case study software design

Business growth

Marketing tips

16 case study examples (+ 3 templates to make your own)

I like to think of case studies as a business's version of a resume. It highlights what the business can do, lends credibility to its offer, and contains only the positive bullet points that paint it in the best light possible.

Imagine if the guy running your favorite taco truck followed you home so that he could "really dig into how that burrito changed your life." I see the value in the practice. People naturally prefer a tried-and-true burrito just as they prefer tried-and-true products or services.

To help you showcase your success and flesh out your burrito questionnaire, I've put together some case study examples and key takeaways.

What is a case study?

A case study is an in-depth analysis of how your business, product, or service has helped past clients. It can be a document, a webpage, or a slide deck that showcases measurable, real-life results.

For example, if you're a SaaS company, you can analyze your customers' results after a few months of using your product to measure its effectiveness. You can then turn this analysis into a case study that further proves to potential customers what your product can do and how it can help them overcome their challenges.

It changes the narrative from "I promise that we can do X and Y for you" to "Here's what we've done for businesses like yours, and we can do it for you, too."

16 case study examples 

While most case studies follow the same structure, quite a few try to break the mold and create something unique. Some businesses lean heavily on design and presentation, while others pursue a detailed, stat-oriented approach. Some businesses try to mix both.

There's no set formula to follow, but I've found that the best case studies utilize impactful design to engage readers and leverage statistics and case details to drive the point home. A case study typically highlights the companies, the challenges, the solution, and the results. The examples below will help inspire you to do it, too.

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People love a good farm-to-table coffee story, and boy am I one of them. But I've shared this case study with you for more reasons than my love of coffee. I enjoyed this study because it was written as though it was a letter.

In this case study, the founder of Volcanica Coffee talks about the journey from founding the company to personally struggling with learning and applying digital marketing to finding and enlisting AdRoll's services.

It felt more authentic, less about AdRoll showcasing their worth and more like a testimonial from a grateful and appreciative client. After the story, the case study wraps up with successes, milestones, and achievements. Note that quite a few percentages are prominently displayed at the top, providing supporting evidence that backs up an inspiring story.

Takeaway: Highlight your goals and measurable results to draw the reader in and provide concise, easily digestible information.

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This Airtable case study on Taylor Guitars comes as close as one can to an optimal structure. It features a video that represents the artistic nature of the client, highlighting key achievements and dissecting each element of Airtable's influence.

It also supplements each section with a testimonial or quote from the client, using their insights as a catalyst for the case study's narrative. For example, the case study quotes the social media manager and project manager's insights regarding team-wide communication and access before explaining in greater detail.

Takeaway: Highlight pain points your business solves for its client, and explore that influence in greater detail.

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My favorite part of Figma's case study is highlighting why EndeavourX chose its solution. You'll notice an entire section on what Figma does for teams and then specifically for EndeavourX.

It also places a heavy emphasis on numbers and stats. The study, as brief as it is, still manages to pack in a lot of compelling statistics about what's possible with Figma.

Takeaway: Showcase the "how" and "why" of your product's differentiators and how they benefit your customers.

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Zapier's case study leans heavily on design, using graphics to present statistics and goals in a manner that not only remains consistent with the branding but also actively pushes it forward, drawing users' eyes to the information most important to them. 

The graphics, emphasis on branding elements, and cause/effect style tell the story without requiring long, drawn-out copy that risks boring readers. Instead, the cause and effect are concisely portrayed alongside the client company's information for a brief and easily scannable case study.

Takeaway: Lean on design to call attention to the most important elements of your case study, and make sure it stays consistent with your branding.

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In true OpenAI fashion, this case study is a block of text. There's a distinct lack of imagery, but the study features a narrated video walking readers through the product.

The lack of imagery and color may not be the most inviting, but utilizing video format is commendable. It helps thoroughly communicate how OpenAI supported Ironclad in a way that allows the user to sit back, relax, listen, and be impressed. 

Takeaway: Get creative with the media you implement in your case study. Videos can be a very powerful addition when a case study requires more detailed storytelling.

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GitHub's case study on Shopify is a light read. It addresses client pain points and discusses the different aspects its product considers and improves for clients. It touches on workflow issues, internal systems, automation, and security. It does a great job of representing what one company can do with GitHub.

To drive the point home, the case study features colorful quote callouts from the Shopify team, sharing their insights and perspectives on the partnership, the key issues, and how they were addressed.

Takeaway: Leverage quotes to boost the authoritativeness and trustworthiness of your case study. 

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Contentful's case study on Audible features almost every element a case study should. It includes not one but two videos and clearly outlines the challenge, solution, and outcome before diving deeper into what Contentful did for Audible. The language is simple, and the writing is heavy with quotes and personal insights.

This case study is a uniquely original experience. The fact that the companies in question are perhaps two of the most creative brands out there may be the reason. I expected nothing short of a detailed analysis, a compelling story, and video content. 

Takeaway: Inject some brand voice into the case study, and create assets that tell the story for you.

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Asana's case study on Zoom is longer than the average piece and features detailed data on Zoom's growth since 2020. Instead of relying on imagery and graphics, it features several quotes and testimonials. 

It's designed to be direct, informative, and promotional. At some point, the case study reads more like a feature list. There were a few sections that felt a tad too promotional for my liking, but to each their own burrito.

Takeaway: Maintain a balance between promotional and informative. You want to showcase the high-level goals your product helped achieve without losing the reader.

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I've always been a fan of Mailchimp's comic-like branding, and this case study does an excellent job of sticking to their tradition of making information easy to understand, casual, and inviting.

It features a short video that briefly covers Hickies as a company and Mailchimp's efforts to serve its needs for customer relationships and education processes. Overall, this case study is a concise overview of the partnership that manages to convey success data and tell a story at the same time. What sets it apart is that it does so in a uniquely colorful and brand-consistent manner.

Takeaway: Be concise to provide as much value in as little text as possible.

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The gaming industry is notoriously difficult to recruit for, as it requires a very specific set of skills and experience. This case study focuses on how Workday was able to help fill that recruitment gap for NVIDIA, one of the biggest names in the gaming world.

Though it doesn't feature videos or graphics, this case study stood out to me in how it structures information like "key products used" to give readers insight into which tools helped achieve these results.

Takeaway: If your company offers multiple products or services, outline exactly which ones were involved in your case study, so readers can assess each tool.

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I'm personally not a big KFC fan, but that's only because I refuse to eat out of a bucket. My aversion to the bucket format aside, Contentful follows its consistent case study format in this one, outlining challenges, solutions, and outcomes before diving into the nitty-gritty details of the project.

Say what you will about KFC, but their primary product (chicken) does present a unique opportunity for wordplay like "Continuing to march to the beat of a digital-first drum(stick)" or "Delivering deep-fried goodness to every channel."

Takeaway: Inject humor into your case study if there's room for it and if it fits your brand. 

12. .css-yjptlz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Intuit and Twilio

Twilio does an excellent job of delivering achievements at the very beginning of the case study and going into detail in this two-minute read. While there aren't many graphics, the way quotes from the Intuit team are implemented adds a certain flair to the study and breaks up the sections nicely.

It's simple, concise, and manages to fit a lot of information in easily digestible sections.

Takeaway: Make sure each section is long enough to inform but brief enough to avoid boring readers. Break down information for each section, and don't go into so much detail that you lose the reader halfway through.

13. .css-yjptlz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Spotify and Salesforce

Salesforce created a video that accurately summarizes the key points of the case study. Beyond that, the page itself is very light on content, and sections are as short as one paragraph.

I especially like how information is broken down into "What you need to know," "Why it matters," and "What the difference looks like." I'm not ashamed of being spoon-fed information. When it's structured so well and so simply, it makes for an entertaining read.

14. .css-yjptlz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Benchling and Airtable

Benchling is an impressive entity in its own right. Biotech R&D and health care nuances go right over my head. But the research and digging I've been doing in the name of these burritos (case studies) revealed that these products are immensely complex. 

And that's precisely why this case study deserves a read—it succeeds at explaining a complex project that readers outside the industry wouldn't know much about.

Takeaway: Simplify complex information, and walk readers through the company's operations and how your business helped streamline them.

15. .css-yjptlz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Chipotle and Hubble

The concision of this case study is refreshing. It features two sections—the challenge and the solution—all in 316 words. This goes to show that your case study doesn't necessarily need to be a four-figure investment with video shoots and studio time. 

Sometimes, the message is simple and short enough to convey in a handful of paragraphs.

Takeaway: Consider what you should include instead of what you can include. Assess the time, resources, and effort you're able and willing to invest in a case study, and choose which elements you want to include from there.

16. .css-yjptlz-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']{color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:#2b2358;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:#3d4592;outline-color:#3d4592;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:#a8a5a0;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:#fffdf9;outline-color:#fffdf9;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-yjptlz-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;} Hudl and Zapier

I may be biased, but I'm a big fan of seeing metrics and achievements represented in branded graphics. It can be a jarring experience to navigate a website, then visit a case study page and feel as though you've gone to a completely different website.

The case study is essentially the summary, and the blog article is the detailed analysis that provides context beyond X achievement or Y goal.

Takeaway: Keep your case study concise and informative. Create other resources to provide context under your blog, media or press, and product pages.

3 case study templates

Now that you've had your fill of case studies (if that's possible), I've got just what you need: an infinite number of case studies, which you can create yourself with these case study templates.

Case study template 1

If you've got a quick hit of stats you want to show off, try this template. The opening section gives space for a short summary and three visually appealing stats you can highlight, followed by a headline and body where you can break the case study down more thoroughly. This one's pretty simple, with only sections for solutions and results, but you can easily continue the formatting to add more sections as needed.

Case study template 2

For a case study template with a little more detail, use this one. Opening with a striking cover page for a quick overview, this one goes on to include context, stakeholders, challenges, multiple quote callouts, and quick-hit stats. 

Case study template 3

Whether you want a little structural variation or just like a nice dark green, this template has similar components to the last template but is designed to help tell a story. Move from the client overview through a description of your company before getting to the details of how you fixed said company's problems.

Tips for writing a case study

Examples are all well and good, but you don't learn how to make a burrito just by watching tutorials on YouTube without knowing what any of the ingredients are. You could , but it probably wouldn't be all that good.

Have an objective: Define your objective by identifying the challenge, solution, and results. Assess your work with the client and focus on the most prominent wins. You're speaking to multiple businesses and industries through the case study, so make sure you know what you want to say to them.

Focus on persuasive data: Growth percentages and measurable results are your best friends. Extract your most compelling data and highlight it in your case study.

Use eye-grabbing graphics: Branded design goes a long way in accurately representing your brand and retaining readers as they review the study. Leverage unique and eye-catching graphics to keep readers engaged. 

Simplify data presentation: Some industries are more complex than others, and sometimes, data can be difficult to understand at a glance. Make sure you present your data in the simplest way possible. Make it concise, informative, and easy to understand.

Use automation to drive results for your case study

A case study example is a source of inspiration you can leverage to determine how to best position your brand's work. Find your unique angle, and refine it over time to help your business stand out. Ask anyone: the best burrito in town doesn't just appear at the number one spot. They find their angle (usually the house sauce) and leverage it to stand out.

Case study FAQ

Got your case study template? Great—it's time to gather the team for an awkward semi-vague data collection task. While you do that, here are some case study quick answers for you to skim through while you contemplate what to call your team meeting.

What is an example of a case study?

An example of a case study is when a software company analyzes its results from a client project and creates a webpage, presentation, or document that focuses on high-level results, challenges, and solutions in an attempt to showcase effectiveness and promote the software.

How do you write a case study?

To write a good case study, you should have an objective, identify persuasive and compelling data, leverage graphics, and simplify data. Case studies typically include an analysis of the challenge, solution, and results of the partnership.

What is the format of a case study?

While case studies don't have a set format, they're often portrayed as reports or essays that inform readers about the partnership and its results. 

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Hachem Ramki

Hachem is a writer and digital marketer from Montreal. After graduating with a degree in English, Hachem spent seven years traveling around the world before moving to Canada. When he's not writing, he enjoys Basketball, Dungeons and Dragons, and playing music for friends and family.

