isolate the issues.
• Case Evaluation. Isolate the sections of the study you want to focus on. In it, explain why something is working or is not working.
• Proposed Solutions. Offer realistic ways to solve what isn’t working or how to improve its current condition. Explain why these solutions work by offering testable evidence.
• Conclusion. Summarize the main points from the case evaluations and proposed solutions. 6. Recommendations. Talk about the strategy that you should choose. Explain why this choice is the most appropriate.
• Implementation. Explain how to put the specific strategies into action.
• References. Provide all the citations.

How to Write a Case Study

Let's discover how to write a case study.

Setting Up the Research

When writing a case study, remember that research should always come first. Reading many different sources and analyzing other points of view will help you come up with more creative solutions. You can also conduct an actual interview to thoroughly investigate the customer story that you'll need for your case study. Including all of the necessary research, writing a case study may take some time. The research process involves doing the following:

• Define your objective. Explain the reason why you’re presenting your subject. Figure out where you will feature your case study; whether it is written, on video, shown as an infographic, streamed as a podcast, etc.
• Determine who will be the right candidate for your case study. Get permission, quotes, and other features that will make your case study effective. Get in touch with your candidate to see if they approve of being part of your work. Study that candidate’s situation and note down what caused it.
• Identify which various consequences could result from the situation. Follow these guidelines on how to start a case study: surf the net to find some general information you might find useful.
• Make a list of credible sources and examine them. Seek out important facts and highlight problems. Always write down your ideas and make sure to brainstorm.
• Focus on several key issues – why they exist, and how they impact your research subject. Think of several unique solutions. Draw from class discussions, readings, and personal experience. When writing a case study, focus on the best solution and explore it in depth. After having all your research in place, writing a case study will be easy. You may first want to check the rubric and criteria of your assignment for the correct case study structure.

Read Also: ' WHAT IS A CREDIBLE SOURCES ?'

Although your instructor might be looking at slightly different criteria, every case study rubric essentially has the same standards. Your professor will want you to exhibit 8 different outcomes:

• Correctly identify the concepts, theories, and practices in the discipline.
• Identify the relevant theories and principles associated with the particular study.
• Evaluate legal and ethical principles and apply them to your decision-making.
• Recognize the global importance and contribution of your case.
• Construct a coherent summary and explanation of the study.
• Demonstrate analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Explain the interrelationships between the environment and nature.
• Integrate theory and practice of the discipline within the analysis.

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Case Study Outline

Let's look at the structure of an outline based on the issue of the alcoholic addiction of 30 people.

Introduction

• Statement of the issue: Alcoholism is a disease rather than a weakness of character.
• Presentation of the problem: Alcoholism is affecting more than 14 million people in the USA, which makes it the third most common mental illness there.
• Explanation of the terms: In the past, alcoholism was commonly referred to as alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is now the more severe stage of this addiction in the disorder spectrum.
• Hypotheses: Drinking in excess can lead to the use of other drugs.
• Importance of your story: How the information you present can help people with their addictions.
• Background of the story: Include an explanation of why you chose this topic.
• Presentation of analysis and data: Describe the criteria for choosing 30 candidates, the structure of the interview, and the outcomes.
• Strong argument 1: ex. X% of candidates dealing with anxiety and depression...
• Strong argument 2: ex. X amount of people started drinking by their mid-teens.
• Strong argument 3: ex. X% of respondents’ parents had issues with alcohol.
• Concluding statement: I have researched if alcoholism is a disease and found out that…
• Recommendations: Ways and actions for preventing alcohol use.

Writing a Case Study Draft

After you’ve done your case study research and written the outline, it’s time to focus on the draft. In a draft, you have to develop and write your case study by using: the data which you collected throughout the research, interviews, and the analysis processes that were undertaken. Follow these rules for the draft:

Use Data to Illustrate Key Points in Your Case Study

Even though your case study is a story, it should be based on evidence. Use as much data as possible to illustrate your point. Without the right data, your case study may appear weak and the readers may not be able to relate to your issue as much as they should. Let's see the examples from essay writing service :

‍ With data: Alcoholism is affecting more than 14 million people in the USA, which makes it the third most common mental illness there. Without data: A lot of people suffer from alcoholism in the United States.

Try to include as many credible sources as possible. You may have terms or sources that could be hard for other cultures to understand. If this is the case, you should include them in the appendix or Notes for the Instructor or Professor.

Finalizing the Draft: Checklist

After you finish drafting your case study, polish it up by answering these ‘ask yourself’ questions and think about how to end your case study:

• Check that you follow the correct case study format, also in regards to text formatting.
• Check that your work is consistent with its referencing and citation style.
• Micro-editing — check for grammar and spelling issues.
• Macro-editing — does ‘the big picture’ come across to the reader? Is there enough raw data, such as real-life examples or personal experiences? Have you made your data collection process completely transparent? Does your analysis provide a clear conclusion, allowing for further research and practice?

