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50 Product Management Case Studies

We often wonder what kind of process other product teams have created, planned, and most importantly, how they have implemented it. That is why we at Producter have compiled 50 different case studies for you.

2 years ago   •   4 min read

We often wonder what kind of process other product teams have created, planned, and most importantly, how they have implemented it.

That is why we at Producter have compiled 50 different case studies for you.

Brought to you by Roadmape

product case study technology

1- Rules of Flow for Product Management: an AirBnB Case Study

“Engagement” is a term that is so overused in product management that it has almost lost its meaning. So often I’ve heard from teams, “We’ll measure the success of this test with engagement,” which could mean anything from feature click-through to bounce to we-aren’t-really-sure-this-will-drive-conversion-so-we’re-hedging-our-bet. Underneath, the reason this term has been co-opted and jargonized is that genuine, productive engagement can be ramped toward long-term customer loyalty. And loyalty pays off: a loyalty increase of 7% can boost lifetime profits per customer by as much as 85%, and a loyalty increase of 3% can correlate to a 10% cost reduction ( Brand Keys ).

an AirBnB Case Study

2- The Psychology of Clubhouse’s User Retention (...and churn)

Clubhouse’s User Retention

3- Netflix Q1 ’21 Subscriber Growth Miss: Can We Avoid Another One?

As a data analyst supporting a mobile subscription business , Netflix’s Q1 ’21 subscriber growth miss is a classic example of when I would get called for recommendations to prevent a miss in the future. I thought this would make an interesting case study to discuss my approach to finding insights to drive subscriber growth. Sadly I’m not a Netflix employee and will be limited to publicly available data but the wealth of information on the Internet about Netflix is sufficient to generate insights for this case study.

Netflix

4- Amazon Go Green

As part of the Design Challenge from productdesign.tips, our team came together to find ways for Amazon to encourage more sustainability on their e-commerce platform. As with any unsolicited design project, the challenge comes with a lack of access to application analytics and technical feasibilities. Nonetheless, the question remains: How might we design checkout screens for an e-commerce app to help people recycle the goods they buy?

Amazon Go

5- Quora Case Study – The Wonderful World of Quora

Quora has become a substantive resource for millions of entrepreneurs and one of the best sources for Business to Business market. Majorly used by writers, scholars, bloggers, investors, consultants, students this Q/A site has much to offer in terms of knowledge sharing, connection building and information gathering.

Quora

6- Building a product without any full-time product managers

kyte

Jambb is an emerging social platform where creators grow their communities by recognizing and rewarding fans for their support. Currently, creators monetize fan engagement through advertisements, merchandise, and subscriptions, to name a few. However, this only represents 1% of fans, leaving the other 99% (who contribute in non-monetary ways) without the same content, access, and recognition that they deserve.

Jambb

8- What if you can create Listening Sessions on Spotify

Summary: The project was done as a part of a user experience design challenge given to me by a company. I was given the brief by them to work on a feature of Spotify and I spent around 25–30 hours on the challenge in which I went through the entire process, from the research to testing.

Spotify

9- Redesigned Apple Maps and replicated an Apple product launch for it

Quick-fire question; what is the single most important and widely used feature in a phone — asides from texting and instant messaging friends, coworkers and family? Maybe you guessed right, perhaps this feature is so integrated into your life that you didn’t even think about it — either way, it is your phone’s GPS. It is reasonable to say that GPS technology has changed society’s lives in ways we never could’ve imagined. Gone are the days of using physically printed maps and almanacks, when we now have smartphones with navigation apps. Since the launch of the iPhone and the App Store, consumers have been able to use different apps for their personal navigation needs. Everyone has a preference, and apps have come out to try and address every need.

apple

10- Intuitive design and product-led growth

In 2018, Miro was hardly a blip on the radar in the Design world. Fast forward two years, and suddenly Miro is solidly the number one tool for brainstorming and ideation.

miro

Click below to see the complete list 👇

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20 Product Management Case Studies [Detailed Analysis][2024]

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business environment, effective product management has never been more crucial. It is a strategic catalyst that drives innovation and shapes how companies respond to evolving market demands and consumer preferences. This article delves into product management by examining 20 diverse global case studies, each showcasing the profound impact and key learnings derived from some of the world’s most influential companies. From Apple’s groundbreaking entry into the smartphone market to Spotify’s transformation of music consumption, and Toyota’s efficiency-driven Lean Production Model, these case studies offer a panoramic view of how strategic product management can lead to revolutionary changes in various industries. The article aims to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the overarching effects of these strategies, revealing how companies like Airbnb, Tesla, Zoom, Slack, Samsung, Netflix, and Patagonia have not only achieved market success but also set new benchmarks and trends in their respective domains. Through this exploration, we aim to equip current and aspiring product managers and business leaders with practical knowledge and inspiration to navigate the complex landscape of product management, driving innovation and success in their ventures.

Related: How to Build a Career in Product Management?

1. Apple Inc. – Reinventing the Smartphone

Task/Conflict:

Apple’s entry into the already crowded mobile phone market was a bold move, particularly with the objective of introducing a product that wasn’t just another addition but a complete redefinition of what a mobile phone could be. The challenge was to innovate in a way that would not only capture the market’s attention but also set a new standard for user interaction, functionality, and design in the smartphone industry.

The solution lay in the development of the iPhone, a device that combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator. This integration, coupled with a pioneering touchscreen interface and a focus on user experience, positioned the iPhone not just as a product but as an ecosystem. Apple’s emphasis on design, functionality, and user interface created a product that stood out from its competitors.

Overall Impact:

  • Revolutionized the smartphone industry.
  • Set new standards for technology and user experience.

Key Learnings:

  • Innovation can disrupt established markets.
  • User-centric design is crucial in technology products.

2. Spotify – Transforming Music Consumption

In an era dominated by music piracy and declining physical album sales, Spotify faced the daunting task of reshaping how people accessed and paid for music. The challenge was not only technological but also cultural, requiring a shift in consumer habits and a rethinking of the existing music industry’s business model.

Spotify’s approach was to introduce a user-friendly music streaming service, offering a vast library of tracks with both a free, ad-supported model and a premium subscription option. This strategy addressed the issues of accessibility and affordability while respecting the rights of artists and producers, thus presenting an attractive alternative to illegal downloads.