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A Comprehensive Guide to System Design

In the dynamic landscape of software engineering, system design stands as a pivotal phase that lays the foundation for robust and scalable applications. Mastering the art of system design involves understanding intricate design concepts that fuel innovation and ensure seamless functionality. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of system design, explore its core concepts, and equip you with the knowledge to excel in this crucial aspect of software engineering.

Table of Contents

What is system design, key concepts in system design, understanding the components of system design, the process of system design, best practices for effective system design, case studies of successful system designs.

At its essence, system design is the blueprint that transforms concepts and requirements into tangible software structures. It is the strategic process of defining the architecture, components, and interactions of a software system to fulfill specific functional and non-functional requirements. It involves translating high-level concepts into concrete designs that can be implemented and executed efficiently.

Modularity and Abstraction: Breaking down a complex system into modular components promotes reusability, ease of maintenance, and efficient collaboration among developers.

Coupling and Cohesion: Striking the right balance between component interdependence (coupling) and the functional relatedness within a component (cohesion) is crucial for a well-structured system.

Architectural Patterns: Different architectural patterns, such as client-server, microservices , and monolithic, offer guidelines for organizing components and handling interactions.

Data Flow and Communication: Designing effective data flow and communication mechanisms ensures seamless information exchange between system components.

Trade-offs and Constraints: System designers often face trade-offs between factors like performance, cost, and development time. Understanding these trade-offs is vital to making informed decisions.

A well-crafted software system is a composition of carefully crafted components, each serving a specific purpose and collaborating seamlessly to bring a digital vision to life. Every component is designed and precisely placed to ensure smooth operation and optimal performance. These components encompass a spectrum of functionalities, from managing data and user interactions to securing sensitive information and facilitating communication between different parts of the system.

Let's take a closer look at these fundamental components that form the backbone of a well-structured system design:

Components and Modules: Each component encapsulates a specific functionality, allowing for modularity and reusability. This means that developers can focus on refining and enhancing individual components without disrupting the entire system.

Data Management: Data management involves designing databases , defining schemas, and implementing strategies for data storage, retrieval, and maintenance. A well-designed data management component ensures that information flows seamlessly through the system, enabling accurate and timely decision-making.

User Interfaces: A user interface component involves creating intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly interfaces that facilitate smooth interactions. From buttons and menus to forms and visual elements, a well-designed user interface component enhances user experience, making it easy for users to navigate and engage with the application.

Communication Protocols: In a world where systems often need to talk to each other, communication protocols act as the language that enables effective dialogue. These protocols define the rules and conventions for data exchange between different components or even between separate systems. Whether it's a web service requesting information from a server or two modules sharing critical data, a robust communication protocol ensures that information is transmitted accurately and efficiently.

Security Measures: With the increasing importance of data privacy and cybersecurity, a dedicated security component is essential. This component encompasses encryption, authentication, access control, and other measures to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access. A well-designed security component shields the software system from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

System design is a structured process that involves several stages. It involves a methodical process of conceptualization, refinement, and construction. This process serves as the blueprint for transforming abstract ideas into tangible and functional software systems.

Now, let's delve into the phases that constitute the process of system design:

Requirements Analysis : It is the foundation upon which the entire structure rests. This involves understanding user needs, functional specifications, and potential challenges to ensure that the design aligns with the project's goals.

Architectural Design : The architectural design phase shapes the high-level structure of the software. Here, designers determine the major components, their relationships, and the overall flow of information. This stage lays the groundwork for the subsequent design steps.

Component Design : The component design phase adds depth to the narrative. Designers delve into the specifics of each module, determining how they function and interact. This involves defining interfaces, algorithms, and internal mechanisms that contribute to the overall narrative of the software.

Database Design : The database design phase sculpts the data storage and retrieval mechanisms. Designers create a blueprint for organizing data, defining tables, relationships, and access methods. This step ensures that data is managed efficiently and can be accessed when needed.

User Interface Design : Designers craft user interfaces that are visually appealing and user-friendly. They create layouts, select fonts, and design interactive elements that enhance the user experience.

Integration and Testing : The integration and testing phase brings all the components together. System designers integrate different modules, test their interactions, and identify and rectify any issues. This step ensures that the entire system functions seamlessly as a unified entity.

• Thoroughly understand user needs and requirements before diving into design.
• Create modular components to enhance reusability and maintainability.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation to aid understanding and future development.
• Develop prototypes to validate design concepts and gather user feedback.
• Keep It Simple. Strive for simplicity in design to reduce complexity and improve system clarity.

Let's dive into some fascinating real-world examples that showcase how the principles of system design have been applied to create impressive and impactful digital experiences. These case studies provide a glimpse into how thoughtful design choices can lead to revolutionary solutions and redefine entire industries.

Netflix Streaming Service

Netflix, the world's leading streaming platform, is a prime example of successful system design. Behind the scenes, Netflix uses a microservices-based architecture . Think of this as a city with different neighborhoods, each serving a unique purpose. These microservices allow Netflix to deliver content seamlessly to millions of users worldwide. Just like each neighborhood has its own shops and services, each microservice handles a specific task, like user authentication or video streaming. This modular approach ensures scalability, easy maintenance, and quick updates, contributing to the smooth streaming experience that millions enjoy daily.

Uber's Real-time Matching

Uber's success is built on a robust system design that enables real-time matching of drivers and riders. Imagine a magic matchmaking spell that instantly connects people needing a ride with available drivers. Uber's system uses advanced algorithms and location data to make this happen. It's like having a digital GPS guiding drivers to their passengers in real-time. This efficient system design ensures that users get reliable rides quickly, making urban transportation more convenient and accessible.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a game-changing example of system design in the cloud computing world. Imagine having a supercharged toolbox of digital tools and resources that you can access from anywhere. AWS provides this by offering a wide range of services, like storage, computing power, and databases , through the cloud. It's like having a virtual workshop where developers can build and deploy applications without worrying about the hardware. AWS's scalable and flexible system design has transformed how businesses manage their IT infrastructure, enabling startups and large enterprises alike to innovate and grow rapidly.

System design is the backbone of software engineering, shaping the way applications function, scale, and deliver value to users. By understanding the core concepts, following a systematic design process, and considering key factors, developers can create software systems that meet user expectations and adapt to changing technological landscapes. Learning system design empowers software engineers to craft innovative, reliable, and efficient solutions that drive the digital world forward.

Written by Amani Undru

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Software development case studies​

We love to show off examples of web and mobile applications that we’ve developed for our clients. In addition to betting projects (in which we specialize), here you will also find applications from the financial, healthcare, IoT industries and additionally, some solutions for startups. Remember that not all of the software development case studies that we’ve completed are available on this page, some of them are confidential. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions.

All software development case studies

Below you will find all of our case studies. For a better navigation experience, use the filters by dividing them into industries, the scope of work, or the platform. Projects we have carried out in the past are still being developed. We put a lot of work into them and we are very proud of what we do. We’d love to speak with you, so please contact us if you have questions about these projects. If you want to implement your own idea, CrustLab is the partner to help you do it!

CrazyBet – Crypto Casino with Custom Frontend & Social Features

Delve into the genesis of a standalone crypto casino platform infused with immersive gaming aspects and vibrant social interactions.

BETFAN – Sportsbook Web & Mobile UI

Innovative sportsbook UI that transforms betting on web and mobile platforms into an exceptional experience. Delivered for one of the top legal bookmakers in Poland.

Slot Games Aggregator

Industry-acclaimed one-stop software for online casino operators, now expanded with even more attractive gaming options.

White-label Casino Apps for a Global Audience

Uncover the intricacies of cutting-edge custom casino mobile apps. Confronting considerable technical challenges, rigorous timelines, and strict regulatory constraints, we redefined industry standards.

White-label Mobile Sportsbook Apps

The genesis of custom mobile sportsbook apps reshaping the US and Canadian iGaming landscape through customization and cross-state functionality.

STAY STRONG – A Next-level App Elevating Tennis Club Engagement

Discover how Fame Sport Club, a VIP-centric tennis and badminton hub in Krakow, harnessed cutting-edge technology to elevate player experiences and boost profitability.

AI-boosted Flutter mobile app supporting soccer clubs in training young soccer players

Cross-platform Flutter mobile app created for professional soccer clubs. AI-boosted Duolingo for young adepts of soccer and a complete back office for professional coaches.

BetMakers – the next generation online betting platform

Creation of a next generation multi-tenant Horse Racing betting system hosted by one of the biggest players in the betting industry.

TMS Brokers – Online currency exchange office

Expansion of an online currency exchange office’s functionalities including dedicated panels for users, administrators, and traders.

PelviFly – Healthcare cross-platform mobile app development

Creation of a cross-platform mobile app for end-users and a custom web application for coaches and administrators. The system introduces the gaming experience into a professional medical treatment to start training pelvic floor muscles for women of all ages.

Offender tracking system – an AI-supported IoT application for Public Safety

Development of the personal unit tracking system and native mobile applications to supervise and monitor their activity.

Leeroy – A White-label Restaurant Management App

The transformation of a groundbreaking all-in-one platform designed to streamline restaurant management across Scandinavia.

Case study – fixed pool betting system

Improvements and refreshments to a fixed-pool betting system. Fixed performance bottlenecks, implemented several new technical solutions and custom features, improved the user experience, and added more business conversion points to the web application.

DreamPicks – Online sports betting platform MVP design

Complete design project of the MVP version for an online sports betting platform intended for the US market.

Zowie – a mobile chat widget SDK

Creation of the SDK for a mobile chat widget for Android, iOS, and Flutter.

SoyDigi – business management as a service web app MVP

Creation of the web app MVP version of a business as a service application for a Polish-Columbian startup in the early stages of growth.

Pick24 – social betting mobile apps development

Development of social betting iOS and Android mobile applications for simulated gambling.

WorkInn – Web application and recruitment marketplace for the HoReCa industry

A web application from the event and catering industry that connects event organizers and employees such as cooks, waiters, bartenders, and more.

Smooth Remote – An AWS-based web remote job board

An extended AWS-based web remote job board with an admin panel, Content Management System, and payment integrations.

The Central House of Technology – Content Management System development

Development of a Content Management System to manage the knowledge base and integration with the cdt.pl web portal.

Solver e-learning platform

Creation of an e-learning platform that targets two types of users: providers who offer services and audiences who want to learn.

ICEO – Android widget application

Development of Android widget application which allows the user to follow the cryptocurrency rates in real-time.

BLNK – design of iOS mobile application

An iOS mobile application supporting the maintenance of healthy eyesight.

Pretta – A new level of project management

An iOS application designed to optimize project management processes.

Trusted by leading brands

There is no better recommendation than the opinion of a satisfied customer. See what founders and managers have to say about their cooperation with CrustLab.

CrustLab consistently adds value to our organization in many ways. We’ve received very positively feedback on the system CrustLab has delivered. Our customers regard it as an excellent product. Our experience working with them has far exceeded those of other vendors.

The team provided professional services that added value to the core functions of the business. They were fast and felt like our internal IT department, working during the night when we were deploying important features. That was fantastic, and I’m happy they’ve worked with me.

CrustLab’s implementation of our solutions has almost doubled our revenues. All aspects of cooperation were very good. I felt that we were treated as very important clients because we received a very high standard of service. The team delivered the results at the time and budget.

We finished an MVP in 3 weeks. It was very valuable that CrustLab was able to evaluate the feasibility of our solution and estimated the effort and cost that was required to request the funding. CrustLab can be a business partner in addition to an excellent software development agency.

CrustLab successfully delivered a product that was able to maintain its performance despite some sudden surges in the site’s traffic. Thanks to their experience and ability to predict problems, we found solutions and built the project on time.

We take advantage of CrustLab’s experience in the field of payments, new functionalities, and user-friendly design. The development process itself ran smoothly and according to plan. It was important for us to complete the project on time, so I cannot imagine a better partner for this project.

We hired CrustLab to introduce several modifications to improve one of the Pocco Finance apps and integrate it with the new version of the SDK. The project was completed on time and in line with the planned budget. I strongly recommend CrustLab as a software partner.

This team is hungry, sharp, “on it” and very customer-focused. I had no idea that I could find such great help from the other side of the world – especially a firm that could understand our product requirements even though I’m not a tech product manager.

We are really satisfied with the cooperation with CrustLab. Very good technical skillset, good communication, and work done on time! After creating a customizable widget, we entrusted them with redefine of another application, and the results are splendid.