Problems to avoid:

• Overgeneralization – Do not go into further research that deviates from the main problem.
• Failure to Document Limitations – Just as you have to clearly state the limitations of a general research study, you must describe the specific limitations inherent in the subject of analysis.
• Failure to Extrapolate All Possible Implications – Just as you don't want to over-generalize from your case study findings, you also have to be thorough in the consideration of all possible outcomes or recommendations derived from your findings.

How to Create a Title Page and Cite a Case Study

Let's see how to create an awesome title page.

Your title page depends on the prescribed citation format. The title page should include:

• A title that attracts some attention and describes your study
• The title should have the words “case study” in it
• The title should range between 5-9 words in length
• Your name and contact information
• Your finished paper should be only 500 to 1,500 words in length.With this type of assignment, write effectively and avoid fluff

Here is a template for the APA and MLA format title page:

There are some cases when you need to cite someone else's study in your own one – therefore, you need to master how to cite a case study. A case study is like a research paper when it comes to citations. You can cite it like you cite a book, depending on what style you need.

Citation Example in MLA ‍ Hill, Linda, Tarun Khanna, and Emily A. Stecker. HCL Technologies. Boston: Harvard Business Publishing, 2008. Print.

Citation Example in APA ‍ Hill, L., Khanna, T., & Stecker, E. A. (2008). HCL Technologies. Boston: Harvard Business Publishing.

Citation Example in Chicago Hill, Linda, Tarun Khanna, and Emily A. Stecker. HCL Technologies.

Case Study Examples

To give you an idea of a professional case study example, we gathered and linked some below.

Eastman Kodak Case Study

Case Study Example: Audi Trains Mexican Autoworkers in Germany

To conclude, a case study is one of the best methods of getting an overview of what happened to a person, a group, or a situation in practice. It allows you to have an in-depth glance at the real-life problems that businesses, healthcare industry, criminal justice, etc. may face. This insight helps us look at such situations in a different light. This is because we see scenarios that we otherwise would not, without necessarily being there. If you need custom essays , try our research paper writing services .

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What Is A Case Study?

How to cite a case study in apa, how to write a case study.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology

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• STROBE Checklist: case-control studies Download PDF | Word
• STROBE Checklist: cross-sectional studies Download PDF | Word
• STROBE Checklist: conference abstracts Download PDF

A 34-Point Checklist for Creating a Case Study that Converts

By Ayelet Weisz on February 8th, 2016 in Content marketing

Does the following scenario sound familiar?

You go the extra mile for your customer, recruit her to sing your praises, write a striking case study and send it off to your email list to do its magic. Then you do a little dance… and you wait. And wait…

Case studies of customer success let you touch pain points and counter objections in story form, in a way that doesn’t feel too salesy. By reading how their peer overcame challenges and reached the place they’d like to reach themselves, prospects develop an emotional connection with your satisfied customer and, through them, with your company.

Plus, once your case study is ready, you can use this one story across the funnel for maximum impact — from marketing copy to webinars to landing pages.

According to Content Marketing Institute and MarketingProfs’ 2015 Benchmarks, Budgets, and Trends report, 77% of B2B and 35% of B2C marketers use case studies. And almost 60% of the B2B marketers who participated in the study said case studies were effective for them.

But not every case study converts, or even makes it from idea to publication. That’s why we created this checklist for you. Follow it to avoid potential roadblocks and create a case study that actually helps you move the needle.

Set a goal for your case study and choose the right customer to feature

1. decide which product, service or feature is most important for you to promote.

It can be your hardest product to sell, one that goes against industry conventions or a new feature that could take your company in a new direction.

Go down your list of products and features and pinpoint the ones that differentiate you from the competition. What do you offer that your competitors just can’t?

Eventually, you’ll be able to follow in New Relic’s steps and present a case study library for each of your key features or offerings. When you do that, prospective customers will find it easy to learn about the solution that fits them best.

2. Go beyond features and think about benefits, too

When planning for your case study, also consider the benefits you want to promote — how will your product or feature affect customers on a deeper level?

Take Ringadoc for example, who wanted to develop case studies to show how its app helps clinics easily triage after-hour calls. They wanted to talk about the monetary benefits they bring their customers like Dentologie, a dental clinic in downtown Chicago:

The headline of this case study speaks to the monetary benefits that Ringadoc brings its clients. But the company also wanted to make sure clinics know they’ll get outstanding customer service and that their older patients will be able to handle speaking to a recording — so they were sure to highlight these deeper, more emotional benefits in the case study. Check out this excerpt, for example:

“No note gets lost and no patient finds her or himself explaining the problem five times, saving time and discomfort for everyone involved.”