  • Influenced the revenue model of the entire music industry.
  • Became a leader in music streaming.
  • Innovative business models can redefine industries.
  • Addressing consumer pain points is key to success.

3. Toyota – The Lean Production Model

Toyota was confronted with the challenge of enhancing efficiency and reducing waste in their production processes. The automotive industry, characterized by intense competition and high operational costs, demanded a strategy that not only improved production efficiency but also maintained high quality.

Toyota implemented the Lean Production Model, a revolutionary approach focusing on ‘Kaizen’ or continuous improvement. This methodology involved streamlining the manufacturing process, reducing waste, and empowering workers to contribute to ongoing improvements. The Lean Model emphasized efficiency, flexibility, and a relentless pursuit of quality in production.

  • Enhanced operational efficiency and profitability.
  • Established as a benchmark for manufacturing excellence.
  • Efficiency and quality are pillars of manufacturing success.
  • Continuous improvement drives operational excellence.

4. Airbnb – Revolutionizing Hospitality

Airbnb aimed to carve out a new niche in the hospitality industry, which was traditionally dominated by hotels. The challenge was multifaceted, involving regulatory hurdles, building trust among users, and creating a reliable and scalable platform that connected homeowners with travelers seeking unique lodging experiences.

The solution was the creation of a user-friendly online platform that enabled homeowners to list their properties for short-term rental. This platform not only provided an alternative to traditional hotels but also fostered a sense of community and unique travel experiences. Airbnb focused on building a robust review system and transparent policies to overcome trust and safety concerns.

  • Disrupted the traditional hotel industry.
  • Became a leading figure in the sharing economy.
  • Innovative platforms can create new market segments.
  • Trust and transparency are crucial in community-driven businesses.

Related: History & Origin of Product Management

5. Tesla – Electrifying the Auto Industry

Tesla embarked on the ambitious goal of popularizing electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable and viable alternative to gasoline-powered cars. This task involved overcoming preconceptions about the performance, range, and practicality of EVs, as well as establishing the necessary infrastructure for their adoption.

Tesla’s approach was to develop high-performance, luxury electric vehicles that combined environmental friendliness with cutting-edge technology and stylish design. This strategy helped to change the perception of EVs from being seen as inferior alternatives to gasoline cars to desirable, high-tech vehicles. Tesla also invested in building a network of charging stations, further facilitating the practicality of EV ownership.

  • Led the transition towards electric vehicle adoption.
  • Influenced the auto industry’s direction towards sustainability.
  • Sustainable technology can be aligned with luxury and performance.
  • Changing consumer perceptions is key to introducing new technology.

6. Zoom – Simplifying Remote Communication

In a market crowded with various communication tools, Zoom faced the challenge of differentiating itself and proving its value. The goal was to provide a solution that was not only reliable and easy to use but also superior in terms of video and audio quality compared to existing offerings.

Zoom focused on creating a user-friendly platform that offered high-definition video and clear audio, even in low-bandwidth situations. This commitment to quality and reliability, combined with features like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and easy integration with other tools, made Zoom a preferred choice for businesses and individuals alike, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Became a staple tool for remote communication.
  • Highlighted during the global shift to remote work due to the pandemic.
  • Reliability and user experience are critical in technology solutions.
  • Agility in adapting to market changes is vital.

7. Slack – Redefining Workplace Collaboration

Slack was developed with the vision of transforming the cluttered and inefficient landscape of workplace communication, dominated by email. The challenge was to create a platform that not only streamlined communication but also integrated various work tools to enhance productivity and collaboration.

The solution was an intuitive, chat-based platform that allowed for real-time messaging, file sharing, and integration with a wide range of work tools and applications. Slack’s focus on reducing the reliance on emails and consolidating communication into a single, searchable platform revolutionized team collaboration and internal communication in businesses.

  • Changed the dynamics of team communication and collaboration.
  • Became a central tool in many organizations for internal communication.
  • Streamlining common practices can create significant market opportunities.
  • Integration and user-friendliness are key in collaborative tools.

8. Samsung – Innovation in Electronics

Samsung’s challenge was to establish itself as a leader in the highly competitive and rapidly evolving consumer electronics market. This required keeping up with technological advancements and differentiating its products in terms of quality, innovation, and user experience.

Samsung’s strategy involved substantial investment in research and development, focusing on bringing innovative and high-quality products to the market. Their innovation commitment spanned various product categories, including smartphones, televisions, and home appliances. This focus on quality and technological advancement helped Samsung achieve a leading position in the global electronics market.

  • Achieved a leading position in the consumer electronics market.
  • Known for innovation and quality in product offerings.
  • Innovation is crucial in technology sectors.
  • Quality and continuous improvement attract consumer loyalty.

Related: Top Product Management Tools

9. Netflix – Pioneering Streaming Services

Netflix’s journey began with the goal of transforming the traditional movie rental business. The challenge was to transition from a DVD rental service to an online streaming platform, requiring a technological shift and a change in consumer viewing habits and content distribution models.

The solution was a gradual but determined shift to an online streaming model, offering customers an extensive and ever-growing library of movies and TV shows. Netflix’s investment in original content and exclusive deals with production studios further enhanced their appeal. This strategic pivot catered to the growing demand for on-demand entertainment, free from physical media and broadcast schedules constraints.

  • Redefined media consumption habits.
  • Led the rise of online streaming services.
  • Adaptability to technology and market trends is critical.
  • Investing in original content can differentiate streaming services.

10. Patagonia – Ethical Product Management

In a clothing industry often criticized for environmental and ethical issues, Patagonia aimed to differentiate itself by committing to sustainability and ethical practices. The challenge was not only to maintain profitability but also to influence consumer behavior and industry standards towards more responsible practices.

Patagonia’s approach included using sustainable materials, ensuring transparency in their supply chain, and advocating for environmental causes. Their commitment extended to initiatives like repairing products to extend their lifespan and encouraging responsible consumption. This strategy appealed to environmentally conscious consumers and set a new standard for corporate responsibility in the clothing industry.

  • Became a model for sustainability in the clothing industry.
  • Influenced both consumer and industry practices towards eco-friendliness.
  • Sustainability can be a unique selling proposition.
  • Ethical practices enhance brand loyalty and reputation.