Our cooperation with CrustLab concerned body leasing. They offered us highly skilled and experienced Android developers. I am fully satisfied with the ease of contact, the speed of completing the formalities, but most of all of the man they recommended to us.

Contact us and get a free project estimation!

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• 22 May 2024

Banned or Not, TikTok Is a Force Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore

It may be tempting to write off TikTok, the highly scrutinized social media app whose cat clips and dance videos propelled it to the mainstream. However, business leaders could learn valuable lessons about engaging consumers from the world's most-used platform, says Shikhar Ghosh in a case study.

• 22 Mar 2024
• Research & Ideas

Open Source Software: The $9 Trillion Resource Companies Take for Granted

Many companies build their businesses on open source software, code that would cost firms $8.8 trillion to create from scratch if it weren't freely available. Research by Frank Nagle and colleagues puts a value on an economic necessity that will require investment to meet demand.

• 04 Apr 2022

Tech Hubs: How Software Brought Talent and Prosperity to New Cities

Software invention spurred the rapid ascent of six American tech hubs, helping them draw talent from even larger cities. Will the rise of remote work shake the status quo? Research by William Kerr. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 19 Jul 2020
• Working Paper Summaries

Open Source Software and Global Entrepreneurship

Does more activity in open source software development lead to increased entrepreneurial activity and, if so, how much, and in what direction? This study measures how participation on the GitHub open source platform affects the founding of new ventures globally.

• 22 Jun 2020

Iterative Coordination and Innovation

Do Agile methodologies promote innovation? Results of a field experiment with Google show that increasing the frequency and goal orientation of stand-up meetings reinforces integration and value but reduces specialization and novelty in outcomes.

• 21 Apr 2020

7 Successful Battle Strategies to Beat COVID-19

The Agile methodology used to speed complex software development is also helpful for managing decision-making in today's crisis environment, says Euvin Naidoo. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 24 Feb 2020

The Hidden Vulnerabilities of Open Source Software

The increasing use of open source software in most commercial apps has revolutionized software development—but also created hidden vulnerabilities, say Frank Nagle and Jenny Hoffman. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 28 Aug 2019

Who Drives Digital Innovation? Evidence from the US Medical Device Industry

Major industries are undergoing a digital transformation, in which key aspects of new product development are migrating to a software-driven context. In the medical device industry, experience matters, as does the geographic clustering of new product development, which gives advantages to both new entrants and incumbent firms.

• 22 Apr 2019

Government Technology Policy, Social Value, and National Competitiveness

This study examines the impact of a French law requiring government agencies to favor open source software (OSS) over proprietary software in technology procurement processes. Results suggest a cost-effective policy lever that countries can use to both create global social value and increase their own national competitiveness.

• 05 Sep 2018

The Hidden Benefit of Giving Back to Open Source Software

Firms that allow their software programmers to "give back" to the open source community on company time gain benefits—even though competitors might benefit too, says Frank Nagle. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 05 Jul 2017

Designing an Agile Software Portfolio Architecture: The Impact of Coupling on Performance

This study deepens our understanding of how firms can better design software portfolio architectures to improve their agility. The authors examined data from over 1,000 different software applications and 3,000 dependencies between them. They found that indirect measures of coupling and dependency have more power in predicting IT agility than direct measures.

• 09 Mar 2017

Exploring the Relationship Between Architecture Coupling and Software Vulnerabilities: A Google Chrome Case

Managing software vulnerabilities is a top issue in today’s society. By studying the Google Chrome codebase, the authors explore software metrics including architecture coupling measures in relation to software vulnerabilities. This paper adds new findings to research on software metrics and vulnerabilities, bringing the field closer to generalizable and conclusive results.

• 20 Jan 2016

Maybe Uber isn't God's Gift to Mankind

Benjamin G. Edelman discusses the potential negative effects of transportation network companies in the so-called sharing economy. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 01 Oct 2015

Efficiencies and Regulatory Shortcuts: How Should We Regulate Companies like Airbnb and Uber?

With the rise of service technology platforms such as Uber, a new regulatory approach is needed providing more flexibility that ensures service providers, users and third parties are adequately protected.

• 09 Apr 2014

Visualizing and Measuring Software Portfolio Architectures: A Flexibility Analysis

Contemporary business environments are constantly evolving, requiring continual changes to the software applications that support a business. Moreover, during recent decades, the sheer number of applications has grown significantly, and they have become increasingly interdependent. Many companies find that managing applications and implementing changes to their application portfolio architecture is increasingly difficult and expensive. Firms need a way to visualize and analyze the modularity of their software portfolio architectures and the degree of coupling between components. In this paper, the authors test a method for visualizing and measuring software portfolio architectures using data of a biopharmaceutical firm's enterprise architecture. The authors also use the measures to predict the costs of architectural change. Findings show, first, that the biopharmaceutical firm's enterprise architecture can be classified as core-periphery. This means that 1) there is one cyclic group (the "Core") of components that is substantially larger than the second largest cyclic group, and 2) this group comprises a substantial portion of the entire architecture. In addition, the classification of applications in the architecture (as being in the Core or the Periphery) is significantly correlated with architectural flexibility. In this case the architecture has a propagation cost of 23 percent, meaning almost one-quarter of the system may be affected when a change is made to a randomly selected component. Overall, results suggest that the hidden structure method can reveal new facts about an enterprise architecture. This method can aid the analysis of change costs at the software application portfolio level. Key concepts include: This method for architectural visualization could provide valuable input when planning architectural change projects (in terms of, for example, risk analysis and resource planning). The method reveals a "hidden" core-periphery structure, uncovering new facts about the architecture that could not be gained from other visualization procedures or standard metrics. Compared to other measures of complexity, coupling, and modularity, this method considers not only the direct dependencies between components but also the indirect dependencies. These indirect dependencies provide important input for management decisions. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

• 11 Jan 2010

Mixing Open Source and Proprietary Software Strategies

Open source and proprietary software development used to be competing strategies. Now software firms are experimenting with strategies that mix the two models. Researcher Gaston Llanes discusses recent research into these "mixed source" strategies. Key concepts include: Software companies are taking a "best of both worlds" approach by creating products that use a combination of OS and proprietary software code. The researchers wanted to get a clearer sense of when a profit-maximizing firm should adopt a mixed-source business model and what that model might look like under different circumstances. Results indicate recurring patterns and strategies that managers can take into consideration when setting strategy. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

• 25 Sep 2006

How Software Platforms Revolutionize Business

Cell phones, the Game Boy, and PCs are examples of products based upon software platforms—ecosystems where independent companies can provide products and services tied to the core technology. Playing in a software platform world can make you rich—ask ringtone creators—but it also demands special management skills that emphasize cooperation over competition. Professor Andrei Hagiu discusses his new book, Invisible Engines. Key concepts include: Software platforms have improved productivity and innovation in many industries, disrupted or destroyed others, and created entirely new businesses. Software platforms are powerful engines of change because of the malleability of code and of the fundamental functions they perform, which make it easy for them to march across industry boundaries; and because their multi-sided nature allows them to spawn vibrant ecosystems of complementors. Managing software platforms is about much more than creating technology. It takes skills in navigating cooperation and competition, building creative business models, and anticipating competition across industries. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

• 30 Apr 2001

Why Evolutionary Software Development Works

What is the best way to develop software? HBS professor Alan MacCormack discusses recent research proving the theory that the best approach is evolutionary. In this article from MIT Sloan Management Review, MacCormack and colleagues Marco Iansiti and Roberto Verganti uncover four practices that lead to successful Internet software development. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

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Agile Software Development Life Cycle: Case Study

Learn more about our agile software development life cycle from our Mitsubishi case study.

Any software development project, either big or small, requires a great deal of planning and steps that divide the entire development process into several smaller tasks that can be assigned to specific people, completed, measured, and evaluated. Agile Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), is the process for doing exactly that – planning, developing, testing, and deploying information systems. The benefit of agile SDLC is that project managers can omit, split, or mix certain steps depending on the project’s scope while maintaining the efficiency of the development process and the integrity of the development life cycle. 

Today, we are going to examine a software development life cycle case study from one of Intersog’s previous projects to show how agility plays a crucial role in the successful delivery of the final product. Several years back, we worked with Mitsubishi Motors helping one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to develop a new supply chain management system. With the large scope of the project, its complex features, and many stakeholders relying on the outcomes of the project, we had to employ an agile approach to ensure a secure software development life cycle.

Business Requirements

Mitsubishi Motors involves many stakeholders and suppliers around the world, which makes its supply chain rather complex and data-heavy. That is why timely improvements are crucial for the proper functioning of this huge system and a corporation as a whole. Over the years of functioning, the old supply chain has been accumulating some noticeable frictions that resulted in the efficiency bottlenecks, and Intersog offered came ups with just the right set of solutions to make sufficient solutions that would help Mitsubishi ensure a coherent line of communication and cooperation with all the involved suppliers.

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Previously, Mitsubishi used an outdated supply chain management system that involved a large number of spreadsheets that required a lot of manual input. Considering a large number of stakeholders, the problem of synchronization has been a pressing one as well – different stakeholders would input the data at different speeds and at different times of day, which created a degree of confusion among suppliers. Though the system has been sufficient for a long time, the time has come to eliminate all the redundancies and streamline data input. 

The legacy system has been partially automated and ran on the IBM AS400 server, which allows for impressive flexibility, but it no longer sufficed for Mitsubishi’s growing needs. The main requirement, thus, was to create a robust online supply chain solution that would encompass the entire logistics process starting with auto parts and steel suppliers and ending with subcontractors and car dealerships around the world. That being said, Mitsubishi did not want to completely change the system, they opted for overhaul, and we came up with the idea of an integrated web application that was meant to function in conjunction with a DB2 base that was already used on the IBM AS400 server. 

IT Architecture and Agile SDLC

Mitsubishi employs a series of guidelines and rules on how to build, modify, and acquire new IT resources, which is why Intersog had to be truly agile to adapt to the client’s long-established IT architecture. Adapting to the requirements of the client, and especially to the strict regulations of the IT architecture of large corporations like Mitsubishi requires knowledge, flexibility, and strong industry expertise. Each software development company has its own architecture standards and frameworks for building new systems but many face difficulties when working with the existing systems and modifying them to the new requirements.

Intersog has no such problems. We approached Mitsubishi’s case with strong industry expertise and flexibility to account for all the client’s needs and specifications of the existing system. Obviously, following the client’s architecture regulations requires a profound understanding of said regulations, which is why information gathering is an integral phase of the software development life cycle.

Requirements Gathering

The requirements gathering phase can take anywhere from just a couple of days to several weeks. Working with complex and multi-layered legacy systems like the one used by Mitsubishi requires serious analysis and information gathering. In the case of Mitsubishi, our dedicated team had to gain a clear understanding of how the legacy system functions, create new software specifications, map out the development process, gather and create all the necessary documentation, track all the issues related to the functioning of the legacy system, outline the necessary solutions, and allocate all the resources to achieve the project’s goals in the most efficient manner. 

Working on the Mitsubishi project, our team has been gathering all the required information for up to 4 weeks. This included a profound examination of the legacy system, mapping out all of its flaws and specifications, bridging the gaps between the current state of the system and the requirements of the client, and outlining the development process. 

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The design stage includes all the integral decisions regarding the software architecture, its makeover, the tech frameworks that would be used in the system’s rework. During this stage, developers discuss the coding guidelines, the tools, practices, and runtimes that will help the team meet the client’s requirements. Working with large corporations like Mitsubishi, a custom software development team has to work closely with the company’s own developers to better understand the specifics of the architecture and create a design that reflects all the requirements. 

After all the requirements are gathered, we initiated the design stage based on all of the client’s specifications and came up with a number of solutions that matched Mitsubishi’s specs:

• Convenient data model meant to optimize data duplication;
• Permission system that differentiated the users by their access levels;
• Appealing user interface mockup to improve the comfortability of user-system interaction;
• Integration with the legacy RPG system;
• Notifications for the partners to keep them up with the important activities.

This set of essential solutions has been discussed and approved in the course of the design stage that lasted for 2 months. During this stage, Intersog and Mitsubishi development teams worked closely to come up with the solutions that matched the client’s requirements to the tee. Proper functioning of the supply chain is vital for the entire corporation, which is why it was critical to do everything flawlessly. 2 months might seem like quite a timeline, but for this case study on software development life cycle, it was not that long considering how complex Mitsubishi’s legacy system was. 

