What Makes a UX Research Case Study Credible

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

A UX research case study can be a powerful tool to showcase your skills, insights, and impact on a project. But not every case study earns trust or respect. Credibility matters because it helps readers understand your process, learn from your findings, and believe in your conclusions. What exactly makes a UX research case study credible? This post breaks down the key elements that separate strong case studies from weak ones, with practical tips you can apply right away.

A UX researcher reviewing user feedback notes during a case study

UX Research Case Study: Clear Research Goals and Questions

A credible case study starts with well-defined research goals. These goals guide the entire study and help readers understand what you aimed to discover. Avoid vague objectives like "improve user experience." Instead, specify what aspect you focused on, such as "identify pain points in the checkout process for mobile users."

Along with goals, include clear research questions. These questions should be specific, measurable, and relevant to the product or service. For example:

• How do users navigate the mobile checkout flow?

• What barriers cause users to abandon their carts?

• Which features do users find confusing or unnecessary?

  
  

Setting clear goals and questions shows you approached the study with purpose and direction.

Transparent Methodology

Credibility depends on transparency about how you conducted the research. Describe your methods in detail, including:

• Participant recruitment: How many users? What demographics? How did you select them?

• Research techniques: Interviews, usability tests, surveys, diary studies, etc.

• Data collection: Tools used, session length, environment.

• Analysis approach: How you processed and interpreted data.

  
  

For example, stating "We conducted 10 remote usability tests with participants aged 25-40 who regularly shop online" gives readers confidence in your sample and approach. Avoid vague statements like "We talked to some users."

Real Data and Evidence

Strong case studies rely on real data, not assumptions or opinions. Include concrete evidence such as:

• Quotes from users that highlight key insights.

• Screenshots or recordings showing user interactions.

• Metrics like task success rates, error counts, or time on task.

• Visualizations like charts or heatmaps.

  
  

For instance, sharing a user quote like "I couldn’t find the promo code field, so I gave up" supports your finding about discoverability issues. Data grounds your conclusions in reality and makes your case study more convincing.

Honest Reporting of Challenges and Limitations

No research is perfect. Credible case studies openly discuss challenges and limitations. This might include:

• Small sample size due to time constraints.

• Technical issues during testing.

• Biases in participant selection.

• Areas where findings are inconclusive.

  
  

Acknowledging these factors shows integrity and helps readers interpret results appropriately. For example, you might say, "Our sample skewed younger, which may limit generalizability to older users."

Clear Connection Between Findings and Design Decisions

A case study gains credibility when it clearly links research findings to design changes or recommendations. Explain how insights influenced the product. For example:

• "Users struggled with the checkout flow, so we simplified the steps and added progress indicators."

• "Feedback showed confusion around terminology, leading us to revise labels for clarity."

  
  

This connection demonstrates the practical value of your research and how it improved the user experience.

A detailed UX case study document with findings and design recommendations

Use of Visuals to Support the Story

Visuals help readers grasp complex information quickly. Include diagrams, flowcharts, screenshots, or photos that illustrate:

• User journeys or workflows.

• Key pain points or moments of delight.

• Before-and-after design comparisons.

  
  

Visuals make your case study more engaging and easier to follow. They also provide proof of your work and help readers visualize the impact.

Well-Organized and Concise Writing

A credible case study is easy to read and well-structured. Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to break up text. Avoid jargon or overly technical language. Write clearly and directly, focusing on the most important details.

Keep the case study concise but thorough. Readers appreciate when you respect their time while providing enough context to understand your work.

Ethical Considerations and Privacy

Respect for participants’ privacy and ethical research practices add to credibility. Mention how you obtained consent, anonymized data, and followed ethical guidelines. This reassures readers that your research was conducted responsibly.

Summary

A credible UX research case study combines clear goals, transparent methods, real data, honest limitations, and a strong link between findings and design. Visuals and clear writing enhance understanding and engagement. Ethical practices build trust.