Strategies for crafting an introductory section for a User Experience (UX) project report
In the world of UX design, presenting a compelling and concise case study is crucial for showcasing one's skills and abilities to potential employers or clients. Katherine Firth, a teacher of research and writing skills, provides valuable tips for crafting such narratives.
A well-structured UX case study should begin with a short and focused introduction, ideally consisting of four to five sentences. This opening section should set the context for the project, highlighting the problem statement, the designer's role, and the solution approach.
The introduction should be divided into three subheadings: The Problem, The Solution, and My Role.
The Problem subheading introduces the challenges and barriers that were tried to overcome, the importance of the work, and the payoff if successful. For instance, a project might involve redesigning a food delivery app to improve usability and task completion rates.
The Solution subheading outlines the approach to tackling the problem and why it was important to follow that strategy. This section should provide a brief overview of the methods, decisions, and outcomes.
The My Role subheading explains the writer's role in the project, highlighting the aspect that fits the role being applied for. This could include conducting user research, ideating solutions, delivering high-fidelity wireframes, and so on.
Avoid lengthy and overly complex sentences. Instead, use active voice, reduce adverbs and adjectives, and opt for the shortest form of words and phrases. Keep sentences to 25-30 words for maximum impact.
Case study beginning sections should be short and contain all crucial details to explain the project's context to recruiters. They serve as a solution to the problem of how to present the most outstanding case study.
Great questions make for great UX case studies, as they introduce the problem, motivation, and the discoveries made. Including visuals like problem framing diagrams or early sketches right after the intro can also be engaging.
In summary, an effective UX case study beginning should understand the audience, present a clear problem and role, and preview the design solution succinctly for maximum impact. This clear structure makes the case study narrative focused and easier to follow, highlighting your process and design decisions effectively.
[1] Teo Yu Siang, "User Experience: The Beginner's Guide" [2] Copyright [Year] [Organization] [3] CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
A bad example of a UX case study introduction lacks clarity about the challenges and barriers, the importance of the work, and the payoff if successful. Instead, it focuses on the team's work rather than the individual's role.
By following these guidelines, UX designers can craft compelling and concise case studies that effectively showcase their skills and design thinking.
- In my UX case study, I focus on the problem of a food delivery app with low usability and task completion rates, proposing a solution that involves interaction design, user research, and UI/UX redesign to improve user experience.
- To craft a successful UX case study, I structure my narrative using interactive design principles, starting with a clear problem statement, outlining my role in the solution process, and showcasing the design solution in a concise manner.
- By conducting technology-driven user research, I identified user needs and developed a high-fidelity wireframe for the redesigned food delivery app, demonstrating my ability to bridge the gap between technology and user experience.
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