Solution Development

After approving the solution design, the team can move to develop those solutions. That’s the core of the entire project, a stage at which the teams meet the goals and achieve the outcomes set during previous stages. The success of the development stage depends heavily on how good a job the teams did during the design stage – if everything was designed with laser precision, the team can expect few if any, surprises during the development stage. 

What happens during the development stage is the teams coding their way towards the final product based on decisions that have been made earlier. With Mitsubishi, we followed the guidelines we came up with earlier and implemented a set of essential solutions:

• We built a convenient data model that minimizes the risk of human error by reducing redundant and repetitive data entry and duplication. 
• Improved Mitsubishi’s security system to differentiate the users by their level of access and give them the respective level of control over the data.
• Added the notifications for the users so that they could react to the relevant changes faster.
• Designed an appealing and comfortable user interface using the AJAX framework to make the user-system interaction more comfortable and time-efficient. 
• Deployed the platform running on the IBM AS400 server with the integration of DB2 databases.
• Integrated the existing RPG software into the new system.
• Migrated the existing spreadsheets and all the essential data into the new system.

All of these solutions took us 6 months to implement, which is rather fast for a project of such scale. Such a time-efficiency was possible only thanks to the huge amount of work we’ve done throughout the research and design stages. The lesson to learn from these software development life cycle phases for the example case study is that the speed of development would depend heavily on how well you prepare. 

Depending on the scale of the project, you might be looking at different timelines for the development stage. Small scale projects can be finished in a matter of weeks while some of the most complicated solutions might take more than a year to finish. In the case of the Mitsubishi project, it was essential for the client to get things done faster. Rushing things up is never a good idea, but you can always cut your development timeline by doing all the preparation work properly and having a clear understanding of what needs to be done and in which order.

Quality Assurance                   

Quality assurance is as vital for your project’s success as any other stage; this is where you test your code, assess the quality of solutions, and make sure everything runs smoothly and according to plan. Testing helps you identify all the bugs and defects in your code and eliminate those in a timely manner. Here at Intersog, we prefer testing our software on a regular basis throughout the development process. This approach helps us to identify the issues on the go and fix them before they snowball into serious problems. 

That’s it, quality assurance is a set of procedures aimed at eliminating bugs and optimizing the functioning of the software solutions. Here at Intersog, we run both manual and automated tests so that we can be truly sure of the quality of solutions we develop for our clients. With Mitsubishi, we ran tests throughout the development process and after the development stage was over. It took us an additional month to test all the solutions we’ve developed, after which we were ready for the implementation stage.

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Integration and Support

Following the testing, and once we are sure all the solutions work flawlessly, the development team gets to the implementation stage. Also known as the integration stage, this is where we integrate the new solution into the client’s pre-existing ecosystem. Basically, you are putting new gears into a complex mechanism that has been functioning for many years, and it is essential to make sure all of those gears fit perfectly. 

With such a complex system as the one employed by Mitsubishi and a vast amount of accumulated data, our developers had to be incredibly precise not to lose anything. We are talking about surgical precision because Mitsubishi’s suppliers amassed thousands upon thousands of spreadsheets full of critical data on supplies, material and product deliveries, accounting data, and more. All of that had to be carefully integrated with the new automated solution. 

After 2 months, the solutions have been fully integrated with Mitsubishi’s existing ecosystem. Intersog usually backs the clients up by offering support and maintenance services to ensure flawless functioning of the system over time, but this time, our client was fully capable of maintaining the new system on their own. As said, Mitsubishi has its own development team that is able to take care of the system maintenance, so that our cooperation was finished after the integration stage. 

Final Thoughts and Outtakes

A software development life cycle depends on many factors that are unique for each company. In the case of Mitsubishi, we’ve managed to get things done in just under a year, which is rather fast for a project of such an immense scale. Different projects have different life cycles, and it depends on the scale, the client’s ability to explain their needs, and the development team’s ability to understand those needs, gather all the necessary information, design the appropriate set of solutions, develop said solutions, ensure their quality, and implement them fast.

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Book description

The book discusses the discipline of Software Architecture using real-world case studies and poses pertinent questions that arouse objective thinking. With the help of case studies and in-depth analyses, it delves into the core issues and challenges of software architecture.

Table of contents

• About Case Study Methodology
• How Did Each Case Study Come Up?
• Organization of the Book
• About Fact-Tree
• Acknowledgements
• About the Author
• The Rise and Fall of Netscape (or the Browser War 1994–1999)
• The Growing Demands on Software Development
• What Is Software Architecture?
• The Importance of Software Architecture
• Role of a Software Architect
• Component-Based Development (CBD)
• Component-Based Software Engineering (CBSE)
• Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Systems
• Architectural View
• Enterprise Architecture
• Systems architecture
• Software Architecture
• Technical Architecture
• Data Architecture
• Reference Architecture
• Product Line Architecture
• Architectural Drivers
• The Zachman Framework
• Phase A: Architecture Vision
• Phase B: Business Architecture
• Phase C: Information System Architecture
• Phase D: Technology Architecture
• Phase E: Opportunities and Solutions
• Phase F: Migration Planning
• Phase G: Implementation Governance
• Phase H: Architecture Change Management
• The 4+1 View Model
• Viewpoint Languages: Notations
• Rational Unified Process (RUP)
• Architectural Styles or Architectural Patterns
• Pipes and Filters
• Layered Abstract Machines
• N-Tier Architectures
• Distributed Peer-to-Peer Systems
• Anti-patterns
• Polya’s How to Solve It—A Problem-Solving Guide
• Systems Principles
• Systems Methodology of Problem Solving
• Further Reading
• Communication
• Understanding the Domain Requirements
• Developing (Selecting) the Architecture
• Representing and Communicating the Architecture
• Analysing or Evaluating the Architecture
• Objectives of Use Case Analysis
• Use Case Analysis Activity
• Architectural Requirements
• System Structuring or Designing the Architecture
• Architecture Review and Validation
• Use Case: Enroll Insured
• Use Case: Get Insured
• Use Case: Check Eligibility
• Use Case: Change Insured
• Use Case: Calculate Premium
• Use Case: Pay Online
• Use Case: Manage Insured
• Use Case: Issue Letters
• Use Case: Generate Reports
• Use Case: Manage Billing and Accounts
• Use Case: Manage Users
• Use Case: Login
• Structure Various Sub-systems to Come Up with Initial Architecture
• Role of a Client
• Role of MidAlliance
• Conclusions
• Best Practices and Key Lessons from the Case Study
• Software Architecture Goals and Drivers
• MVC Architecture
• Re-factoring
• Performance Objectives
• Performance Improvement
• Understanding Architecture
• Identifying Key Scenarios
• Asking questions
• Performance modelling
• Using architecture anti-patterns
• Performance review of the system
• Refining the System
• Use case view
• Logical view
• Process view
• Implementation view
• Deployment view
• Step 2: Prepare for the Evaluation
• Evaluating performance
• Step 4: Reflect the Evaluation
• What Is Architectural Evaluation?
• Why Should Architecture Be Evaluated and Reviewed?
• When to Evaluate and Review?
• Who Should Evaluate and Review?
• What Should Be Reviewed?
• How to Review Architectures?
• Techniques for Evaluation and Review
• The review method
• Scenario-based Review Methods
• Which Method to Use?
• Prerequisites and inputs
• Steps in the evaluation process
• Step 1—Develop scenarios
• Step 2—Describe architecture(s)
• Step 3—Classify and prioritize scenarios
• Step 4—Individually evaluate indirect scenarios
• Step 5—Assess scenario interaction
• Step 6—Create an overall evaluation
• Increasing the effectiveness of your review
• Generate a quality attribute utility tree
• Use quality attribute taxonomies
• Identify risks, sensitivity points and trade-offs
• What Is Design?
• Design Notations
• The Design Process
• Moving from Architecture to Design
• Step 1: Defining System Context
• Step 2: Identifying the Modules
• Step 3: Describing the Components and Connectors
• Characteristics of a Good Design
• Use Case Specification
• Sequence Diagrams
• Class Diagrams
• Why Component-based Development?
• Commercial-off-the-Shelf Components
• Open Systems
• Netscape browser rewrite
• Microsoft Vista (earlier code named as Longhorn)
• Firefox browser
• How Different is the CBD Approach?
• Developer (Producer) and Consumer Perspectives on CBD
• Why CBD—Cost and Use
• Success Factors of CBD
• Inconsistent Component Integration
• How to avoid mismatches
• What to do in case of a mismatch
• Techniques for repairing mismatched interfaces
• Next-Generation Systems
• Reuse Maturity Levels Needed in an Organization
• Need for frequent updates
• Provide secured environment
• Drive for reduced total cost of operation
• Challenges in Implementing SOA
• Web Services
• SOA and Web Services
• Service-Oriented Grids
• Enterprise Service Bus
• Business Trends
• Codification and Socialization
• Handling Quality Attributes
• Architectural Automation
• Architectural Responsibility
• Accidental versus Intentional Architects
• Domain Versatility and Adaptability
• Technology Dependency
• Inter-disciplinary Architecture
• Criticality of Serviceability
• Criticality of Adaptability
• Criticality of Productivity
• Software Service Lines or Service Line Architectures

Product information

• Title: Software Architecture: A Case Based Approach
• Author(s): Vasudeva Varma
• Release date: March 2009
• Publisher(s): Pearson India
• ISBN: 9788131707494

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Software Engineering Institute

Case Studies in Software Architecture

December 13, 2017 • collection.

More and more organizations are realizing the importance of software architecture in their systems' success in areas such as avionics systems, network tactical systems, internet information systems, architecture reconstruction, automotive systems, distributed interactive simulation systems, scenario-based architectural analysis, system acquisition, and wargame simulation systems. 

The SEI can provide information and guidance about architecture-related questions and problems. Please contact us . Below are published case studies of real-world applications of architecture-centric engineering. They include case studies using

• architecture evaluation, analysis, and design
• the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM)
• the Quality Attribute Workshops (QAW)
• architecture reconstruction

Collection Items

A principled way to use frameworks in architecture design, november 30, 2012 • article, by humberto cervantes (universidad autonoma metropolitana–iztapalapa) , perla velasco-elizondo (autonomous university of zacatecas) , rick kazman.

In the past decade, researchers have devised many methods to support and codify architecture design.

Developing Architecture-Centric Engineering Within TSP

April 1, 2013 • brochure, by software engineering institute.

This information sheet describes the Bursatec project.

Relating Business Goals to Architecturally Significant Requirements for Software Systems

April 30, 2010 • technical note, by paul c. clements , len bass.

The purpose of this report is to facilitate better elicitation of high-pedigree quality attribute requirements. Toward this end, we want to be able to elicit business goals reliably and understand …

System Architecture Virtual Integration: An Industrial Case Study

October 31, 2009 • technical report, by peter h. feiler , jörgen hansson (university of skovde) , dionisio de niz , lutz wrage.

This report introduces key concepts of the SAVI paradigm and discusses the series of development scenarios used in a POC demonstration to illustrate the feasibility of improving the quality of …

Evaluating Software Architectures: Methods and Case Studies

October 22, 2001 • book, by paul c. clements , rick kazman , mark h. klein.

This book is a comprehensive guide to software architecture evaluation, describing specific methods that can quickly and inexpensively mitigate enormous risk in software projects.

Scenario-Based Analysis of Software Architecture

November 1, 1996 • white paper, by gregory abowd , len bass , paul c. clements , rick kazman.

This paper presents an experiential case study illustrating the methodological use of scenarios to gain architecture-level understanding and predictive insight into large, real-world systems in various domains.

An Architectural Analysis Case Study: Internet Information Systems

April 1, 1995 • white paper.

This paper presents a method for analyzing systems for nonfunctional qualities from the perspective of their software architecture and applies this method to the field of Internet information systems (IISs).

Using the SEI Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method to Evaluate WIN-T: A Case Study

August 31, 2005 • technical note, by paul c. clements , john k. bergey , dave mason.

This report describes the application of the SEI ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) to the U.S. Army's Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) system.