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3. Choose an audience sector to prioritize

This is your opportunity to defy stereotypes by proving that elders can use your app too, or show how you can drive results for both solopreneurs and enterprises.

Job search service Simply Hired understands that small businesses looking to hire employees don’t operate the same as the world’s premier staffing firms. By developing sector-specific case studies , Simply Hired is able to send different prospects down different funnels focused on their specific needs:

Project management tool Clarizen offers another way to choose audience sectors for your case studies. Understanding that project managers and IT teams are looking for different types of customer stories, Clarizen lets you filter the case study list by your position.

4. Be strategic in your efforts to attract more local or international customers

If you want to get local press or convince prospects from around the world that you could be a good fit, take location into consideration.

Freelance writing mentors Carol Tice and Linda Formichelli offer a course called Pitch Clinic to help writers improve their pitches. The course gets mostly American students, but Carol and Linda wanted to show international subscribers that their strategies work for writers around the world.

In a case study ebook they developed, they feature this success story of a writer from India:

5. Choose a customer industry you want to grow in

A very common question prospects ask is, “Does this solution work for my industry?” If you help multiple industries, creating a case study for each of them could help answer this question.

Check out how finance management software Intacct makes it easy for its prospects to hear from their industry-specific peers:

6. Start with the most challenging sector, or the most universal

If you’re stuck and unsure where to start, go with the most challenging industry or sector to sell to, or feature customers that saw the greatest results and can impress the largest part of your target audience.

Get customer collaboration

7. find the low-hanging fruit.

Getting customer collaboration might be the most challenging part of this process, so do your best to find the low-hanging fruit. If customers have already expressed gratitude, they’ll be easier to recruit.

Where do you find this gratitude? Check your inbox for thank you emails, look for Twitter shoutouts, search review sites and forums for praise and pay attention to who sends you the most referrals.

Customer data management software InsideView doesn’t only follow this tip — it features the shoutouts on its website:

8. Decide whether featuring big names or everyday peers will serve your audience better

If you have a satisfied celebrity customer, you may want to feature her for the immediate social proof, but weigh the pros and cons. Could prospective customers worry that it worked for the celebrity because of her unique status?

For example, if you’re an interior designer, prospects might worry that they won’t be able to achieve the same impressive results without the same budget. It might be best to feature a peer with a budget similar to that of your target audience.

However, if the celebrity won the race using your brand’s bicycle or nutrition plan, it could be the inspiration your audience needs to get more ambitious… and try your products while they’re at it.

9. Clarify who needs to approve participation and how long it’ll take

This is a big deal. Your contact might not be the one with the authority to approve the finished case study, and you want to know that before you start investing time, money and energy.

If you’re a B2C company, one family member might need to convince the rest, who could feel uncomfortable with public exposure.

If you’re in B2B, top management and legal departments could have concerns you’ll need to address. They could also have other priorities, putting your case study contract at the bottom of their to-do list and getting you stuck for months.

If you’re counting on the case study for a marketing campaign, consider how long you’re willing to wait.

Clarify a timetable. If you expect delays, consider moving forward with another option. Sometimes it’s better to go with a non-brand name and get your case study published than hold your marketing plans for months waiting for the big names to get back to you.

10. How much incentive are you willing to give?

Yes, some will participate in your case studies out of sheer gratitude, but remember that you’re asking a lot.

You’re asking them to open up about a personal or business process in front of the entire world, and to top it off, they need to make time for you. Maybe they even need to recruit others for the case study to actually happen.

There’s nothing wrong with a little incentive to make it a win-win situation.

Remember Pitch Clinic for freelance writers? I got this email from Linda Formichelli this fall. She and Carol Tice were offering a full refund to students who signed up for their course, did all their homework and… allowed Linda and Carol to feature them in a case study ebook.

Yes, they asked for case study participation before you even bought their product.

11. Identify customers who share your target audience?

Another low hanging fruit is a customer who shares your target audience, such as a veterinarian with a dog food manufacturer as a customer. Getting buy-in and participation will be easier because the case study can promote you both… and that might be the only incentive your customer needs.

Video software company Animoto did just that by featuring a marketing agency on its success stories page.

12. Get written permission to use the customer’s story in your marketing efforts

A “yes” in a post-conference party or an excited phone call will only get you so far. True, getting it in writing might prolong the process, but you’ll be covered in case your contact leaves the company or the CEO changes policies.

Otherwise, you might find yourself investing time and money in a case study that will never see the light of day.

Prepare for a successful case study interview

13. research your own company.

Leading a successful interview requires quality preparation.

If you conduct the interview yourself, take some time to familiarize yourself with departments your customer has interacted with, or departments you want to feature in your case study. These could be your customer service department, your software developers or any other relevant part of the company you don’t usually engage with professionally.

Understanding your customer’s touch points with your company will help you ask the right type of questions.