11. Microsoft – Shifting to Cloud Computing

Microsoft faced significant challenges in adapting to the rapidly evolving technology landscape. The traditional software model of boxed products had grown increasingly obsolete due to a surge in cloud computing. Emerging competitors like Amazon Web Services and Google’s cloud platform gained momentum, providing flexible, scalable solutions that shifted the market’s preference away from on-premise software to on-demand, subscription-based models. Microsoft needed to transform its business approach and product portfolio to align with these market trends

Under CEO Satya Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft shifted focus to cloud computing, developing Azure as an end-to-end platform providing comprehensive infrastructure and software services. The company also transitioned its flagship Office suite to a cloud-based subscription model with Office 365. They emphasized flexibility, scalability, and security while ensuring seamless integration with existing Microsoft products. Investments in data centers globally and new pricing models enabled Microsoft to compete directly with other leading cloud providers.

  • Transformed Microsoft into a leader in cloud computing.
  • Significantly increased recurring revenue through subscription-based services.
  • Implementation of emerging technologies is vital for staying ahead of market trends.
  • Subscription models can create predictable and sustainable revenue streams.

12. Lego – Rebuilding a Toy Empire

Lego was at a crossroads in the early 2000s. The company had overextended its product lines, ventured into unrelated business areas, and faced fierce competition from digital entertainment sources like video games. The result was a decline in sales and profitability, jeopardizing the company’s future and threatening the iconic brand with irrelevance.

To rebuild its brand, Lego implemented a back-to-basics approach, refocusing on its core product, the Lego brick. It also streamlined its product lines and improved internal operations. Partnering with entertainment franchises such as Star Wars and Harry Potter, they launched themed Lego sets that resonated with younger generations. Lego expanded its reach into digital media with video games and movies like The Lego Movie, engaging customers through multiple channels and breathing new life into the brand.

  • Restored profitability and renewed consumer interest in Lego products.
  • Expanded their presence into digital media and entertainment.
  • Diversification and partnerships can revitalize traditional products.
  • Engaging customers across multiple channels strengthens brand loyalty.

Related: Inspirational Product Management Quotes

13. Dropbox – User-Friendly Cloud Storage

Dropbox faced the challenge of competing with tech giants including Google and Microsoft in the nascent cloud storage market. While these companies offered vast storage solutions integrated with their productivity suites, Dropbox needed to carve out a niche by appealing to users with an easy-to-use, reliable platform. They aimed to provide seamless file synchronization, security, and accessibility across devices.

Dropbox placed simplicity at the forefront, developing a cross-platform application that allowed users to sync files effortlessly across multiple devices. The system’s seamless synchronization and ease of use differentiated it from other cloud storage providers. They employed a freemium model that offered free storage with the option to upgrade for more capacity and features, attracting millions of users globally and enabling them to monetize their growing user base.

  • Became a trusted name in cloud storage, with millions of users worldwide.
  • Pioneered the freemium model, offering free and paid plans.
  • User experience is a differentiator in competitive tech markets.
  • Freemium models can attract users and convert them to paid subscriptions.

14. Nike – Personalizing Athletic Wear

Nike, already a leader in sports apparel, faced stiff competition from rivals like Adidas and Under Armour. The company needed a unique strategy to differentiate its products and capture the loyalty of a diverse, increasingly demanding customer base. Customers wanted personalized experiences, and Nike aimed to address this by providing a solution that matched their specific preferences in athletic wear.

Nike launched the NikeID program, which allowed customers to personalize their athletic gear online, choosing colors, patterns, and custom text. This innovation expanded the company’s appeal to athletes and fashion-conscious consumers alike, helping them express their individuality while boosting engagement. By streamlining the customization process and leveraging digital technology, NikeID created an experience that could be replicated globally, resulting in increased brand loyalty and revenues.

  • Elevated customer engagement through personalized experiences.
  • Expanded customization to a broad range of products, increasing brand loyalty.
  • Personalization can differentiate brands in competitive markets.
  • Engaging customers in the design process enhances brand value.

15. Procter & Gamble – Open Innovation with Connect + Develop

Procter & Gamble (P&G), known for a vast portfolio of consumer goods, recognized that the traditional R&D process was becoming slower and costlier, hampering the company’s ability to innovate. With the proliferation of specialized knowledge worldwide, P&G realized that internal expertise alone wouldn’t suffice fulfill the increasing demand for new products across its various brands. They needed to find a way to tap into external innovation to stay ahead of the competition.

P&G launched the Connect + Develop platform, an open innovation initiative that invited inventors, academics, and other companies to submit ideas and collaborate on new products. This platform enabled P&G to access global expertise and accelerate the product development process by integrating external solutions with their own internal capabilities. The platform generated new partnerships that broadened P&G’s R&D reach and enhanced the product pipelines for various brands, significantly improving efficiency and innovation.

  • Increased innovation by sourcing solutions from a global network.
  • Enhanced product pipelines across multiple categories.
  • Open innovation can tap into global expertise for improved R&D.
  • Collaborating beyond company boundaries accelerates product development.

16. Adobe – Transforming into a Subscription Model

Adobe faced challenges with its traditional perpetual software licensing model, which was becoming outdated due to issues like piracy and inconsistent revenue streams. As competitors moved towards more dynamic, subscription-based models, Adobe needed to reinvent its business strategy to stay competitive and relevant in the digital content creation industry.

With the introduction of Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe shifted from selling boxed software to a subscription-based model. This move provided customers with constant updates, cloud storage, and access to a suite of creative tools for a monthly fee. The transition addressed piracy issues and allowed Adobe to offer a scalable and continually improving product experience, leading to a more predictable and stable revenue stream.

  • Stabilized Adobe’s revenue with a predictable subscription-based income.
  • Increased customer retention and satisfaction due to continuous updates and enhancements.
  • Fostered a broader adoption of Adobe’s software suite among freelancers and small businesses due to more accessible pricing.
  • Transitioning to a subscription model can provide stable revenue and reduce piracy.
  • Offering continual improvements and added value can enhance customer loyalty.

Related: Reasons to Study Product Management

17. GoPro – Innovating in a Niche Market

GoPro aimed to dominate the action camera market but faced the challenge of distinguishing itself from larger electronics manufacturers with broader product lines. The company needed to innovate continuously while fostering a strong brand identity that resonated with extreme sports enthusiasts and casual users alike.

