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Stage 11 · Lesson 9 of 18

Writing concise case studies

Editing for busy readers.

  • Intermediate
  • 25 min
  • 3 check questions
  • Exercise: 1 h

By the end of this lesson you can

  • Edit case studies so they are quick to read.
  • Use layout and headings to support scanning.
  • Create short and long versions of a case study.

The idea

Reviewers are busy. Many will skim a case study in a minute or two. Concise, scannable case studies are read more and remembered better.

Editing techniques

  • Cut process theatre: remove steps that did not change the outcome.
  • One idea per section with a clear heading that states the point ("Residents did not know which items were allowed").
  • Short paragraphs and bullet points.
  • Let visuals carry detail, with captions that explain them.
  • Bold key facts so skimmers catch them.

Layers

Think in layers: the summary for 30-second readers, headings and captions for 2-minute readers, and full text for those who want detail. Some designers also offer a longer version or a password-protected deep dive.

Target length

Aim for something that can be read in five to eight minutes. If it takes longer, cut.

Why it matters in real projects

A brilliant project hidden in a 4,000-word case study may never be noticed. Concise writing respects reviewers' time and shows you can communicate clearly, which is itself a core design skill. Clear structure also makes it easier to present the work in interviews.

A realistic example

A designer's case study was 3,500 words with headings like "Discovery", "Define" and "Develop". After editing, it is 1,200 words with headings that state insights: "Most drivers renew on their phone in a car park", "A single page beat five steps", "Renewals completed online rose to 78%". A reviewer can understand the project by reading headings alone.

Step by step

  1. Time yourself

    Measure how long it takes to read.

  2. Rewrite headings

    Make each heading state a point.

  3. Cut process theatre

    Remove steps that did not change anything.

  4. Shorten paragraphs

    Split long paragraphs and use bullets.

  5. Caption visuals

    Add one-sentence captions.

  6. Test skim-reading

    Ask someone to explain the project from headings only.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake Generic process headings.

    Instead Use headings that state the insight or decision.

  • Mistake Walls of text.

    Instead Use short paragraphs, bullets and visuals.

  • Mistake Including every detail.

    Instead Keep detail for interviews or a longer version.

Check your understanding

Choose an answer, then check it. There is an explanation either way.

Question 1 of 3Which heading is better?
Show answer

Most drivers renew on their phone in a car park. It states the point.

Question 2 of 3What is a good target reading time?
Show answer

Five to eight minutes. Respect reviewers' time.

Question 3 of 3What should captions do?
Show answer

Explain what the visual shows. Captions help skimmers.

Practice exercise

Exercise · about 1 h

Edit a case study

Cut a case study to half its length.

Steps

  1. Time how long it takes to read now.
  2. Rewrite headings as statements.
  3. Cut process theatre and split paragraphs.
  4. Test skim-reading with someone else.

Deliverable

An edited case study and before-and-after word counts.

Self-assessment

Tick each item when it is true of your exercise. Be honest; this is for you.

4 items

Summary

  • Reviewers skim, so write for skimming.
  • Use statement headings and short paragraphs.
  • Let captioned visuals carry detail.
  • Aim for five to eight minutes.

Further reading

Third-party sources, chosen for reliability. They open in a new tab.

Your notes

Marking complete updates your course and roadmap progress.

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