Using the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) to Evaluate the Software Architecture for a Product Line of Avionics Systems: A Case Study

June 30, 2003 • technical note, by mario r. barbacci , paul c. clements , anthony j. lattanze , linda m. northrop , william wood.

This 2003 technical note describes an ATAM evaluation of the software architecture for an avionics system developed for the Technology Applications Program Office (TAPO) of the U.S. Army Special Operations …

Using the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method to Evaluate a Wargame Simulation System: A Case Study

November 30, 2001 • technical note, by lawrence g. jones , anthony j. lattanze.

This report describes the application of the ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) to a major wargaming simulation system.

Using the Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method to Evaluate a Reference Architecture: A Case Study

May 31, 2000 • technical note, by brian p. gallagher.

This report describes the application of the ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) to evaluate a reference architecture for ground-based command and control systems.

Using Quality Attribute Workshops to Evaluate Architectural Design Approaches in a Major System Acquisition: A Case Study

June 30, 2000 • technical note, by john k. bergey , mario r. barbacci , william wood.

This report describes a series of Quality Attribute Workshops (QAWs) that were conducted on behalf of a government agency during its competitive acquisition of a complex, tactical, integrated command and …

Architecture Reconstruction to Support a Product Line Effort: Case Study

June 30, 2001 • technical note, by liam o'brien.

This report describes the architecture reconstruction process that was followed when the SEI performed architecture reconstructions on three small automotive motor systems.

Architecture Reconstruction Case Study

March 31, 2003 • technical note.

This report outlines an architecture reconstruction carried out at the SEI on a software system called VANISH, which was developed for prototyping visualizations.

Use of Quality Attribute Workshops (QAWs) in Source Selection for a DoD System Acquisition: A Case Study

May 31, 2002 • technical note, by john k. bergey , william wood.

This case study outlines how a DoD organization used architecture analysis and evaluation in a major system acquisition to reduce program risk.

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Customer: Virginia Community College System (VCCS)

Engagement: Education Wizard 5.0 Redesign

Background: The Virginia Education Wizard (Wizard) https://www.vawizard.org/ was originally released in 2009 and was designed and built using technology that is close to ten years old. To ensure that student success initiatives with the Wizard are successful it is important that the technical infrastructure is robust, reliable, and extensible.

Challenge: The purpose of this initiative is to provide design, build, and implementation services that incorporate existing functional features and add several identified new functional features based on a redesigned technical infrastructure using site hierarchy, user interface adaptable design, and a content management system approach. The redesign needed to update the site look, feel and usability. In addition, enhanced functionality needed to be developed to provide additional support of career and course planning, Veterans, and K through 12 requirements.

Solution: Virginia Community Colleges (VCC) chose Team Senryo that includes Senryo Technologies and Peridot Solutions to accomplish this ambitious task in just 5 months. We put together a design and development team and supported them with a world class Project Management Office (PMO) team. The PMO team managed the development and design team deliverables, worked with end users in gathering the requirements and created business requirement definition (BRD) documents and passed them over to design team. The design team created visual designs, wire frames and HTML markups and passed them to the development team, which created Java Script for features, such as dynamic search etc. The dev team also built the databases and services needed to pull data to populate any search, as well as enabling a content management server (CMS) for the web site content. The PMO team worked closely with stakeholders to create and execute test scripts and test plans for the delivered content and provided feedback to the relevant teams based on their findings. The PMO team also created training materials and conducted training based on the ‘Train the Trainer’ approach.

The strict timeline imposed by the client required all the teams to work closely in an Agile fashion. The project manager (PM) assigned created a detailed project plan and monitored project progress closely. Any issues identified were properly logged and prioritized using JIRA and were discussed periodically for resolution. A change control board was created to review and analyze any change requests (CR), which were thoroughly reviewed before being approved, rejected or deferred. An issue log was created to capture and register all the issues and risks. The development team worked closely with the VCC technical lead and managed access issues to databases, SharePoint and other version control systems promptly and started using these systems in a collaborative fashion. Frequent touch points were set up between the design, development and PMO teams to address issues and resolve them quickly through daily stand up calls.

• Redesigned website that used modern UX design, technologies and interfaces
• Revamped website with modern look and feel and better adaption to mobile devices
• Veterans and military students can now find comparable occupations which they held while serving in active duty
• High School students can imagine their future with a gaming style reality check tool that answers questions pertaining to their dreams and vision
• Enhanced Career Coach Case Management System (CMS) now captures career coaches’ interactions with students enrolled in multiple programs from community colleges

With LearnersEDGE 360°, we proved that we have the right tool to get us where we want to go in terms of predicting student success. It’s a tool our educators will be able to use to start tackling the problem of student disengagement.

Director of Research & Evaluation

I felt I needed to write to you to let you know about the outstanding service received over the last few weeks from Donnie Harris. Donnie provided Outstanding Service, getting the documentation required, for an RFP to go to Telesis by 3-6-2018 was ready. I don’t think I’ve ever worked with someone as focused and…

IT Project Manager

Just a quick note to say how happy I am with the work ethic, professionalism and support we get from the team you have assembled to support ERS. They are invaluable to our everyday success and fit perfectly in with our government employees.

  Vesper and Elisha have been supporting our Billing Team, by researching and mitigating disputes.  I wanted to share with you that in a meeting yesterday, our Billing Lead could not stop raving about the support she is receiving from Vesper and Elisha.  Thank you for continuing to provide such stellar support to our office.

The resources from Peridot Solutions have the solid understanding of requirements gathering and quality control. They have helped us implement the project on time and on budget with quality. I would love to team up with Peridot for my next project.

I just wanted to take a minute to bring to your attention the superior performance of MS Tracy Jefferson and Mr. Joshua Cox. These stalwart Peridot employees have integrated themselves into our IPTs, bringing tremendous expertise and professionalism. They are truly “fire and forget” performers, meaning give them a task and know it will be…

Project Lead

I would like to extend my fondest gratitude for exemplary service from your Help Desk Support Representative, Shewanda Thomas! I was very impressed with her professionalism, attitude and approach in her work.

I just wanted to take a moment to call out Elisha Owens, who provides consistent, excellent, billing support. Her follow-through, professionalism and thoroughness are a breath of fresh air in a sea of mediocrity. Thank you for providing such an excellent resource to the team.

Senior Financial Management Analyst

Deepika is highly motivated, focused, knowledgeable, and self-driven. Her presence and professional manner encouraged the development team to deliver clean, complete, and bug free code as they knew she would be covering all aspects of the system in her tests. She regularly registered bugs / defects that were identified by her as well as others…

Enterprise Software Development Lead

Peridot has done a good job in providing support under this contract. Assignments were completed on time and the contracting team maintained overall good business relations while maintaining a positive attitude…

Contracting Officer

Contact peridot solutions today.

703-663-8330

[email protected]

Case Study 1: Program Management and IV&V

Customer: United States Marine Corps (USMC)/ Marine Corps

Virginia Community Colleges (VCC) chose Team Senryo that

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Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) is the implementation of computer-facilitated tools and methods in software development. CASE is used to ensure high-quality and defect-free software. CASE ensures a check-pointed and disciplined approach and helps designers, developers, testers, managers, and others to see the project milestones during development. 

CASE can also help as a warehouse for documents related to projects, like business plans, requirements, and design specifications. One of the major advantages of using CASE is the delivery of the final product, which is more likely to meet real-world requirements as it ensures that customers remain part of the process. 

CASE illustrates a wide set of labor-saving tools that are used in software development. It generates a framework for organizing projects and to be helpful in enhancing productivity. There was more interest in the concept of CASE tools years ago, but less so today, as the tools have morphed into different functions, often in reaction to software developer needs. The concept of CASE also received a heavy dose of criticism after its release. 

What is CASE Tools?

The essential idea of CASE tools is that in-built programs can help to analyze developing systems in order to enhance quality and provide better outcomes. Throughout the 1990, CASE tool became part of the software lexicon, and big companies like IBM were using these kinds of tools to help create software. 

Various tools are incorporated in CASE and are called CASE tools, which are used to support different stages and milestones in a software development life cycle. 

Types of CASE Tools:

• Diagramming Tools:  It helps in diagrammatic and graphical representations of the data and system processes. It represents system elements, control flow and data flow among different software components and system structures in a pictorial form. For example, Flow Chart Maker tool for making state-of-the-art flowcharts.  
• Computer Display and Report Generators:  These help in understanding the data requirements and the relationships involved. 
• (i) Accept 360, Accompa, CaseComplete for requirement analysis. 
• (ii) Visible Analyst for total analysis.   
• Central Repository:  It provides a single point of storage for data diagrams, reports, and documents related to project management.
• Documentation Generators:  It helps in generating user and technical documentation as per standards. It creates documents for technical users and end users.  For example, Doxygen, DrExplain, Adobe RoboHelp for documentation.  
• Code Generators:  It aids in the auto-generation of code, including definitions, with the help of designs, documents, and diagrams.
• Tools for Requirement Management: It makes gathering, evaluating, and managing software needs easier.
• Tools for Analysis and Design : It offers instruments for modelling system architecture and behaviour, which helps throughout the analysis and design stages of software development.
• Tools for Database Management: It facilitates database construction, design, and administration.
• Tools for Documentation: It makes the process of creating, organizing, and maintaining project documentation easier.

Advantages of the CASE approach: 

• Improved Documentation: Comprehensive documentation creation and maintenance is made easier by CASE tools. Since automatically generated documentation is usually more accurate and up to date, there are fewer opportunities for errors and misunderstandings brought on by out-of-current material.
• Reusing Components: Reusable component creation and maintenance are frequently facilitated by CASE tools. This encourages a development approach that is modular and component-based, enabling teams to shorten development times and reuse tested solutions.
• Quicker Cycles of Development: Development cycles take less time when certain jobs, such testing and code generation, are automated. This may result in software solutions being delivered more quickly, meeting deadlines and keeping up with changing business requirements.
• Improved Results : Code generation, documentation, and testing are just a few of the time-consuming, repetitive operations that CASE tools perform. Due to this automation, engineers are able to concentrate on more intricate and imaginative facets of software development, which boosts output.
• Achieving uniformity and standardization:  Coding conventions, documentation formats and design patterns are just a few of the areas of software development where CASE tools enforce uniformity and standards. This guarantees consistent and maintainable software development.

Disadvantages of the CASE approach: 

• Cost: Using a case tool is very costly. Most firms engaged in software development on a small scale do not invest in CASE tools because they think that the benefit of CASE is justifiable only in the development of large systems.
• Learning Curve: In most cases, programmers’ productivity may fall in the initial phase of implementation, because users need time to learn the technology. Many consultants offer training and on-site services that can be important to accelerate the learning curve and to the development and use of the CASE tools.
• Tool Mix: It is important to build an appropriate selection tool mix to urge cost advantage CASE integration and data integration across all platforms is extremely important.

Conclusion:

In today’s software development world, computer-aided software engineering is a vital tool that enables teams to produce high-quality software quickly and cooperatively. CASE tools will probably become more and more essential as technology develops in order to satisfy the demands of complicated software development projects.

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11 Inspiring UX Case Studies That Every Designer Should Study

A UX case study is a sort of detailed overview of a designer's work. They are often part of a UX designer's portfolio and showcase the designer's skill in managing tasks and problems. From a recruiter's perspective, such a UX portfolio shows the skill, insights, knowledge, and talent of the designer.

Therefore, UX case studies play an important role in the recruitment and demand for designers.

What Makes a Powerful Case Study

Building a UX case study includes showing the design process through compelling stories. They will use plain language to demonstrate how they handled key design issues, offering a comprehensive view of their process. Well done case studies often include:

• A  problem statement and solutions with real applications.
• Relevant numbers, data, or testimonials to demonstrate the work and efforts.
• A story that directly connects the problem to the solution.

Any competent UX professional will know that creating a stunning UX case study is about the little details.

11 Best UX Case Studies for Designers

The best way to understand what a good case study looks like is to go over other examples. Each of these UX case study examples shows a designer's insights, basic skills, and other designers' lessons learned through their experience.

1. Promo.com web editor

For this video-creation platform , UX designer Sascha was brought on to revamp v2.0, adding new features that could work alongside the existing UX design. The point was to work on interface details that would help create a user friendly platform, and that users could find simple enough to use.

