Case Study Storytelling

Over the past 6 months, I have redesigned my portfolio many times. Within that, I have retold my case study in different ways. While not always successful, I learn from each iteration (as we all should from an ‘iteration’).

Now here is our struggle, we have to try to explain at a glance what we have worked on for weeks or months. While also being creative in our approach and standing out from the crowd. But not too creative because we don't want to scare off prospective employment.

This whole approach can either seem easy because we put too little thought into it, or daunting because we put too much thought into it.

Anyone else feel this way?

Creating A Timeline

I recently spent some time talking to a senior designer about her approach to case studies. She was incredibly insightful and very kind to take her time and talk with me about her process. So to give credit where credit is due, not all of these ideas are solely mine.

The standard at this point with case studies is to give an overarching account of your process. What you did, how you did it, and the rough timeframe it took you. Which is fine and by no means a bad way to approach it. But what we are forgetting at this point is you are trying to grab someone's attention to interview you for a position right? So if you put everything on the table at once, you are basically giving them no reason to buy a ticket to your movie.

Imagine going into a theater and the newest drama movie trailer comes out. But instead of just showing you interesting tidbits of cool scenes to get you hooked to come back when the movie is out, they put together clips of the trailer that feel like the movie has been given away. I know I’ve seen trailers like this, and honestly avoided the movie because I feel like the story has been ruined.

Apply this thinking to your case studies. Give them just enough information to beg them to ask for more. Okay... Maybe not beg, but you get the idea.

Upsidedown Pyramid

In journalism, there is a structure known as the ‘upsidedown pyramid’. Its where your biggest font (header) should show that most important information. Not just a header but a quick summary that doesnt require the average reader to go any farther into the article if they dont want to. Like “Building on 1st street burns down”. From that title you know exactly what that article is about.

Applying this idea to each section of our case study will really bring the reader to points and conclusions without having to dig into your paragraphs, and ultimately will give you more to chat about in your interview stage.

Making a magazine

We are creatives, and being creative means we can design some cool stuff. Lets highlight those awesome moments by focusing on one thing. Imagine you are approaching your case study as a cover story. Pick that one idea, expand upon it, make a trailer with your words, and save the rest.

Leaving some mystery is crucial, like the girl or guy across the bar you are the mysterious designer smiling back. Give your prospective employer a wonderful glimpse into who you are without boring them to death before the first email.

Conclusion

Hopefully this gives you some ideas, I know its not traditional. But this industry is anything but. We are in a very new job market, and things need to keep evolving. Step up your game and be on top before anyone else!

-until next time-