14. Research your customer’s company and industry

Researching your customers helps you understand their point of view and challenges so you can better brainstorm questions that’ll get you the data and quotes you need.

Consider this case study by enterprise data management software company Acxiom about its customer Hearst Magazines. It demonstrates that Acxiom has an intimate understanding of Hearst’s goals and challenges as the magazine landscape changes:

By showing you really get the featured customer, you consequently show the case study’s target audience that you get their needs too.

15. Research the customer’s journey with your company

Learning about the satisfied customer’s background isn’t enough. Before conducting the interview, collect information about the journey the customer has gone through with your company.

Was there hesitation at first? What concerns, challenges and setbacks were experienced along the way? What ultimately led to your customer meeting or exceeding their goal?

It’s important to get this information from the customer’s perspective as well, but hearing both sides of the story will allow you to lead the interview in the direction that helps you meet your own goals.

16. Research the language the case study’s target audience uses

Every audience has different challenges and uses different terminology. Can you imagine using ROI, CRO and CRM in the same paragraph… in a case study targeted at people  considering starting their first business?

Check out this case study section intro from Freelance Mom :

The company targets mompreneurs who’ve undoubtedly said at least once that they need an extra day a week. Freelance Mom is a B2B business, but it targets women raising kids and running a business. You can bet they feel alone sometimes, and here comes Lisa Stein, the Freelance Mom, to tell them they’re not alone, in terms they relate to.

17. Review your goals for the case study and adjust them accordingly

Unfortunately, we don’t always get what we want in life. As much as I want to, I can’t adopt a penguin, for example. But life isn’t about what you can’t have — it’s about making the most of what you do have.

Didn’t get the customer you wanted to feature? Make the most of the customer you did. Be grateful. And adjust your goals before brainstorming interview questions.

You might not be able to reach the target audience you wanted, but you’ll reach another sector that might surprise you.

18. Decide on a case study format

Most companies go with written case studies, but if you have the necessary resources and you manage to convince a customer to go on camera, a video case study can introduce an element of fun to sometimes dry subject matter.

Otherwise, consider bringing your customer on your podcast or webinar — you may even want to specifically seek out customers who have experience appearing on video or podcasts.

When deciding on a format, account for what works best for:

• You and your team: Which resources are available?
• Your customer: Which format are they most comfortable with?
• Your target audience for the case study: Which format will resonate most with them?

19. Schedule an interview

Find out when your customer is available to talk. Make sure your interviewer understands the importance of accommodating your customer’s needs, especially across time zones.

You don’t have to talk to someone at 4 a.m. if that doesn’t work for you (though I’ve totally done that), but make an effort to put your customer’s needs first.

20. Include visuals in your case study

Photos add a great visual impact, as you can see in website builder Wix’s customer stories section:

But don’t assume you can use these visuals.

Some people won’t feel comfortable with you using their photo, even if said photo is available publicly on social media. Others might find it to be uncomfortable enough to share their story, and won’t want the added vulnerability of their photo in your marketing materials. Further, some companies might require management or legal approval.

So get permission first, and get it in writing.

Conduct a successful case study interview

21. start with the basics.

Confirm basic information and correct spelling, and let the customer give you a little background in their own words. This is information you’re supposed to have by now, but you want to verify that it’s accurate. It’s also your way to gain some insight into the customer’s mind, values and the language they use. Pay attention, because it could help you throughout the interview.

Quoted or not, you’ll need to incorporate some basic information in your case study to give readers some context.

22. Ask the customer what the situation was like before using your product

Your customer probably dealt with many challenges your prospective customers are encountering right now.

Showing your audience you get where they are now helps them trust you to lead them to where they want to go. At the very least, you’ll give them a reason to keep reading the case study — they’ll want to find out how someone else got from where they are now to accomplishing their goals.

23. Ask the customer why they decided to change the situation

This is a great way to set the stage for the solution your company offers.

And again, people reading your case study are probably struggling with the same challenges. Showing them someone just like them put a stop to the same struggle gives them courage to do the same.

24. Don’t be afraid to talk about the concerns the customer had about working with you

Did your customer have concerns about working with your company, onboarding challenges or growing pains throughout the process?

Don’t be afraid to ask about these roadblocks and include them in your case study — this is your chance to touch on customer pain points and help prospects overcome objections in a non-salesy way.

Marie Forleo does this beautifully with her course, B-School. Check out the right sidebar in the image below. She has an answer for every objection you could possibly have about joining B-School, and it’s especially effective because it comes from customers who had the same objections, overcame them and achieved great results with B-School.

25. Showcase the customer’s journey with your company

Another benefit to talking about product challenges that prospects fear they’ll face? You get to show the process your company led to help real customers overcome these challenges.

This case study I wrote for Set Her Free , for example, doesn’t claim that life is now perfect for Florence, a young woman Set Her Free rescued from the sex industry in Uganda. But it does show the process Florence went through and how Set Her Free helped her reach a point where hope is a reality.