GoPro focused on developing durable, high-quality cameras with unique features such as waterproofing and compact design tailored to capture extreme sports and adventure. They also built a robust community by leveraging user-generated content and social media, turning their customers into brand ambassadors. This strategy solidified their market position and expanded their customer base.

  • Established GoPro as the leading brand in action cameras with a significant market share.
  • Expanded the brand’s appeal beyond extreme sports to general consumers.
  • Fostered a new market for accessory and lifestyle products related to action cameras.
  • Leveraging user-generated content can effectively enhance community engagement and marketing.
  • Creating an ecosystem around a product can extend its market reach and usability.

18. IBM – Pioneering Artificial Intelligence with Watson

IBM recognized the potential of artificial intelligence early on but faced the dual challenge of developing cutting-edge technology and finding practical applications for AI in business. They needed to create a platform that could demonstrate AI’s capabilities and be applicable and beneficial across various industries.

IBM developed Watson, an AI system capable of understanding natural language and generating data-based hypotheses. Watson was first introduced to the public by participating in the quiz show Jeopardy!, where it challenged humans. Following this, IBM expanded Watson’s capabilities to serve industries like healthcare, finance, and customer service, showcasing its versatility and practical utility.

  • Expanded Watson’s applications into healthcare, finance, and beyond, proving AI’s versatility in solving complex problems.
  • Strengthened IBM’s brand as an innovator and thought leader in the technological space.
  • Demonstrating technology through high-visibility challenges (like Jeopardy!) can effectively capture public and commercial interest.
  • Strategic partnerships in diverse industries can enhance the practical applications and market acceptance of new technologies.

19. Unilever – Sustainability as a Business Strategy

Facing increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable and ethical products, Unilever needed to integrate sustainability deeply into its business model without compromising on profitability and market competitiveness.

Unilever launched the Sustainable Living Plan, committing to halve its environmental footprint, improve health and well-being for more than a billion people, and sustainably sourcing 100% of its agricultural raw materials. This comprehensive strategy helped Unilever strengthen its brand loyalty among conscious consumers and drove long-term growth by reducing costs and innovating in product development.

  • Achieved cost reductions and efficiency improvements through sustainable practices.
  • Set industry standards for sustainability, influencing other companies to adopt similar practices.
  • Sustainability can drive business growth and consumer loyalty when integrated into core business strategies.
  • Ethical practices can be a competitive advantage, attracting both consumers and investors.
  • Transparency in sustainability efforts can enhance corporate reputation and build stronger relationships with stakeholders.

20. Zara – Revolutionizing Fashion with Fast Fashion

Zara, part of the Inditex group, needed to maintain its edge in the highly competitive and fast-paced fashion industry. The challenge was to continually offer the latest fashion trends faster than traditional retailers, addressing the consumers’ desire for immediate gratification.

Zara implemented a unique business model, fast fashion, which involves rapid prototyping, small batch production, and an extremely efficient supply chain that can bring designs from the runway to store shelves in weeks. This approach kept inventory costs low and ensured that Zara’s offerings were always fresh, appealing, and aligned with current trends.

  • Enabled Zara to become a global leader in the fashion industry, significantly outpacing competitors in responsiveness to fashion trends.
  • Reduced unsold inventory and increased profitability through efficient supply chain management.
  • Catalyzed shifts in consumer buying behavior, with more frequent purchases and higher expectations for rapid trend availability.
  • Speed and agility in product development and supply chain can significantly enhance market responsiveness.
  • Continuous market research and rapid response to consumer trends are crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in fast-paced industries.

Related: Product Management Failure Examples

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, these case studies exemplify the transformative power of effective product management. They highlight the importance of understanding market needs, embracing innovation, focusing on user experience, and the value of ethical practices. Aspiring business leaders can draw valuable lessons from these examples to navigate challenges and drive success in their endeavors.

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  • Oct 4, 2023

Five Successful Product Design Case Studies that Drive Business Growth

Five Successful Product Design Case Studies that Drives Business Growth

Product design is a powerful catalyst for driving business growth. It goes beyond creating aesthetically pleasing products and delves into crafting compelling user experiences that captivate your target audience.

When your product resonates with customers emotionally, it establishes a strong connection that translates into brand loyalty, increased sales, and sustained business growth.

Paying careful attention to every aspect of your product's design, from its functionality to its visual appeal, can differentiate your brand and create a competitive advantage in the market.

a team brainstorming and sketching product design ideas

In this article, we will explore five remarkable product design case studies that exemplify the impact of product design on driving business growth. These real-life examples showcase how companies like Apple Inc., Tesla Inc., Airbnb, Slack, and Coca-Cola leveraged product design to revolutionize their industries and achieve remarkable success.

By dissecting these case studies, we can extract valuable insights and actionable strategies that can be applied to your product, UI, or UX design projects.

Before we explore the case studies, it's worth mentioning our previous articles that provide a broader context. In " What to Ask Before a Product Design Project? (18 Top Questions!) ," we discussed the key questions to ask before starting a product design project.

Asking the right questions helps you gain a deeper understanding of your target audience, define clear goals, and lay the foundation for effective product design that drives business growth.

Now, let's delve into the captivating case studies that demonstrate the power of product design in driving business growth.

Table of Content

Case study 1: apple inc. - iphone, key takeaways from apple's product design strategy, case study 2: tesla inc. - model s.

Lessons to Learn from Telsa's Product Design Approach

Case Study 3: Airbnb - User Interface Redesign

Key learnings from airbnb's ui design transformation, case study 4: slack - user experience enhancement, noteworthy insights from slack's ux design journey, case study 5: coca-cola - packaging redesign, valuable takeaways from coca-cola's packaging design approach, final thoughts.

Launch Your Products With Ease at the BraveUX Platform

Further Reading

the evolution of iPhone designs over the years.

Background of Apple Inc. and Its Focus on Product Design

Apple Inc., renowned for its commitment to innovation, has made product design a cornerstone of its success. The company consistently strives to create products that blend cutting-edge technology with elegant design.

From the Macintosh to the iPod, Apple has demonstrated its prowess in delivering exceptional user experiences. The iPhone is a standout example of Apple's dedication to product design [ 1 ].

