Essential Categories for Crafting an Impactful UX Research Case Study

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

Creating a UX research case study that truly stands out requires more than just presenting data. It demands a clear structure that guides readers through the problem, the process, and the results. Understanding which categories to include helps communicate your work effectively and shows the value of your research. This post breaks down the essential categories that every UX research case study should have to make a strong impact.

A UX researcher reviewing user data on a laptop

UX Research Case Study: Problem Statement and Research Goals

Start by clearly defining the problem your research addresses. This section sets the stage and explains why the study matters. Describe the context and the specific challenges users face. Then, outline the goals of your research. What questions are you trying to answer? What insights do you hope to gain?

For example, if you are studying an e-commerce app, your problem statement might focus on why users abandon their shopping carts. Your research goals could include identifying pain points in the checkout process and understanding user expectations.

Key points to include:

• Background context

• User pain points or challenges

• Clear research questions or objectives

  
  

Research Methodology

Explain the methods you used to gather data. This section helps readers understand how you approached the problem and ensures your findings are credible. Describe the type of research (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed), the tools you used, and the participant selection process.

For instance, you might have conducted user interviews, usability testing, or surveys. Be specific about the number of participants and how you recruited them. If you used any software or frameworks, mention those as well.

Details to cover:

• Research type and approach

• Participant demographics and recruitment

• Tools and techniques used

  
  

Data Collection and Analysis

Detail how you collected and analyzed the data. This section should show your process for turning raw data into meaningful insights. Describe how you recorded observations, coded qualitative data, or processed quantitative results.

For example, if you conducted interviews, explain how you transcribed and coded responses to identify themes. If you ran surveys, describe how you analyzed the responses statistically.

Including visuals like charts or graphs here can help readers grasp the findings quickly.

Key Findings and Insights

Present the main discoveries from your research. This is the heart of your case study, where you share what you learned about users and their behavior. Organize findings clearly, grouping related insights together.

Use examples or quotes from participants to add depth. For example, you might highlight that users struggled with navigation because menu labels were unclear. Or that a particular feature was highly valued but hard to find.

Focus on insights that directly relate to your research goals and problem statement.

Design Recommendations and Solutions

Based on your findings, suggest design changes or solutions. This section connects research to action. Explain how your insights informed design decisions or product improvements.

For example, if users found the checkout confusing, recommend simplifying the steps or adding progress indicators. If a feature was missing, suggest how to integrate it effectively.

Be clear about the expected impact of these changes on user experience.

Wireframe sketches showing a mobile app redesign process

Implementation and Results

If your case study includes a follow-up phase, describe how the recommendations were implemented and what results followed. Share any metrics or feedback that demonstrate improvement.

For example, you might report a decrease in cart abandonment rates or higher user satisfaction scores after redesign. If you conducted usability testing on the new design, summarize the outcomes.

This section shows the real-world value of your research.

Reflection and Lessons Learned

End your case study with a reflection on the process. Discuss what worked well and what could be improved. Share any unexpected challenges or insights gained along the way.

This honest evaluation adds credibility and helps others learn from your experience. It also shows your growth as a UX researcher.