26. Ask your customer how life or business is different now

This is the best part: Get your customer to paint a picture of how life or business is different now. Try to get as accurate data as you can, but, depending on your goals, don’t forget to focus on feelings too.

Write a customer-centric, goal-oriented case study

27. choose your case study structure.

Decide whether you use the good ol’ structure of “challenge, solution, results” (to make it easy for readers to navigate), or benefit-driven headlines that tell a story and evoke curiosity.

Athlete endorsement matchmaking service Opendorse, for example, used the classic structure in its Girl Scouts of Nebraska case study.

Unbounce , on the other hand, combined both methods when it came time to share how the company helped Chair 10 Marketing save $400 per client. Unbounce featured a classic structure in a sidebar, and benefit-driven headlines in the body of the case study.

28. Make your customer the hero of the case study

Clearly, your solution helped your featured customer, otherwise you wouldn’t have a great case study to market. But be careful not to make your customer look bad because of poor past choices.

On the contrary, make your customer the classic Hollywood hero, weathering many storms until finally finding the right tool or service to reach their goals. That’s the kind of story your prospects can relate to, and the kind that will convince more customers to participate in case studies down the line.

29. Give your customer a chance to ask for edits

Finally, before hitting publish, let your customer read the case study and ask for edits.

Not only is it fair, but it’ll help you avoid possible friction later (after you’ve already promoted the case study) with one of your most valuable customers.

Get the most mileage out of your case study by marketing it both externally and internally

30. get the necessary approvals before spreading the news.

If there’s anyone who still need to greenlight the publication inside your company or on the customer’s end, get that approval before you share the case study with the world.

31. Let your audience know about your case study in every possible way

Incorporate your case study in your site copy, blog, email newsletter and social media, plus create a designated page or section just for case studies.

Want some inspiration?

HubSpot created a designated case study section, with a quick overview of results and clickable boxes, which lead you to the full case studies:

Unbounce added a case study video to its home page. You see a results-focused quote next to the customer’s photo, then have the option to click a button and watch the case study video… right on the home page:

Danny Iny of Mirasee (previously Firepole Marketing) incorporated a case study in the landing page for one of his courses, Write Like Freddy:

Bryan Harris is known for his formulas, which are based on case studies of successful customers. Here’s one of the case studies he published as a post on his blog, Videofruit:

32. Let other people’s audiences know about your case study, too

Pitch to get interviewed, write guest posts and have related press releases published.

Before Michael Aagaard joined the Unbounce team, he wrote guest posts for the blog and featured case studies of his own company, ContentVerve:

33. Market the case study to your own team

Just as importantly, market the case study inside your company to let team members know their work makes a difference, and recruit them to help you take the company to the next level.

To do that, email everybody when the case study is ready, share it in team meetings and trainings and hang it around the office.

Diane Autey, sales support content manager at RedBrick Health, did just that — she hung case studies on office walls and put them in a binder, which she placed in the lunchroom, so all employees can have access to them.

34. Document the publicity’s impact on your customer

When marketing your case study, keep tabs on how this publicity helps your customer grow, too.

This works especially if you share a target audience, like in the example of video software Animoto featuring a marketing agency on its success stories page.

But even if you don’t, consider making an effort to get in front of audiences that could help your customer shine. If you’re a video software company with a bakery customer, don’t just seek publicity on marketing sites. Look for websites and magazines that serve the bakery industry, or try to get your case study featured on the local news, where this bakery’s customers are the target audience.

It’ll make it easier to convince the next satisfied customer to participate.

Which case study step will you take next?

Creating case studies may seem complex at first glance, but following this checklist will simplify your journey to conversions you can dance to.

Need someone to cheer you on? Share your next step with us in the comments and we’ll do just that.

Ready to create customer case studies that convert?

About Ayelet Weisz

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Case Study Checklist

8 elements you need to include and 24 examples.

Ensure your B2B SaaS case study has what it takes to convert prospects into customers by using our checklist and examples to evaluate your work.

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• Detailed description of the 8 case study elements—and how to improve yours
• 24 examples from the case studies of top B2B SaaS companies

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Performance analysis of indicators in teaching hospitals after the Health Transformation Plan: a Case Study in Iran

• Bahman Ghasemzadeh 1 ,
• Mohammad Amerzadeh 2 ,
• Saeed Shahsavari   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0806-6026 3 ,
• Saeideh Moosavi 1 ,
• Abdollah Keshavarz   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0061-0031 4 ,
• Aisa Maleki 5 &
• Rohollah Kalhor   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6146-8761 2  

Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition volume  43 , Article number:  151 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

This study aimed to examine the status of performance indicators in hospitals affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences (QUMS) before and after the implementation of the Health Transformation Plan (HTP).