Overview of the iPhone's Revolutionary Design

Upon its release in 2007, the iPhone revolutionized the smartphone industry with its sleek and intuitive design. It introduced a touchscreen interface that eliminated the need for physical keyboards, paving the way for a new era of user interaction.

The iPhone's minimalist aesthetics and seamless hardware and software integration set a new smartphone standard, captivating users worldwide [ 2 ].

Impact of iPhone's Design on Apple's Business Growth

The design of the iPhone played a pivotal role in propelling Apple's business growth. The combination of its sleek appearance, user-friendly interface, and innovative features garnered a dedicated following of loyal customers.

The iPhone's success not only boosted Apple's revenue but also solidified the brand's reputation as a leader in the tech industry. Its iconic design became synonymous with quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology, driving customer loyalty and market dominance [ 3 ].

Apple's product design strategy offers valuable insights for businesses aiming to drive growth. Firstly, emphasizing the seamless integration of hardware and software demonstrates the importance of holistic user experiences.

Secondly, Apple's commitment to sleek and minimalist aesthetics showcases the power of visual appeal in capturing consumer attention.

Lastly, the iPhone's continuous evolution through iterative design updates highlights the significance of staying ahead of market trends and consistently improving the user experience.

By studying Apple's product design approach, businesses can learn the importance of prioritizing user-centric design, pushing boundaries to create innovative experiences, and adapting to evolving consumer needs. Apple's success with the iPhone serves as a testament to the transformative impact of effective product design on business growth.

The Model S cars

Tesla Inc. and Its Emphasis on Product Design

Tesla Inc., the visionary electric vehicle manufacturer led by Elon Musk, strongly emphasizes product design.

The company's commitment to creating innovative, sustainable, and visually striking vehicles has set it apart in the automotive industry. One standout example of Tesla's product design excellence is the Model S [ 4 ].

The Model S's Design Features

The Model S, Tesla's flagship electric vehicle, boasts a design that seamlessly merges performance, sustainability, and luxury. Its sleek silhouette, aerodynamic curves, and clean lines not only contribute to its striking visual appeal but also optimize its efficiency and range.

Inside, the Model S offers a minimalist yet sophisticated cabin with a large touchscreen display that controls various vehicle functions. Its emphasis on cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interfaces ensures an engaging and intuitive driving experience [ 5 ].

Influence of Model S's Design on Tesla's Business Success

The design of the Model S has played a significant role in driving Tesla's business success.

By challenging the status quo of traditional automotive design, Tesla captured the imagination of consumers and positioned itself as an industry disruptor.

The Model S's sleek aesthetics and advanced electric powertrain attracted early adopters and environmentally conscious consumers, establishing Tesla as a premium brand in the electric vehicle market. Its innovative design and exceptional performance and range have garnered a loyal customer base, driving Tesla's exponential growth and market value [ 6 ].

Lessons to Learn from Tesla's Product Design Approach

Tesla's product design approach offers valuable lessons for businesses aiming to make an impact. Firstly, integrating sustainability and cutting-edge technology showcases the importance of addressing environmental concerns while delivering exceptional performance.

Secondly, the focus on creating visually appealing and luxurious designs demonstrates the power of evoking desire and emotions in consumers. Lastly, Tesla's commitment to continuous innovation and pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle design highlights the significance of staying ahead of the competition and shaping industry trends [ 7 ].

Studying Tesla's product design approach helps businesses gain insights into the importance of combining sustainability, technology, and aesthetics.

Tesla's success with the Model S exemplifies how groundbreaking design can position a brand as a leader in a competitive market, capturing the hearts and minds of consumers.

A user interacting with the Airbnb app on a mobile device.

Airbnb's Platform and Its UI Design Evolution

Airbnb, the renowned online marketplace for vacation rentals, has significantly evolved its user interface (UI) design. Initially starting as a simple platform, Airbnb recognized the need to enhance its UI to provide a seamless and delightful user experience. Over time, the platform's UI design has evolved, integrating user feedback, market trends, and technological advancements to create a more intuitive and visually appealing interface [ 8 ].

Examination of Airbnb's User Interface Redesign Process

Airbnb's UI redesign process involved a comprehensive analysis of user behavior, pain points, and preferences.

The company conducted extensive research, incorporating user feedback and conducting usability testing to identify areas for improvement.

With a focus on simplicity and clarity, Airbnb refined its UI design, streamlining navigation, enhancing search functionality, and optimizing the booking process. The redesign also aligned the platform's visuals with the aspirations and emotions associated with travel and accommodation [ 9 ].

Positive Impact of UI Redesign on Airbnb's Business Growth

The UI redesign had a profound positive impact on Airbnb's business growth. The enhanced user experience increased engagement, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction.

By making the platform more intuitive and visually appealing, Airbnb attracted a wider user base, including hosts and guests, fostering trust and loyalty.

The positive word-of-mouth generated by the improved UI design further contributed to Airbnb's growth, solidifying its position as a leader in the vacation rental market [ 10 ].

Airbnb's UI design transformation offers valuable insights for businesses seeking to enhance their user experiences. Firstly, a user-centered approach, grounded in research and usability testing, is crucial in identifying pain points and understanding user behavior.

Secondly, simplicity and clarity are key to creating an intuitive and engaging UI design. Lastly, aligning the visual design with the emotional aspects of the platform's purpose can resonate with users on a deeper level, fostering a connection and driving business growth [ 11 ].

By studying Airbnb's UI design transformation, businesses can learn the importance of continuously improving the user experience, leveraging user feedback and data-driven insights.

the Slack platform, displaying its user-friendly interface and collaborative features.

Slack and Its Focus on User Experience

Slack, the popular communication and collaboration platform, strongly emphasizes user experience (UX). Recognizing that seamless and intuitive interactions are key to productivity and collaboration, Slack has continuously sought to enhance its UX design.

Slack aims to create a platform that fosters efficient communication and teamwork by prioritizing user-centered design principles [ 12 ].

Slack's UX Design Improvements

Slack's UX design journey has involved a series of improvements to optimize the user experience.

The platform has focused on simplifying navigation, streamlining messaging features, and integrating additional functionalities to enhance productivity.

