Case studies are an excellent resource to include in your bid as they offer a comprehensive look into your overall performance. And while the content of your case study is crucial, design plays an equally important role in capturing the reader’s attention and showcasing your previous successes. Case studies are more than blocks of text—they’re a portfolio of your expertise and ability to deliver the results that the procurement team is looking to achieve.
A well-designed and structured case study isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it improves comprehension, conveys professionalism, and allows evaluators to quickly digest key information that can otherwise be overlooked.
This blog will cover the best practices for developing visually compelling case studies, including layout, use of visuals, and formatting tips to enhance readability and engagement.
On this page:
- 1. Engaging Layouts
- 2. Using Visuals Effectively
- 3. Highlighting Results
- 4. Branding Consistency
- Templates & Guides
Why Case Study Design Matters in Australian Tendering
When you’ve written your best examples of demonstrated experience, you want to ensure the reader notices your achievements and your understanding of relevant project scopes. Case studies that are clear, structured, and professionally designed make your response stand out. Here’s why:
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Clean layouts capture the attention of time-poor evaluators.
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Visual elements (like infographics and charts) help reinforce key data points.
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Professional presentation builds trust in your business and reflects attention to detail.
Four Key Elements of Case Study Design
1. Structure Your Case Study for Maximum Impact
Your case study should be able to guide readers smoothly through your content. This is where structure comes into play. Key sections should be clearly separated. These sections typically include:
- Client details
- Project size/value
- Project scope
- Challenges
- Your proposed solution
- Outcomes
- Benefits
Design Tips for Better Readability
- Headings and subheadings
Ensure that each section is identifiable at a glance.
- Bullet points and numbered lists
Break down complex information into easily digestible chunks.
- Adequate space
Ample spacing between sections ensures your design is not cluttered, helping readers focus on each key point.
2. Use Visuals to Reinforce Your Message
- Customised tables
If the tender request does not have a particular format for providing the details of your experience, you can take a creative approach in your response. Rather than using large chunks of text with their own headings, you can create a custom table with separate rows and columns for each section.
- Graphs and charts
Use bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, or even relevant screenshots to showcase key performance indicators like cost savings, time reductions, or efficiency improvements.
- Before-and-after comparisons
Visualise the transformation achieved through your solution, such as a process improvement or a technical upgrade.
- Iconography and symbols
To improve readability and engagement, use icons to represent different sections (e.g., challenges, solutions, results).
Example:
3. Make Your Results Stand Out
- Highlight boxes
Use a different colour or background to call attention to key metrics, such as “25% cost reduction” or “40% improvement in delivery speed.”
- Bold and colour-coded text
Use bold fonts or highlight them in a different colour to draw the reader’s eye to crucial data points.
- Infographics
For results-heavy case studies, consider using a simple infographic or enhanced screenshots to summarise key outcomes.
"As a result of our solution, the company saw a 45% reduction in costs within six (6) months."
4. Stay Consistent with Branding and Formatting
Ensuring consistency through pre-defined templates
- Font styles
- Font sizes
- Heading structure
- Tables and references
Integrating key brand elements and messages
Resources to Help Win