This longitudinal descriptive-analytical study was conducted utilizing hospital data. The study collected data using a checklist that included both general characteristics of the participating hospitals and performance indicators such as “the number of outpatient visits,” “the number of paraclinical patients,” “the number of surgeries,” and “the number of inpatients” on a monthly basis for 2012–2019. The intervention examined in this study was the implementation of the HTP in May 2014. The data collected was analyzed using interrupted time series and STATA statistical software version 15.

The study examined seven hospitals affiliated with QUMS, including general, trauma, pediatric, gynecology, and psychiatry hospitals. The findings indicated a significant increase in outpatient visits, paraclinical patients, and inpatients in the first month after the intervention. Specifically, there was an increase of 1739 in the number of outpatient visits, an increase of 513 in the number of paraclinical patients, and an increase of 135 in the number of inpatients ( p  < 0.001).

The HTP has improved patients’ access to medical services. It achieved this by reducing out-of-pocket payments for healthcare services and implementing programs such as developing clinics, improving the quality of visits, and retaining doctors in deprived areas. The reduction in out-of-pocket payments has been particularly beneficial for individuals who lack financial resources and previously faced barriers to accessing healthcare services.

Health is a fundamental capital for the development of societies. Healthy individuals are the driving force behind sustainable development [ 1 ]. The main objective of health systems is to enhance the overall health status of the community, protect against the high costs of healthcare services, and address the non-medical needs of the people [ 2 , 3 ]. In recent years, the global approach to health has evolved significantly [ 4 ]. Advancements in knowledge and technology, coupled with an increase in public awareness, have led to a more comprehensive understanding of health and its various dimensions [ 5 ].

The factors influencing health and disease have undergone significant changes in recent times [ 6 ]. As a result, governments have taken major steps to ensure the accessibility of healthcare services by implementing reforms in their health systems [ 7 , 8 ]. These reforms aim to improve the overall performance of health systems by changing various aspects of their functions [ 9 ]. To maintain the effectiveness of health systems, it is crucial to ensure that they are aligned with the global trend, which currently involves changes and reforms in most countries’ health systems worldwide [ 10 , 11 ].

The Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) is responsible for overseeing the healthcare system in Iran. To achieve the objectives outlined in the vision of 2025 [ 12 ], which includes improving financial protection for the population, promoting equity in access to healthcare services, and enhancing the quality of services, the MoHME has implemented a reform program [ 1 , 13 , 14 ]. The reform program consists of seven programs focused on improving treatment services. These programs include “reducing patients’ payments in hospitals affiliated with the MoHME,” “improving the quality of visit services in hospitals affiliated with the MoHME,” “supporting the retention of physicians in deprived areas,” “enhancing the quality of accommodation services in hospitals affiliated with the MoHME,” “implementing a financial protection program for incurable, special, and needy patients,” “promoting natural childbirth,” and “implementing a specialist house physician program“ [ 1 , 10 , 13 , 15 ].

Hospitals play a crucial role in providing healthcare services and contribute significantly to the government budget. Given their importance, it is essential to evaluate the quality of hospitals’ services [ 16 ]. Hospitals are responsible for providing prevention, early detection, timely treatment, and rehabilitation services to patients [ 17 , 18 ]. The proper functioning of hospitals is critical in ensuring the recovery of patients and their return to society, and any mistakes can lead to significant consequences [ 19 , 20 ].

The hospitals’ performance is crucial for improving the quality of life and has implications for other sectors, including social inequality, rising medical costs, and political problems [ 3 ]. Providing effective and efficient services requires the proper use of resources and improving productivity. Indicators are tools that can be used to monitor the hospitals’ performance, and accurate and continuous reporting of these indicators can improve their efficiency and effectiveness [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines indicators as variables that can directly or indirectly measure change [ 24 ]. Therefore, evaluating changes and developments in the healthcare system requires using a set of indicators, including accessibility, financing, quality, and outcome indicators. Hospital performance indicators are one set of outcome indicators to measure changes in the health system performance indicators, such as the rate of inpatient admissions, outpatient visits, and surgeries are among the most critical indicators that should be regularly examined and evaluated to monitor the hospitals’ performance in different programs and periods [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. The study aimed to investigate the status of performance indicators in hospitals affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences (QUMS) before and after the Health Transformation Plan (HTP) and to determine the impact of these reforms on the performance indicators of these hospitals.

Study design

This study was conducted longitudinally based on hospital data and utilized a descriptive-analytical approach. The research was carried out in all hospitals affiliated with QUMS. Data were collected by using a checklist that included general characteristics of hospitals, such as the type of hospital and their features, as well as indicators by month for the years between 2012 and 2019.