Slack has refined its interface through iterative design updates, ensuring that users can effortlessly navigate channels, search for information, and collaborate effectively within teams. These improvements reflect Slack's commitment to delivering a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

How Enhanced UX Design Contributed to Slack's Business Growth

The enhanced UX design of Slack has played a significant role in its business growth. By creating an intuitive and user-friendly platform, Slack has attracted a large user base and gained a strong foothold in the market.

The improved user experience has increased user engagement, driving higher adoption rates and fostering long-term customer loyalty. The platform's reputation for delivering exceptional UX has been instrumental in Slack's rise as a leading communication and collaboration tool [ 13 ].

Slack's UX design journey offers valuable insights for businesses seeking to enhance their user experiences. Firstly, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use is crucial in creating an intuitive and enjoyable platform.

Secondly, understanding user workflows and pain points enables the identification of areas for improvement. Lastly, consistent iterations and updates based on user feedback and evolving needs are key to delivering a superior UX that drives business growth [ 14 ].

When you study Slack's UX design approach, you learn the importance of user-centric design, continuous improvement, and staying attuned to user needs.

comparing the new and old packaging designs of Coca-Cola products

Coca-Cola and Its Packaging Design Legacy

Coca-Cola, a globally recognized beverage brand, has a rich history and a legacy of impactful packaging design. Over the years, Coca-Cola has become synonymous with its iconic red and white packaging, which has left a lasting imprint on consumer culture. The brand's commitment to innovative packaging design has significantly shaped its identity and success in the market [ 15 ].

Coca-Cola's Packaging Redesign Strategy

Coca-Cola's packaging redesign strategy involved carefully analyzing evolving consumer preferences, market trends, and sustainability goals. The brand recognized the need to align its packaging with changing consumer demands and environmental considerations.

Through a thoughtful and meticulous process, Coca-Cola introduced new packaging designs that embraced modern aesthetics, sustainable materials, and personalized options to cater to diverse consumer segments [ 16 ].

Influence of Packaging Redesign on Coca-Cola's Business Success

The packaging redesign efforts of Coca-Cola have had a profound influence on its business success. By refreshing its packaging design, Coca-Cola has connected with new generations of consumers while maintaining its loyal customer base.

The updated designs attracted attention on store shelves and created a sense of novelty and excitement around the brand. This, in turn, led to increased sales, strengthened brand loyalty, and a positive impact on Coca-Cola's overall market share [ 17 ].

Coca-Cola's packaging design approach offers valuable takeaways for businesses aiming to enhance their brand presence and drive business growth. Firstly, recognizing and adapting to changing consumer preferences is essential in staying relevant and capturing new markets.

Secondly, embracing sustainability in packaging design can align a brand with consumer values and contribute to a positive brand image. Lastly, creating personalized packaging options can foster a sense of individuality and strengthen the emotional connection between consumers and the brand [ 18 ].

By studying Coca-Cola's packaging design approach, businesses can gain insights into the importance of continually evaluating and evolving their packaging strategies.

These success stories demonstrate that effective product design goes beyond aesthetics – it encompasses user experience, innovation, and differentiation. By prioritizing product design, businesses can create compelling experiences that captivate their target audience, foster brand loyalty, and propel their growth in the competitive market.

Effective product design is a strategic imperative in today's dynamic business landscape. It is about creating visually appealing products and understanding user needs, solving pain points, and delivering memorable experiences.

By prioritizing product design, businesses can gain a competitive advantage, increase customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive long-term success. Investing in exceptional product design is an investment in your business's future growth and sustainability.

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We value partnership and collaboration, working closely with you to bring your vision to life. Sign up at the Brave UX Platform today and unleash the power of effective product design to drive your business growth.

Further Reading:

Product Design vs. Product Development: The Differences Explained Learn about the distinctions between product design and development and how they contribute to successful product creation.

5 Common Product Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Discover the most common pitfalls in product design and learn practical strategies to avoid them for better design outcomes.

Five Successful Tech Products That Were Made by Mistake Explore the intriguing stories of tech products that unexpectedly became successful and the lessons we can learn from their accidental beginnings.

How Business Analysis And UX/UI Design Collaboration Can Create Better Products Discover the powerful collaboration between business analysis and UX/UI design and how their collaboration can create exceptional products.

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Top 10 Product Management Case Studies from Leading Global Companies

  • August 25, 2023
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Product management, a dynamic blend of creativity and strategy, shapes groundbreaking innovations from abstract ideas. There’s no better way to comprehend this intricate dance than by diving into real-world case studies. In this blog, we emba rk on a journey through ten illuminating case studies, dissecting each phase and challenge that architects product management triumphs. From monumental missteps to resounding victories, each case study forms a mosaic of insights, demonstrating the path from ideation to market supremacy. These insights are further enriched as we link them to frameworks rooted in product management, product marketing , and strategic innovation.

These case studies illuminate the intricate art and strategic science of product management. Each story narrates a journey through innovation, iteration, user-centricity, and strategic adaptability, underpinned by frameworks integral to product management, product marketing, and strategic innovation. From empathetic design to responsive data-driven decisions , these studies form a compendium of strategies that drive product success . Whether in the realm of technology, travel, or consumer goods, the essence of product management resonates across diverse landscapes. As we navigate through these case studies in simple steps, we glean insights that guide both budding enthusiasts and seasoned professionals through the labyrinthine corridors of innovation, igniting the spark for the next wave of transformative products.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding customer needs drives innovation, evident in Apple’s iPhone and Airbnb’s personalized experiences.
  • Strategic frameworks like Lean Startup (Tesla’s Model 3) and Blue Ocean Strategy (Airbnb) guide successful evolution.
  • User feedback refines products, seen in Facebook’s News Feed redesign and Uber’s pricing strategy.
  • Balancing innovation with familiarity propels mass adoption, exemplified by Tesla’s Model 3.
  • Data shapes effective strategies, illustrated by Google’s algorithms, Netflix’s personalization, and Uber’s pricing approaches.

Case Study 1: Apple's iPhone - Orchestrating Innovation

Step 1:  Market Gap Analysis and Opportunity Identification (Problem-Solution Fit)

Apple’s iPhone journey began by identifying a yawning market gap: consumers desired an all-in-one device. This echoes the Problem-Solution Fit framework, encapsulating the essence of understanding customer pain points and providing tailor-made solutions.

