Creating a Compelling Case Study
Nearly a year ago I started conducting a series of interviews with past clients of The Spark Mill to reflect on their consulting experience, whether it be strategic planning, coalition building, facilitation, or community engagement. Since then, we’ve started building a bank of case studies that showcase the ways our clients have navigated their own unique challenges & goals, as well as some of the tailored solutions TSM provided throughout the process. This archival project has allowed us to really examine our approach and listen to the measurable impacts and value of past plans as they live out through our clients. So, I wanted to share some tips from the things I’ve learned through developing case studies that may be useful in your organization’s work when looking back prior projects or initiatives.
1. Revisit Your Prior Plan or Project
I always begin prepping for a case study by refreshing my understanding of the client’s original project plan. Reread the story of the work, revisit the goals, challenges, and expectations. This will help you ask intentional, targeted questions for your client or those involved in the project during an interview and ensure you focus on key areas where your organization may have made a difference.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions to Capture Insights
My favorite part of the case study process is conducting a meaningful interview with a past client. It tends to bring out introspective moments and even new thoughts in reflection of their plan. Start by asking open-ended questions that encourage those involved in your project to recollect their experience, barriers, and successes throughout the experience. Ask what they learned through change or what they were surprised by. This allows interviewees to share specific outcomes, any obstacles they overcame, and how your organization contributed to the overall success of the project. These interviews provide a rich narrative for your case study, helping future clients or people investing in your work to understand the tangible results or support you can deliver.
3. Structure Your Case Study as a Compelling Story
Once I’ve gathered client insights, I begin to combine knowledge of the client’s plan and their interview to structure the case study to tell a story. Set the stage with a brief overview of the client or project, the difficulties faced, and the mission at the onset of the project. Highlight your organization’s role in addressing these challenges, and provide context for the strategies employed. Be sure to include specific examples of how these strategies translated into results. This helps future clients or stakeholders to see the value of your services in a real-world context, offering a clear picture of what working with your organization could achieve.
4. Include Client Testimonials and Direct Quotes
To back up the story, I select direct quotes from the interview to weave into the case study. Their personal reflections on the process and outcomes provide a human element that resonates with the reader. Incorporating the testimonials from clients or people involved adds authenticity, credibility, and impact, along with bold graphics to highlight the key points made throughout the case study. Ensure that your case study is both informative and easy to navigate.
Often concluding with a section on the long-term benefits or lessons learned, this emphasizes the lasting value your organization has provided and the positive outcomes on the horizon for the client or future or your organization. By crafting case studies that not only archive your work but also demonstrate your organization’s expertise and results, you create a powerful historical tool that informs and inspires potential clients or stakeholders going forward. Interested? Read our collection of case studies HERE.