The hospitals’ performance was evaluated using four performance indicators approved and prioritized by the MoHME. The indicators used in the study were the number of outpatient visits, the number of paraclinical patients, the number of surgeries, and the number of inpatients. These indicators have been identified as the most important and widely used indicators for measuring the efficiency of hospitals and have been utilized in well-known models such as Pabon Lasso for measuring hospital performance [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].

• Performance indicators

The outpatient visits

It is a healthcare performance indicator that measures the proportion of patients who utilize the treatment and diagnostic services of a hospital’s outpatient department without occupying a hospital bed [ 31 ].

The number of surgeries

It is a healthcare performance indicator that measures the number of surgeries performed in a hospital within a given period and about the number of operating room beds available in the hospital.

The number of inpatients

An inpatient is an individual admitted to a hospital for examination, diagnosis, or treatment requiring at least one overnight stay. The inpatient admission rate refers to the number of admissions to hospital inpatient care per 1,000 people in a defined population, usually within a geographic region [ 31 ].

Data collection

The data was collected from 2012 to 2019. The period consisted of two years before the HTP and five years after. The data was obtained from seven university hospitals in QUMS, Iran, relevant to specific months. BG visited the hospitals to collect the data with the assistance of statisticians, information officers, and informaticians from the respective hospital units. Subsequently, the collected data was verified by matching it separately with available data from the Treatment Vice Chancellor of the University and the Avab Health website of MoHME. Footnote 1 .

Statistical analysis

The study employed an interrupted time series analysis using STATA version 15 statistical software. The data before and after the HTP were considered as time series. The plan’s effect on the level and trend of indicators after implementation was measured.

The interrupted time series model uses two variables to indicate the impact of an intervention: (1) the level variable which determines the immediate effect (2) the trend variable which shows the long-term impact. This means the immediate change in indicator levels at the start of the project (May 2014) and the monthly change thereafter were determined.

The stationarity of the data was checked using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test to reject the null hypothesis of a unit root for all indicators, indicating stationary time series. The Chow test was used to determine structural breaks in the time series. Finally, serial autocorrelation in the regression residuals was determined to adjust the interrupted regression based on the degree of autocorrelation before estimating the model.

We reviewed seven hospitals, including three general hospitals, one trauma hospital, one pediatric hospital, one gynecology hospital, and one psychiatric hospital. The lowest and highest percentage of bed occupations were related to Amir Al-Momenin (31.2) and Bu Ali Sina (69.64) hospitals, respectively. The background information of the studied hospitals can be seen in Table  1 .

The effect of health system reform on the number of outpatient visits

The interrupted regression results in Table  2 show that before the HTP, the initial number of outpatient visits was 6324, and the monthly changes in outpatient visits were significant for all hospitals ( p  < 0.001). In the first month after the intervention, outpatient visits increased significantly by 1739 ( p  < 0.001). Compared to the pre-intervention trend, outpatient visits increased by 106 per month post-intervention for all hospitals ( p  < 0.001). Figure 1 visually depicts the distribution of outpatient visits from April 2012 to May 2019.

The effect of health system reform on the number of paraclinical patients

The interrupted regression results in Table  2 show that before the HTP, the initial number of paraclinical patients was 2846. The monthly changes in paraclinical patients’ pre-reform were insignificant for all hospitals. In the first month post-intervention, the number of paraclinical patients increased significantly by 513 ( p  < 0.001). Compared to the pre-intervention trend, paraclinical patients increased by 24 per month post-intervention across all hospitals ( p  < 0.001). Figure 1 visually depicts the distribution of paraclinical patients from April 2012 to May 2019.

The effect of health system reform on the number of surgeries

The interrupted regression results in Table  2 show that before the HTP, the initial number of surgeries was 383. The monthly changes in the number of surgeries performed were insignificant for all hospitals. In the first month post-intervention, the change in the number of surgeries was also insignificant. Compared to the pre-intervention trend, the number of surgeries increased by 4.774 per month post-intervention across all hospitals ( p  = 0.001). Figure 1 visually depicts the distribution of the number of surgeries from April 2012 to May 2019.

The effect of health system reform on the number of inpatients

The interrupted regression results in Table  2 show that before the HTP, the initial number of inpatients was 658. The monthly changes in the number of inpatients pre-reform were insignificant for all hospitals. In the first month post-intervention, the number of inpatients increased significantly by 135 ( p  < 0.001). Compared to the pre-intervention trend, the number of inpatients increased by 18 per month post-intervention across all hospitals ( p  < 0.001). Figure 1 visually depicts the distribution of the number of inpatients from April 2012 to May 2019.