Step 2:  Design Thinking and Iterative Prototyping (Design and Development)

Apple’s iterative approach to iPhone design embodies Design Thinking. By empathizing with user needs, ideating features, and rapidly prototyping, they ensured a product that resonated with real-world usage.

Step 3:  Agile Development and Rapid Testing (Agile Methodology)

Agile development was pivotal in iPhone’s realization. Frequent feedback loops, incremental development, and rapid testing aligned with Agile’s core principles, allowing Apple to pivot based on real-time insights.

Step 4:  Branding and Storytelling (Product Marketing)

Apple’s iconic iPhone launch wasn’t just about a product; it was a masterclass in storytelling. Their branding prowess and emotive narratives exemplify Product Marketing’s essence – conveying a product’s value through relatable stories.

Step 5:  Continuous Enhancement and User-Centric Iteration (Lean Startup)

Post-launch, Apple’s commitment to user-centricity mirrored the Lean Startup approach. Regular updates, user feedback incorporation, and iterative refinements transformed the iPhone into a product that evolved in tandem with user needs.

Case Study 2: Netflix's Content Personalization - Algorithms in Action

Step 1:  Data-Driven Insights and Customer Segmentation (Market Segmentation)

Netflix’s content personalization was sparked by data-driven insights, forming the foundation of effective market segmentation. The case study aligns with the principle of understanding diverse user segments and tailoring experiences accordingly.

Step 2:  Machine Learning and AI Integration (AI and Machine Learning)

Netflix’s predictive algorithms personify the integration of AI and Machine Learning. These algorithms, fueled by user data, offer personalized content recommendations at scale, showcasing the power of AI-driven personalization.

Step 3:  User-Centric Interface and Gamification (User Experience Design)

By designing a user-centric interface and incorporating gamification elements, Netflix amplified the User Experience Design philosophy. Their approach resonates with making interactions intuitive, engaging, and aligned with user preferences.

Step 4:  Feedback Loops and Agile Improvement (Agile Framework)

Netflix’s iterative enhancement process is an embodiment of the Agile framework. By encouraging user feedback, promptly adapting based on insights, and iteratively enhancing the platform, they embraced Agile’s ethos of flexibility.

Case Study 3: Tesla's Model 3 - From Vision to Mass Market

Step 1:  Disruptive Innovation and Blue Ocean Strategy (Disruptive Innovation)

Tesla’s Model 3 journey echoes the Disruptive Innovation framework. By creating an affordable electric vehicle for the mass market, they disrupted the automotive industry and ventured into a blue ocean of opportunity.

Step 2:  Lean Production and Minimum Viable Product (Lean Production)

Tesla’s lean production tactics mirror the Lean Production framework. By emphasizing efficiency, minimizing waste, and focusing on a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), they streamlined their manufacturing process.

Step 3:  Scalability and Operations Excellence (Operational Excellence)

Tesla’s emphasis on scalability and operational excellence aligns with the Operational Excellence framework. By refining processes, optimizing supply chains, and maintaining stringent quality control, they ensured seamless growth.

Step 4:  Innovation Ecosystem and Open Innovation (Open Innovation)

Tesla’s approach to autopilot features exemplifies Open Innovation. By tapping into external expertise and welcoming user inputs, they expanded their innovation ecosystem beyond internal boundaries.

Step 5:  Sustainable Growth and Value Chain Analysis (Value Chain Analysis)

Tesla’s journey from disruption to sustainable growth aligns with Value Chain Analysis. By optimizing each value-adding activity, they established a competitive edge while sustaining long-term growth.

Case Study 4: Airbnb's Platform Evolution - Cultivating Experiences

Step 1:  Customer Journey Mapping and Pain Point Identification (Customer Journey Mapping)

Airbnb’s evolution stemmed from mapping customer journeys and pinpointing pain points. By understanding user frustrations with traditional accommodations, they crafted a solution that resonated.

Step 2:  Rapid Prototyping and MVP Development (Minimum Viable Product)

Airbnb’s iterative evolution echoes the Minimum Viable Product approach. Rapid prototyping, embracing feedback, and building on the MVP allowed them to evolve the platform effectively.

Step 3:  Trust Building and Reputation Management (Reputation Management)

Airbnb’s focus on building trust among users aligns with Reputation Management principles. By nurturing a positive brand perception and managing user reviews, they established credibility and loyalty.

Step 4:  Global Expansion and Market Entry Strategy (Market Entry Strategy)

Airbnb’s global expansion reflects a well-executed Market Entry Strategy. Adapting to local cultures while preserving core offerings exemplifies the importance of understanding diverse markets.

Step 5:  Community Building and Network Effects (Network Effects)

Airbnb’s success thrived on harnessing Network Effects. Their initiatives for fostering community engagement created a positive feedback loop, amplifying user engagement and the platform’s value.

Case Study 5: Google's Search Engine - Algorithmic Prowess

Step 1:  Competitive Analysis and Market Positioning (Competitive Analysis)

Google’s journey commenced with competitive analysis, establishing a unique market  positioning . This strategic move underscores the importance of differentiating oneself in a crowded landscape.

Step 2:  Algorithmic Design and Innovation Framework (Innovation Framework)

Google’s introduction of the PageRank algorithm epitomizes  innovation frameworks . By introducing a groundbreaking approach to ranking web pages, they reshaped the landscape through innovative thinking.

Step 3:  Continuous Improvement and Kaizen Philosophy (Kaizen Philosophy)

Google’s iterative evolution embodies the Kaizen philosophy. By focusing on continuous improvement, incremental changes, and user-centricity, they sustained a competitive edge.

Step 4:  Monetization Strategies and Business Model Canvas (Business Model Canvas)

Google’s monetization through AdWords aligns with the Business Model Canvas. Identifying partners, customer segments, and revenue streams exemplifies crafting a holistic monetization strategy.

Case Study 6: Amazon's Prime Membership - Enriching Ecosystems

Step 1:  Customer Persona Development and Empathy Mapping (Empathy Mapping)

Amazon’s Prime journey initiated with crafting customer personas and empathy mapping. Stepping into users’ shoes, they devised an offering that catered to their desires and expectations.

Step 2:  Ecosystem Expansion and Blue Ocean Strategy (Blue Ocean Strategy)

Amazon’s expansion of Prime reflects Blue Ocean Strategy. By tapping into uncharted territories like streaming and e-books, they enriched their ecosystem, creating unprecedented value.