User personas mapped by the UX designer revealed the most common confusion to be the process of inserting particular features into the video, such as subtitles. The designer's goal, therefore, was to create a platform with improved editor controls.

The designer then used a common text-editor layout to include top and side navigation bars that made it easy to access and implement text editing.

Key Learnings from Promo.com

This case study focuses on addressing a particular problem that customers were currently facing. Its main theme is to show a problem, and how the product designer addressed this problem. Its strength points include:

• clearly highlighting the problem (i.e. inaccessible and limited video-text editor options)
• conduction research to understand the nature of the problem and the kind of solutions customers want
• implementing research insights into the redesign to create a platform that actively served customer needs

2. Productivity tracker app

The main concept behind this UX case study is to address a pre-existing problem through the design of the app. Immediately from the start, the study highlights a common pain point among users: that of a lack of productivity due to device usage.

This UX case study example addressed some of the main problems within existing productivity apps included:a poor UI and UX that made navigation difficult

• a poorly-built information architecture
• limited functions on the mobile application

Key Learnings from the Productivity app case study

The case study highlights the simple design process that was then used to build the app. Wireframes were created, a moldboard developed, and finally, individual pages of the app were designed in line with the initial goals.

3. Postmates Unlimited

This case study clearly identifies the improvements made to the Postmates app in a simple overview before jumping into greater detail. The redesign goal, which it achieved, was to improve the experience and other interface details of the app.

The problems identified included:

• usability that led to high support ticket volume.
• technical app infrastructure issues that prevented scalability.
• lack of efficient product management, such as batching orders.

A UX research course can help understand the kind of research needed for a case study. The app redesign involved bringing couriers in and running usability testing on improvements. The final model, therefore, had input from real users on what worked and what caused issues.

Key Learnings from Postmates

The Postmates redesign works as a great UX case study for the simple way it approaches problem-solving. Following an overview of the work, it addresses the problems faced by users of the app. It then establishes research processes and highlights how changes were made to reduce these issues.

4. TV Guide

Addressing the fragmentation of content across channels, this case study sought to redesign how people consume media. The key problems identified included:

• the overabundance of content across various TV and streaming platforms
• the difficulty in discovering and managing content across all platforms

To deliver on the key goals of content personalization, smart recommendations, and offering cross-platform content search, the design process included conducting interviews, surveys, and checking customer reviews.

The design of TV Guide enables users to get custom recommendations sourced from friends' and family's watchlists.

Key Learnings from TV Guide

Like previous UX design case studies, this one tackled the issue head-on. Describing the research process, it goes into detail regarding the approach used by the UX designers to create the app. It takes readers on a journey, from identifying pain points, to testing solutions, and implementing the final version.

5. The FlexBox Inspector

Designer Victoria discusses how she developed the investigator tool for the Mozilla Firefox browser. Surveys into understanding the problems with the existing CSS Flexbox tool revealed a need for a user-friendly design. Interviews with a senior designer and other designers helped developers understand the features design-focused tools ought to have. A feature analysis revealed what most users look for in such tools.

The final result of the development process was a design that incorporated several new features, including:

• a new layout
• color-coded design
• multiple entry points to make workflow management efficient

Key Learnings from the Flexbox

This UX design case study starts with a clear goal, then addresses multiple user needs. It clearly defines the design process behind each feature developed by the time, and the reasoning for including that feature. To give a complete picture, it also discusses why certain features or processes were excluded.

6. The Current State of Checkouts

This Baymard UX design case study looks into the checkout process in over 70 e-commerce websites. Through competitive analysis, it isolates problem points in the UX design, which, if addressed, could improve the customer's checkout process.

The study found at least 31 common issues that were easily preventable. The study was designed and conducted on a large scale, over 12 years, to incorporate changing design patterns into the review.

Recommendations based on findings include:

• prominent guest checkout option
• simple password requirements
• specific delivery period
• price comparison tool for shipping vs store pickup

Key Learnings from Checkout Case Study

Each identified issue is backed up by data and research to highlight its importance. Further research backs up each recommendation made within the case study, with usability testing to support the idea. As far as UX case studies go, this one provides practical insight into an existing, widely used e-commerce feature, and offers practical solutions.

7. New York Times App

Using a creative illustration website, the designers proposed a landing page feature "Timely" that could counter the problems faced by the NYT app . Its major issues included too much irrelevant content, low usage, and undesirable coverage of content.

The goal behind Timely was to improve user incentives, build long-term loyalty, and encourage reading. Design mapping for the app covered:

• identifying the problem
• understanding audience needs
• creating wireframes
• designing and prototyping

The end result was an app that could help readers get notifications regarding news of interest at convenient moments (at breakfast, before bed). This encouraged interaction and improved readability with short-form articles.

Key Learnings from NYT App

The UX case study proposes a problem solution that works with an existing information architecture, instead adding custom graphics to the mobile app. It leads from a simple problem statement to discuss the project that could address these issues without changing was customers already loved.

UX case studies focused on redesign include the FitBit redesign, which started off by understanding personas and what users expect from a fitness tracker. Developing use cases and personas, Guerilla usability testing was employed to assess pain points.

These pain points were then ranked based on their importance to users and to app performance. They were addressed through:

• Highlighting essential parts and features of the app
• Changing easily missed icons to more recognizable icons
• relabelling tracking options to guide users better to its usage

Key Learnings from Fitbit

While the case study maps user experiences and offers solutions, it does not begin with an intensive research-based approach. The prototype is successful in testing, but problem factors are not identified with research-based statistics, meaning key factors could have been ignored.

9. Rating System UX

The designer behind the rating system UX redesign sought to solve issues with the 5-star rating system. Highlighted issues included:

• the lack of subjective accuracy of a 5-point rating system
• the issue of calculating the average of a zero-star rating
• average ratings are misleading

Better alternatives include:

• 5-star emoticon rating that relates the user experience
• Like/dislike buttons that make approval/disapproval simple

The final design incorporated both these styles to make full use of the rating system.

Key Learnings from Rating System UX

The UX case study stemmed from insight into the limitations of the existing rating system. The new design addressed old issues and incorporated better efficiencies.

The Intuit redesign was focused on making content readable, more engaging, and accessible. Looking into product personalization, the content was found to be lacking aesthetic value, as well as being hard to find. The goal was to create content that was easy to find, clear, and consistent.

The implemented solutions included:

• increased readability with increased body text and header spacing
• table of contents on the sidebar for easier navigation
• visible and prominent search bar
• illustrations and designs for pretty visuals

Key Learnings from Intuit

The Intuit case study approaches the problem from a practical point of view. It begins with isolating problems with the interface, in particular with the content. This is an example of a case study that breaks down problems into broader categories, and solves each problem with a practical solution.

This UX case study about a social platform tackles a commonly-faced problem from existing platforms. It addresses the issue of recognizing non-monetary user engagement, to help creators identify their user base.

The case study addresses the problem statement and establishes the design process (building wireframes and prototypes) as well as conducting user testing. The final result is to develop "Discover" pages, engaging layouts, and animated interactions to increase usability.

Key Learnings from Jambb

The study goes into detail regarding problem identification, then moves on to propose solutions that take into account the perspective of all stakeholders involved. It then explains why each design decision was made, and proves its efficacy through testing and prototyping.

Key Takeaways

Developing good UX case studies examples is as much about the details you include as the ones you leave out. Going over UX courses can give you a better understanding of what your case study should look like. A good case study should provide an overview of the problem, include numbers and statistics, and offer practical solutions that directly address the problem. The above-discussed UX case studies provide a good example of the dos and don'ts of a well-structured UX design case study that should be part of every UX portfolio .

Additional Resources

Check out these resources to learn more about UX case studies:

8 UX Case Studies to Read

UX Design Case Study

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New technique for case study development published

May 9, 2024

Kevin Parker, ISU professor emeritus, recently published two papers in Communications of the Association for Information Systems (CAIS). Each paper was published by CAIS in their IS Education section, which has a 7% acceptance rate.

Modular Design of Teaching Cases: Reducing Workload While Maximizing Reusability presents a modular case study development concept for better managing the development of case studies. The approach achieves project extensibility through reusable case study modules, while at the same time helping to reduce instructor workload and solution reuse by students. The approach is based on the concept of creating different variations of a case study each semester by adding or replacing existing descriptive modules with new modules.

Wind Riders of the Lost River Range: A Modular Project-Based Case for Software Development focuses on the information technology needs of a simulated specialty sports shop in central Idaho that concentrates on wind sports equipment, like hang gliders, paragliders, and snowkites. The case study consists of a core case that describes both the IT system currently in use and the new system that provides updated business support. Students are tasked with analyzing the system and designing a new system that delivers enhanced functionality. This evolutionary case study is based on the Modular Design of Teaching Cases and consists of the core case and 17 modules that can be swapped in or out of both the current or future system to produce a wide variety of combinations and variations of the case study.

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Understanding project risk management, definition and explanation of project risk management, 4 key components of project risk management, risk identification, risk assessment, risk response planning, risk monitoring and control, 5 project risk management case studies, gordie howe international bridge project, fujitsu’s early-career project managers, vodafone’s complex technology project, fehmarnbelt project, lend lease project, project risk management at designveloper, how we manage project risks, advancements in project risk management, project risk management: 5 case studies you should not miss.

May 21, 2024

Exploring project risk management, one can see how vital it is in today’s business world. This article from Designveloper, “Project Risk Management: 5 Case Studies You Should Not Miss”, exists in order to shed light on this important component of project management.

We’ll reference some new numbers and facts that highlight the significance of risk management in projects. These data points are based on legit reports and will help create a good basis of understanding on the subject matter.

In addition, we will discuss specific case studies when risk management was successfully applied and when it was not applied in project management. These real world examples are very much important for project managers and teams.

It is also important to keep in mind that each project has associated risks. However through project risk management these risks can be identified, analyzed, prioritized and managed in order to make the project achieve its objectives. Well then, let’s take this journey of understanding together. Watch out for an analysis of the five case studies you must not miss.

Risk management is a very critical component of any project. Risk management is a set of tools that allow determining the potential threats to the success of a project and how to address them. Let’s look at some more recent stats and examples to understand this better.

Statistics show that as high as 70% of all projects are unsuccessful . This high failure rate highlights the need for efficient project risk management. Surprisingly, organizations that do not attach much importance to project risk management face 50% chances of their project failure. This results in huge losses of money and untapped business potential.

Additionally, poor performance leads to approximated 10% loss of every dollar spent on projects. This translates to a loss of $99 for every $1 billion invested. These statistics demonstrate the importance of project risk management in improving project success rates and minimizing waste.

Let us consider a project management example to demonstrate the relevance of the issue discussed above. Consider a new refinery being constructed in the Middle East. The project is entering a key phase: purchasing. Poor risk management could see important decisions surrounding procurement strategy, or the timing of the tendering process result in project failure.

Project risk management in itself is a process that entails the identification of potential threats and their mitigation. It is not reactionary but proactive.

This process begins with the identification of potential risks. These could be any time from budget overruns to delayed deliveries. After the risks are identified they are then analyzed. This involves estimating the probability of each risk event and the potential consequences to the project.

The next stage is risk response planning. This could be in the form of risk reduction, risk shifting or risk acceptance. The goal here is to reduce the impact of risks on the project.

Finally, the process entails identifying and tracking these risks throughout the life of a project. This helps in keeping the project on course and any new risks that might arise are identified and managed.

Let’s dive into the heart of project risk management: its four key components. These pillars form the foundation of any successful risk management strategy. They are risk identification, risk analysis, risk response planning, and risk monitoring and control. Each plays a crucial role in ensuring project success. This section will provide a detailed explanation of each component, backed by data and real-world examples. So, let’s embark on this journey to understand the four key components of project risk management.

Risk identification is the first process in a project risk management process. It’s about proactively identifying risks that might cause a project to fail. This is very important because a recent study has shown that 77% of companies had operational surprises due to unidentified risks.

There are different approaches to risk identification such as brainstorming, Delphi technique, SWOT analysis, checklist analysis, flowchart. These techniques assist project teams in identifying all potential risks.

Risk identification is the second stage of the project risk management process. It is a systematic approach that tries to determine the probability of occurrence and severity of identified risks. This step is very important; it helps to rank the identified risks and assists in the formation of risk response strategies.