Distribution of various performance indicators among the investigated hospitals between April 2012 to May 2019

The study results indicate the HTP had positive impacts and changed most performance indicators in the hospitals before and after implementation. A comparison of the monthly average performance indicators before and after the HTP also showed significant changes. Similar studies have found that health system reforms can increase hospital workflow, evident in this study through higher inpatient volumes and bed turnover [ 31 ]. Several studies, including Sajjadi et al., Yousefzadeh et al., Rezaei et al., Dadgar et al., and Zarei et al., have reported similar findings regarding the impact of health system reform on hospital productivity and bed utilization. These studies have demonstrated that the HTP has had a significantly positive effect on these healthcare performance indicators [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ].

The implementation of the HTP has had a significant positive impact on the people’s share of hospitalization costs in Iran, as reported by the MoHME. Before the HTP, the people’s share of hospitalization costs was 37%, but this decreased to 4.5% after the implementation of the reform. This has increased people’s access to health services, particularly for low-income groups, and has resulted in increased hospital admissions [ 32 , 36 , 37 ]. It is important to note that while the reduction of payments and the subsequent increase in performance indicators is a positive outcome of health system reform, it should not lead to an increase in induced demand among healthcare providers [ 37 , 38 ].

The findings of Zarei et al.‘s study indicate a significant increase in outpatient visits, with a 26% increase reported [ 33 ]. The reasons for this increase are multifaceted. The development of special clinic programs and the plan to improve the quality of outpatient visits have led to a reduction in the payment of patients in outpatient departments. Additionally, the increase in the number of clinics and staff working hours has improved people’s access to health services. Similar findings have been reported in studies conducted by the WHO in different countries. These studies have shown that the implementation of interventions aimed at removing barriers to the use of health services, such as reducing patients’ payments and increasing accessibility, leads to an increase in the number of outpatient visits.

Rezaei et al. have confirmed the positive impact of the HTP on hospital performance indicators, including the bed occupancy rate, at Hamadan Hospital [ 39 ]. Similarly, Yaser et al.‘s study on the implementation of the health reform plan in the Turkish healthcare system found that it resulted in increased bed occupancy rates [ 40 ]. The employment rate in hospitals studied has also shown an increase of 10% after the implementation of the HTP. This increase can be attributed to several goals of the reform plan, such as reducing the amount of payment for patients, promoting the residency of physicians in deprived areas, and ensuring the presence of specialist doctors in hospitals affiliated with the MoHME. The plan also aimed to improve the quality of visiting and hospital hoteling services and provide financial protection for incurable patients [ 41 ].

The number of paraclinical patients in the current study has increased significantly after the HTP, which is contrary to the results of Farid Far et al.. The reason could be the number of years that have been investigated. In Farid Far et al’s study, only 2013 and 2014 have been considered, but in the present study, 2012 to 2019 are considered [ 42 ].

The present study has found a significant increase in the number of surgeries performed after the HTP. This finding suggests that the treatment of patients who required surgery was carried out promptly by doctors in the hospital. It is possible that the increase in the quality of visiting and hoteling services of the hospital after the HTP contributed to this increase in the number of surgeries. These results are consistent with Rezaei et al. and Dadger et al. who found a positive impact of the HTP on the number of surgeries performed in hospitals [ 39 , 43 ]. Similarly, a study conducted in Turkey reported a significant increase in the number of surgeries after the implementation of the health reform plan [ 44 ].

This study has several limitations. One limitation is the lack of control over other influential and confounding factors that may have impacted the study’s performance indicators. Therefore, the changes observed in the indicators cannot be definitively attributed to the HTP alone. However, it is important to note that no other major interventions were implemented during the HTP that could have influenced the results. Additionally, this study only examined three widely used performance indicators, and other important indicators such as accessibility and justice, quality and effectiveness (such as readmission rate, nosocomial infection rates, staff and patient satisfaction, hospital complaints, and the rate of medical errors) were not analyzed. Future studies should consider analyzing these additional indicators to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the HTP on the healthcare system.

The results of this study demonstrate that the HTP had a positive impact on hospital performance indicators. The reform increased access to medical services for patients by reducing out-of-pocket payments and implementing programs, such as developing clinics and improving the quality of visits. The availability of physicians in deprived areas has also improved, which is particularly beneficial for people who have not pursued medical care due to financial constraints. The positive effects of the HTP highlight the importance of implementing policies and programs that promote universal health coverage and access to healthcare services.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. The entire dataset is in Farsi language. The Data can be available in English language for the readers and make available from the corresponding author on reasonable request..

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all stakeholders, health care providers, and individuals who participated in this study.

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BG and RK conceived the study. RK supervised all evaluation phases and revised the manuscript. SS and AK were advisors in methodology and contributed to the intellectual development of the manuscript. MA , AM and SM collected and conducted primary data analysis. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Ghasemzadeh, B., Amerzadeh, M., Shahsavari, S. et al. Performance analysis of indicators in teaching hospitals after the Health Transformation Plan: a Case Study in Iran. J Health Popul Nutr 43 , 151 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-024-00642-z

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Received : 30 September 2023

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-024-00642-z

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