Creating a UX Case Study: Right and Wrong Way to Approach It

TL;DR

Designers often make the mistake of focusing solely on creating specific types of solutions, such as apps or websites, without considering the problem area holistically.

Transcript

if you've been following my work and in particular the case study reviews for juniors and midwit and senior designers you probably noticed this overarching theme and it has nothing to do with that quality of outputs how good the ui looks like or how good the solution looks like or how presentable it is or what the steps you took if you did personas... Read More

Key Insights

• 🅰️ Designers should focus on the problem area rather than creating a specific type of solution.
• 😫 Working backwards from the overall goal helps in setting achievable steps towards it.
• ❓ Problem-solving should be done holistically, considering all aspects and possible solutions.
• 🎯 Prioritizing and targeting specific segments of the problem area is essential for effective design.
• 🎨 Case studies should showcase a thorough understanding of the problem and a well-documented design process.
• 🥺 Jumping to solutions without considering the problem area can lead to assumptions and weak designs.
• 🥡 Taking the time to explore and understand the problem area before diving into a specific solution is important.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do many junior designers focus solely on creating apps or websites?

Many junior designers believe that having a portfolio filled with apps or websites will increase their chances of getting a job. They wrongly assume that this is what all successful designers' portfolios look like, leading to a bias towards creating these specific solutions.

Q: Can problem-solving be limited to just creating an app or website?

No, problem-solving should be done holistically, considering all aspects of the problem area. It is important to analyze each segment and prioritize which ones need to be solved. Depending on the context, the solution could involve process improvements, omni-channel experiences, or even hardware solutions.

Q: Why is it important to consider the problem area end-to-end?

By considering the problem area end-to-end, designers can identify pain points and opportunities for improvement at each stage of the user journey. This ensures a thorough understanding of the problem and allows for better prioritization of solutions.

Q: How can designers create more credible and real-life case studies?

To create more credible and real-life case studies, designers should first focus on understanding the problem area and targeting specific segments to solve. They should document their process and rationale, even if the end solution ends up being an app or website. This demonstrates a holistic approach and credibility to potential hiring managers.

Key Insights:

• Designers should focus on the problem area rather than creating a specific type of solution.
• Working backwards from the overall goal helps in setting achievable steps towards it.
• Problem-solving should be done holistically, considering all aspects and possible solutions.
• Prioritizing and targeting specific segments of the problem area is essential for effective design.
• Case studies should showcase a thorough understanding of the problem and a well-documented design process.
• Jumping to solutions without considering the problem area can lead to assumptions and weak designs.
• Taking the time to explore and understand the problem area before diving into a specific solution is important.
• The right methods and tools should be chosen based on the problem and not on what is trendy or popular.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Many junior designers focus on creating specific types of solutions, like apps or websites, without considering the bigger picture.

• It is important to work backwards from the overall goal and set steps that lead closer to achieving it.

• Designers should prioritize understanding the problem area end-to-end and choosing the right method to solve specific segments of the problem.