Risk assessment involves two key elements: frequency and severity of occurrence. As for risk probability, it estimates the chances of a risk event taking place, and risk impact measures the impact associated with the risk event.

This is the third component of project risk management. It deals with planning the best ways to deal with the risks that have been identified. This step is important since it ensures that the risk does not have a substantial effect on the project.

One of the statistics stated that nearly three-quarters of organizations have an incident response plan and 63 percent of these organizations conduct the plan regularly. This explains why focusing only on risks’ identification and analysis without a plan of action is inadequate.

Risk response planning involves four key strategies: risk acceptance, risk sharing, risk reduction, and risk elimination. Each strategy is selected depending on the nature and potential of the risk.

Risk monitoring and control is the last step of project risk management. It’s about monitoring and controlling the identified risks and making sure that they are being addressed according to the plan.

Furthermore, risk control and management involve managing identified risks, monitoring the remaining risk, identifying new risks, implementing risk strategies, and evaluating their implementation during the project life cycle.

It is now high time to approach the practical side of project risk management. This section provides selected five case studies that explain the need and application of project risk management. Each case study gives an individual approach revealing how risk management can facilitate success of the project. Additionally, these case studies include construction projects, technology groups, among other industries. They show how effective project risk management can be, by allowing organizations to respond to uncertainties and successfully accomplish their project objectives. Let us now examine these case studies and understand the concept of risk in project management.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is one of the projects that demonstrate the principles of project risk management. This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in North America which includes the construction of a 6 lane bridge at the busiest commercial border crossing point between the U.S. and Canada.

The project scope can be summarized as: New Port of Entry and Inspection facilities for the Canadian and US governments; Tolls Collection Facilities; Projects and modifications to multiple local bridges and roadways. The project is administered via Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a nonprofit Canadian Crown entity.

Specifically, one of the project challenges associated with the fact that the project was a big one in terms of land size and the community of interests involved in the undertaking. Governance and the CI were fundamental aspects that helped the project team to overcome these challenges.

The PMBOK® Guide is the contractual basis for project management of the project agreement. This dedication to following the best practices for project management does not end with bridge construction: It spreads to all other requirements.

However, the project is making steady progress to the objective of finishing the project in 2024. This case study clearly demonstrates the role of project risk management in achieving success with large and complicated infrastructure projects.

Fujitsu is an international company that deals with the provision of a total information and communication technology system as well as its products and services. The typical way was to employ a few college and school leavers and engage them in a two-year manual management training and development course. Nevertheless, this approach failed in terms of the following.

Firstly, the training was not comprehensive in its coverage of project management and was solely concerned with generic messaging – for example, promoting leadership skills and time management. Secondly it was not effectively reaching out to the need of apprentices. Thirdly the two year time frame was not sufficient to allow for a deep approach to the development of the required project management skills for this job. Finally the retention problems of employees in the train program presented a number of issues.

To tackle these issues, Fujitsu UK adopted a framework based on three dimensions: structured learning, learning from others, and rotation. This framework is designed to operate for the first five years of a participant’s career and is underpinned by the 70-20-10 model for learning and development. Rogers’ model acknowledges that most learning occurs on the job.

The initial training process starts with a three-week formal learning and induction program that includes the initial orientation to the organization and its operations, the fundamentals of project management, and business in general. Lastly, the participants are put on a rotational assignment in the PMO of the program for the first six to eight months.

Vodafone is a multinational mobile telecommunications group that manages telecommunications services in 28 countries across five continents and decided to undertake a highly complex technology project to replace an existing network with a fully managed GLAN in 42 locations. This project was much complex and thus a well grounded approach to risk management was needed.

The project team faced a long period of delay in signing the contract and frequent changes after the contract was signed until the project is baselined. These challenges stretched the time frame of the project and enhanced the project complexity.

In order to mitigate the risks, Vodafone employed PMI standards for their project management structure. This approach included conducting workshops, developing resource and risk management plan and tailoring project documentations as well as conducting regular lesson learned.

Like any other project, the Vodafone GLAN project was not an easy one either but it was completed on time and in some cases ahead of the schedule that the team had anticipated to complete the project. At the first stage 90% of migrated sites were successfully migrated at the first attempt and 100% – at second.

The Fehmarnbelt project is a real-life example of the strategic role of project risk management. It provides information about a mega-project to construct the world’s longest immersed tunnel between Germany and Denmark. It will be a four-lane highway and two-rail electrified tunnel extending for 18 kilometers and it will be buried 40 meters under the Baltic Sea.

This project is managed by Femern A/S which is a Danish government-owned company with construction value over more than €7 billion (£8. 2 billion). It is estimated to provide jobs for 3,000 workers directly in addition to 10,000 in the suppliers. Upon its completion, its travel between Denmark and Germany will be cut to 10 minutes by automobile and 7 minutes by rail.

The Femern risk management functions and controls in particular the role of Risk Manager Bo Nygaard Sørensen then initiated the process and developed some clear key strategic objectives for the project. They formulated a simple, dynamic, and comprehensive risk register to give a more complete risk view of the mega-project. They also created a risk index in order to assess all risks in a consistent and predictable manner, classify them according to their importance, and manage and overcome the risks in an appropriate and timely manner.

Predict! is a risk assessment and analysis tool that came in use by the team, which helps determine the effect of various risks on the cost of the construction of the link and to calculate the risk contingency needed for the project. This way they were able to make decisions on whether an immersed tunnel could be constructed instead of a bridge.

Lend Lease is an international property and infrastructure group that operates in over 20 countries in the world; the company offers a better example of managing project risks. The company has established a complex framework called the Global Minimum Requirements (GMRs) to identify risks to which it is exposed.

The GMRs have scope for the phase of the project before a decision to bid for a job is taken. This framework includes factors related to flooding, heat, biodiversity, land or soil subsidence, water, weathering, infrastructure and insurance.

The GMRs are organized into five main phases in line with the five main development stages of a project. These stages guarantee that vital decisions are made at the ideal time. The stages include governance, investment, design and procurement, establishment, and delivery.

For instance, during the design and procurement stage, the GMRs identify requisite design controls that will prevent environment degradation during design as well as fatal risk elimination during planning and procurement. This approach aids in effective management of risks and delivery of successful projects in Lend Lease.

Let’s take a closer look at what risk management strategies are used here at Designveloper – a top web & software development firm in Vietnam. We also provide a range of other services, so it is essential that we manage risks on all our projects in similar and effective ways. The following part of the paper will try to give a glimpse of how we manage project risk in an exemplary manner using research from recent years and include specific cases.

The following steps explain the risk management process that we use—from the identification of potential risks to managing them: Discovering the risks. We will also mention here how our experience and expertise has helped us in this area.

Risk management as a function in project delivery is well comprehended at Designveloper. Our method of managing the project risk is proactive and systematic, which enables us to predict possible problems and create successful solutions to overcome them.

One of the problems we frequently encounter is the comprehension of our clients’ needs. In most cases, clients come to us with a basic idea or concept. To convert these ideas into particular requirements and feature lists, the business analysts of our company have to collaborate with the client. The whole process is often a time-waster, and having a chance is missed.

To solve this problem, we’ve created a library of features with their own time and cost estimate. This library is based on data of previous projects that we have documented, arranged, and consolidated. At the present time when a client approaches us with a request, we can search for similar features in our library and give an initial quote. This method has considerably cut the period of providing the first estimations to our clients and saving the time for all participants.

This is only one of the techniques we use to mitigate project risks at Designveloper. The focus on effective project risk management has been contributing significantly to our successful operation as a leading company in web and software development in Vietnam. It is a mindset that enables us to convert challenges into opportunities and provide outstanding results for our clients.

In Designveloper, we always aim at enhancing our project risk management actions. Below are a couple examples of the advancements we’ve made.

To reduce the waiting time, we have adopted continuous deployment. This enables us to provide value fast and effectively. We release a minimum feature rather than a big feature. It helps us to collect the input from our customers and keep on improving. What this translates into for our customers is that they start to derive value from the product quickly and that they have near-continuous improvement rather than have to wait for a “perfect” feature.

We also hold regular “sync-up” meetings between teams to keep the information synchronized and transparent from input (requirements) to output (product). Changes are known to all teams and thus teams can prepare to respond in a flexible and best manner.

Some of these developments in project risk management have enabled us to complete projects successfully, and be of an excellent service to our clients. They show our support of the never-ending improving and our capability to turn threats into opportunities. The strength of Designveloper is largely attributed to the fact that we do not just control project risks – we master them.

To conclude, project risk management is an important element of nearly all successful projects. It is all about identification of possible problems and organization necessary measures that will result in the success of the project. The case studies addressed in this article illustrate the significance and implementation of project risk management in different settings and fields. They show what efficient risk management can result in.

We have witnessed the advantages of solid project risk management at Designveloper. The combination of our approach, powered by our track record and professionalism, has enabled us to complete projects that met all client’s requirements. We are not only managing project risks but rather mastering them.

We trust you have found this article helpful in understanding project risk management and its significance in the fast-changing, complicated project environment of today. However, one needs to mind that proper project management is not only about task and resource management but also risk management. And at Designveloper, our team is there to guide you through those risks and to help you realize your project’s objectives.

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OOD Case Study: Transition to Software Design

• First Online: 02 January 2020

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• David P. Voorhees 4  

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The Address Book Application (ABA) case study is used to transition our thinking to software design. New software design models are introduced to describe the ABA. The new design models are UML package diagrams, IDEF0 function models, UML communication diagrams, and data-flow diagrams. The six characteristics for a good software design are then used to evaluate the ABA software design. To further explore software design concepts, a new case study is introduced using a top-down design approach. For this new case study, software design models are developed and then evaluated using the six characteristics for a good software design.

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National Institute of Standards and Technology: Draft Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 183: Integration Definition for Function Modeling (IDEF0). NIST (1993). http://www.idef.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/idef0.pdf . Accessed 21 June 2017

Wikipedia.org: IDEF0. In: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation (2017). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IDEF0 . Accessed 21 June 2017

Knowledge Based Systems: IDEF0 Function Modeling Method. Knowledge Based Systems, Inc (2017). http://www.idef.com/idefo-function_modeling_method/ . Accessed 21 June 2017

Wikipedia.org: State diagram. In: Wikipedia the free encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation (2017). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_diagram . Accessed 23 June 2017

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Voorhees, D.P. (2020). OOD Case Study: Transition to Software Design. In: Guide to Efficient Software Design. Texts in Computer Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28501-2_12

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How To Create A Dashboard In Excel? (Steps & Templates) 2024

Erica Chappell

Managing Editor

March 16, 2023

Looking to learn how to create a dashboard in Excel ?

Gathering data is an essential process to better understand how your projects are moving. And what better way to manage all that data than spreadsheets?

However, data on its own is just a bunch of numbers. 😝

To make it accessible, you need dashboards . 

In this article, we’ll learn about Excel dashboards. 

We’ll go over the steps to create one and also highlight a smoother alternative to the entire process.

What Is A Excel Dashboard?

7 steps to create a dashboard in excel , 3 excel dashboard templates, 3 limitations of using excel dashboards, create effortless dashboards with clickup, case study: how clickup dashboards help teams, help you team excel with clickup dashboards.

Let’s start.

A dashboard is a visual representation of KPIs , key business metrics , and other complex data in a way that’s easy to understand.

Let’s be real, raw data and numbers are essential, but they’re super boring.

That’s why you need to make that data accessible.

What you need is a Microsoft Excel dashboard. 

Luckily, you can create both a static or dynamic dashboard in Excel.

What’s the difference?

Static dashboards simply highlight data from a specific timeframe. It never changes. 

On the other hand, dynamic dashboards are updated daily to keep up with changes.

So what are the benefits of creating an Excel dashboard ? 

Similar to Google Sheets dashboards , let’s a look at some of them:

• Gives you a detailed overview of your business’ Key Performance Indicators at a glance
• Adds a sense of accountability as different people and departments can see the areas of improvement
• Provides powerful analytical capabilities and complex calculations
• Helps you make better decisions for your business 

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to create a dashboard in Excel.

Step 1: Import the necessary data into Excel

No data . No dashboard .

So the first thing to do is to bring data into Microsoft Excel.

If your data already exists in Excel, do a victory dance 💃 because you’re lucky you can skip this step.

If that isn’t the case, we’ve got to warn you that importing data to Excel can be a bit bothersome. However, there are multiple ways to do it.

To import data, you can:

• Copy and paste it
• Use an API like Supermetrics or Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)
• Use Microsoft Power Query, an Excel add-in

The most suitable way will ultimately depend on your data file type, and you may have to research the best ways to import data into Excel.

Step 2: Set up your workbook

Now that your data is in Excel, it’s time to insert tabs to set up your workbook.

Open a new Excel workbook and add two or more worksheets (or tabs) to it. 

For example, let’s say we create three tabs.

Name the first worksheet as ‘ Raw Data ,’ the second as ‘ Chart Data ,’ and the third as ‘ Dashboard .’

This makes it easy to compare the data in your Excel file.

Here, we’ve collected raw data of four projects: A, B, C, and D.

The data includes:

• The month of completion
• The budget for each project
• The number of team members that worked on each project 

Bonus: How to create an org chart in Excel & How to Make a Waterfall Chart in Excel !

Step 3: Add raw data to a table

The raw data worksheet you created in your workbook must be in an Excel table format, with each data point recorded in cells.

Some people call this step “ cleaning your data” because this is the time to spot any typos or in-your-face errors.

Don’t skip this, or you won’t be able to use any Excel formula later on.

Step 4: Data analysis

While this step might just tire your brain out, it’ll help create the right dashboard for your needs.

Take a good look at all the raw data you’ve gathered, study it, and determine what you want to use in the dashboard sheet.

Add those data points to your ‘Chart Data’ worksheet.

For example, we want our chart to highlight the project name, the month of completion, and the budget. So we copy these three Excel data columns and paste them into the chart data tab.

Here’s a tip : Ask yourself what the purpose of the dashboard is.

In our example, we want to visualize the expenses of different projects .

Knowing the purpose should ease the job and help you filter out all the unnecessary data.

Analyzing your data will also help you understand the different tools you may want to use in your dashboard. 

Some of the options include:

• Charts : to visualize data
• Excel formulas : for complex calculations and filtering
• Conditional formatting : to automate the spreadsheet’s responses to specific data points
• PivotTable : to sort, reorganize, count, group, and sum data in a table
• Power Pivot : to create data models and work with large data sets 

Bonus: How to Display a Work Breakdown Structure in Excel & How to Use Excel for Capacity Planning

Step 5: Determine the visuals

What’s a dashboard without visuals, right?

The next step is to determine the visuals and the dashboard design that best represents your data.

You should mainly pay attention to the different chart types Excel gives you, like:

• Bar chart : compare values on a graph with bars
• Waterfall chart : view how an initial value increases and decreases through a series of alterations to reach an end value
• Gauge chart : represent data in a dial. Also known as a speedometer chart
• Pie chart : highlight percentages and proportional data
• Gantt chart : track project progress
• Dynamic chart : automatically update a data range
• Pivot char t: summarize your data in a table full of statistics

Step 6: Create your Excel dashboard

You now have all the data you need, and you know the purpose of the dashboard. 

The only thing left to do is build the Excel dashboard.

To explain the process of creating a dashboard in Excel, we’ll use a clustered column chart . 

A  clustered column chart consists of clustered, horizontal columns that represent more than one data series.

Start by clicking on the dashboard worksheet or tab that you created in your workbook.

Then click on ‘ Insert ’ > ‘ Column ’ > ‘ Clustered column chart ’.

See the blank box ? That’s where you’ll feed your spreadsheet data.

Just right-click on the blank box and then click on ‘ Select data ’

Then, go to your ‘Chart Data’ tab and select the data you wish to display on your dashboard.

Make sure you don’t select the column headers while selecting the data.

Hit enter , and voila, you’ve created a column chart dashboard.

If you notice your horizontal axis doesn’t represent what you want, you can edit it.

All you have to do is: select the chart again > right-click > select data.

The Select Data Source dialogue box will appear. 

Here, you can click on ‘ Edit ’ in the ‘ Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels ’ and then select the data you want to show on the X-axis from the ‘Chart Data’ tab again.

Want to give a title to your chart ?

Select the chart and then click on Design > chart layouts . Choose a layout that has a chart title text box.

Click on the text box to type in a new title.

Step 7: Customize your dashboard

Another step?

You can also customize the colors, fonts, typography, and layouts of your charts. 

Additionally, if you wish to make an interactive dashboard, go for a dynamic chart.

A dynamic chart is a regular Excel chart where data updates automatically as you change the data source.

You can bring interactivity using Excel features like:

• Macros : automate repetitive actions (you may have to learn Excel VBA for this)
• Drop-down lists : allow quick and limited data entry
• Slicers : lets you filter data on a Pivot Table

And we’re done. Congratulations! 🙌

Now you know how to make a dashboard in Excel.

We know what you’re thinking: do I really need these steps when I could just use templates?

Bonus: Create a flowchart using Excel !

Excel is no beauty queen. And its scary formulas 👻 make it complicated for many.

No wonder people look for a quality advanced Excel or Excel dashboard course online.

Don’t worry. 

Save yourself the trouble with these handy downloadable Microsoft Excel dashboard templates.

1. Excel KPI dashboard template

Download this Excel revenue and expense KPI dashboard template .

2. Excel Project management dashboard template

Download this Excel project dashboard template .

3. Sales dashboard template

Download this free sales Excel dashboard template.

However, note that most Excel templates available on the web aren’t reliable, and it’s difficult to spot the ones that’ll work. 

Most importantly, Microsoft Excel isn’t a perfect tool for creating dashboards .

Here’s why:

Excel may be the go-to tool for many businesses for all kinds of data.

However, that doesn’t make it an ideal medium for creating dashboards. 

1. A ton of manual data feeding

You’ve probably seen some great Excel workbooks over time.

They’re so clean and organized with just data after data and several charts.

But that’s what you see. 👀

Ask the person who made the Excel sheets, and they’ll tell you how they’ve aged twice while making an Excel dashboard, and they probably hate their job because of it.

It’s just too much manual effort for feeding data. 

And we live in a world where robots do surgeries on humans!

2. High possibilities of human error

As your business grows, so does your data.

And more data means opportunities for human error.

Whether it’s a typo that changed the number ‘5’ to the letter ‘T’ or an error in the formula, it’s so easy to mess up data on Excel.

If only it were that easy to create an Excel dashboard instead.

3. Limited integrations

Integrating your software with other apps allows you to multitask and expand your scope of work. It also saves you the time spent toggling between windows. 

However, you can’t do this on Excel, thanks to its limited direct integration abilities. 

The only option you have is to take the help of third-party apps like Zapier.

That’s like using one app to be able to use another. 

Want to find out more ways in which Excel dashboards flop? 

Check out our article on Excel project management and Excel alternatives .

This begs the question: why go through so much trouble to create a dashboard?

Life would be much easier if there were software that created dashboards with just a few clicks.

And no, you don’t have to find a Genie to make such wishes come true. 🧞

You have something better in the real world, ClickUp, the world’s highest-rated productivity tool !

ClickUp is the place to be for all things project management. 

Whether you want to track projects and tasks, need a reporting tool, or manage resources , ClickUp can handle it.

Most importantly, it is THE tool for quick and easy dashboard creation.

So how easy are we talking?

As easy as three steps that are literally just mouse clicks.

ClickUp’s Dashboards are where you’ll get accurate and valuable insights and reports on projects, resources , tasks, Sprints, and more.

Once you’ve enabled the Dashboards ClickApp:

• Click on the Dashboards icon that you’ll find in your sidebar
• Click on ‘+’ to add a Dashboard
• Click ‘+ Add Widgets’ to pull in your data

Now that was super easy, right?

To power up your dashboard, here are some widgets you’ll need and love:

• Status Widgets : visualize your task statuses over time, workload, number of tasks, etc.
• Table Widgets : view reports on completed tasks, tasks worked on, and overdue tasks
• Embed Widgets : access other apps and websites right from your dashboard
• Time Tracking Widgets : view all kinds of time reports such as billable reports, timesheets, time tracked, and more
• Priority Widgets : visualize tasks on charts based on their urgencies
• Custom Widgets : whether you want to visualize your work in the form of a line chart, pie chart, calculated sums, and averages, or portfolios, you can customize it as you wish 

Don’t forget the Sprint Widgets on ClickUp’s Dashboards. 

Use them to gain insights on sprints, a must-have feature for your Agile and Scrum projects . 

It’s an easy way to enjoy full control and a complete overview of every happening in your Agile workflow .

You can even access ClickUp Dashboards on the go, right on your mobile devices.

We will soon release Dashboard Templates as well, just to add more convenience to what’s already super easy. 

You’re welcome! 😇

Need some help creating a project management dashboard ? 

Check out our simple guide on how to build a dashboard .

Here’s a tiny glimpse of some of our cool features:

• ClickUp Views : enjoy different task view options, including Table view, Board view, Gantt Chart view, Activity view, etc.
• Automations : automate routine tasks with Triggers and Actions
• Team Templates : project templates for all teams , including sales , real estate , and event planning
• Multiple Assignees : assign tasks to more than one person or even an entire Team
• Permissions : protect sensitive data with custom permissions for both Guests and members
• Integrations : integrate easily with your favorite apps, including Slack , Harvest , Google Drive , and more
• Offline Mode : manage agile and scrum projects even when the internet is down

ClickUp Dashboards are designed to bring all of your most important metrics into one place. Check out this customer story from Wake Forest University to see how they improved reporting and alignment with ClickUp Dashboards:

Whatever you need to measure, ClickUp’s Dashboard is the perfect way to get a real-time overview of your organization’s performance.

While you can use Excel to create dashboards, it’s no guarantee that your journey will be smooth, fast, or error-free.

The only place to guarantee all that is ClickUp!

It’s your all-in-one project management and dashboard reporting replacement for Excel dashboards and even MS Excel spreadsheets. 

Why wait when you can create unlimited tasks, automate your work, track progress, and gain insightful reports with a single tool?

Get ClickUp for free today and create complex dashboards in the simplest of ways!

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

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Politics chat: Biden's response to Rafah escalation

by  Ayesha Rascoe ,  Asma Khalid

Biden will deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College

by  Ayesha Rascoe

Social security funds are set to fall short by 2033. What can be done?

Minnesota's new state flag is drawing mixed reactions.

by  Dana Ferguson

In a Ukrainian border town, the local newspaper keeps watch on returning POWs

by  Joanna Kakissis

"I think the task of the filmmaker is to break through and hit that horror that still remains in the unconscious mind," Corman said. "And there's a certain amount of catharsis there. He's pictured above in 2009. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images hide caption

Roger Corman, the B-movie legend who launched A-list careers, dies at 98

by  Neda Ulaby

Sunday Puzzle NPR hide caption

Sunday Puzzle: Six-letter words with four vowels and two consonants

by  Will Shortz

Francis Galluppi on 'The Last Stop In Yuma County', his feature debut

by  Ayesha Rascoe ,  Ryan Benk

NPR listeners share messages for their moms

Democratic sen. bob menendez goes on trial for taking bribes in exchange for favors.

by  Ayesha Rascoe ,  Nancy Solomon

How FAFSA complications are disproportionately affecting Black students

Middle east, rafah's main hospital has shut down, people try to flee as israel launches an attack.

by  Ayesha Rascoe ,  Aya Batrawy

The U.S. is refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserves. What purpose can they serve?

Edward Peter-Paul is chief of the Mi'kmaq Nation in Maine. Decades ago, a sweat ceremony helped him improve his relationship with drugs and alcohol. He hopes the new healing lodge can do the same for other tribal citizens. Aneri Pattani/KFF Health News hide caption

Shots - Health News

A tribe in maine is using opioid settlement funds on a sweat lodge to treat addiction.

by  Aneri Pattani ,  Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez

Uncovering the story of Sawney Freeman, who may have been America's first Black composer

by  Diane Orson

What are sperm whales saying? Researchers find a complex 'alphabet'

by  Lauren Sommer

Playwright Paula Vogel is known not just for her work on Broadway — but for the generations of famous playwrights whose careers she has nurtured. Above, Jessica Lange in Paula Vogel's Mother Play. Joan Marcus/Second Stage hide caption

In honor of Mother's Day, here's 'Mother Play' — which gestated for 40 years

by  Jeff Lunden

Vicky Farewell on her new album 'Give A Damn'

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