Step 3:  Data-Driven Decision-Making and KPI Measurement (KPI Measurement)

Amazon’s data-driven approach aligns with KPI measurement. Tracking key performance indicators , analyzing user behavior, and adapting offerings underscored the power of  data-driven decision-making .

Step 4:  Innovation and Disruptive Business Models (Disruptive Business Models)

Amazon’s introduction of Prime Day and Whole Foods discounts mirrors disruptive business models. By redefining industry norms, they sustained innovation and customer engagement.

Case Study 7: Coca-Cola's "New Coke" Fiasco - A Lesson in Perception Management

Step 1:  Market Research and Customer Surveys (Customer Surveys)

Coca-Cola’s reformulation of “New Coke” stemmed from extensive market research and surveys. This phase underscores the significance of gathering  consumer insights  and sentiments.

Step 2:  Change Management and Stakeholder Alignment (Change Management)

The response to “New Coke” highlighted the importance of change management. Ensuring alignment among internal stakeholders and managing transitions smoothly was pivotal.

Step 3:  Crisis Management and Reputation Recovery (Crisis Management)

Coca-Cola’s swift reversion to the original formula showcases effective crisis management. Acknowledging mistakes and reverting to a familiar product salvaged their brand reputation.

Case Study 8: Facebook's News Feed Redesign - Sculpting User-Centric Experiences

Step 1:  User Persona Development and User-Centered Design (User-Centered Design)

Facebook’s redesign journey commenced with user persona development and user-centered design. Focusing on user needs and preferences resulted in an interface aligned with user expectations.

Step 2:  Iterative Prototyping and Rapid Testing (Iterative Prototyping)

Facebook’s iterative approach mirrors the iterative prototyping framework. Creating prototypes, incorporating feedback, and refining designs ensured a seamless and user-friendly interface.

Step 3:  Ethical Design and Human-Centered AI (Ethical Design)

As concerns about user well-being grew, Facebook’s ethical design approach emerged. This phase highlights the importance of crafting technology that respects human well-being.

Step 4:  Storytelling and Emotional Branding (Emotional Branding)

Facebook’s storytelling approach echoes emotional branding. By weaving narratives that evoke emotions, they deepened their connection with users and fostered engagement.

Case Study 9: Microsoft's Windows 8 - Balancing Innovation and Familiarity

Step 1:  Ideation and Blue Sky Thinking (Blue Sky Thinking)

Microsoft’s Windows 8 journey began with blue sky thinking – embracing innovative ideas. This phase underscores the significance of bold thinking to reshape industries.

Step 2:  User Testing and Usability Iteration (Usability Iteration)

User testing and usability iteration exemplify Microsoft’s approach. Incorporating user feedback and iterating based on insights ensured a product that met user expectations.

Step 3:  Change Management and Internal Buy-In (Internal Buy-In)

The Windows 8 case highlights the importance of internal buy-in during change management. Gaining stakeholder support and managing transitions are vital for successful innovation.

Step 4:  Learning from Failure and Agile Mindset (Agile Mindset)

Microsoft’s response to user feedback reflects an agile mindset. Embracing failures as learning opportunities and adapting swiftly aligns with the principles of agility.

Case Study 10: Uber's Surge Pricing Strategy - Navigating Economics and User Perception

Step 1:  Demand-Supply Analysis and Pricing Optimization (Pricing Optimization)

Uber’s surge pricing strategy began with analyzing demand and supply dynamics. This phase emphasizes the importance of pricing optimization to balance economic viability and user sentiment.

Step 2:  Communication Strategy and Transparent Messaging (Communication Strategy)

Uber’s enhancement of their communication strategy was prompted by user confusion. Transparent messaging is vital for managing user expectations and preventing negative perceptions.

Step 3:  Ethical Pricing and Value Proposition (Ethical Pricing)

Uber’s approach to balancing profitability and ethics aligns with the Ethical Pricing framework. Maintaining a compelling value proposition even during surge pricing showcases a customer-first mindset.

Step 4:  Data-Driven Decision-Making and Continuous Improvement (Data-Driven Decision-Making)

Uber’s responsiveness to user behavior and feedback reflects data-driven decision-making. Analyzing user patterns and continuously adapting pricing strategies aligns with data-centric approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

2024 estimate: Considering the current trajectory and projected growth, we can speculate that the average product manager salary in India for 2024 could be somewhere between ₹15 lakhs and ₹35 lakhs per year.

Product Manager salaries tend to increase with higher seniority levels. For instance, an Assistant Product Manager might earn ₹12.9 Lakhs, while a Chief Product Officer can command a salary of ₹1.2 Crores.

Some of the leading tech companies in India, such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, offer competitive Product Manager salaries, with figures exceeding ₹50 Lakhs per annum.

Location plays a significant role in determining Product Manager salaries. Cities with a thriving tech ecosystem like Bangalore and Hyderabad tend to offer higher salaries.

Specialized skills, such as Agile Software Development, Product Strategy, and Go-to-Market Strategy, are highly rewarded in the field of Product Management.

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Unlocking Success: 5 Product Management Case Study Examples to Learn From

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Product Management is a demanding yet rewarding career that calls for a blend of market expertise, user empathy, and strategic thinking. Examining actual case studies is a useful strategy for improving your product management abilities . We will examine five illuminating case studies in product management in this post, each of which highlights a distinct facet of the field. Let's look at these instances in order to learn important lessons and find inspiration.

1. Apple's Launch of the iPhone

Apple's launch of the iPhone in 2007 revolutionized the smartphone industry. This case study highlights the importance of innovation, user experience design, and strategic marketing in creating a successful product. By understanding Apple's product development process, market research tactics, and branding strategies, product managers can learn how to create products that resonate with consumers and stand out in a competitive market.

2. Netflix's Personalization Algorithms

Netflix is known for its highly effective personalization algorithms that recommend content tailored to each user's preferences. This case study demonstrates the power of data analytics, machine learning, and user segmentation in driving user engagement and retention. By studying Netflix's approach to product personalization, product managers can learn how to leverage data to deliver personalized user experiences and enhance customer satisfaction.

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3. Amazon's Dash Button

Amazon's Dash Button is a prime example of how product managers can simplify the shopping experience for customers. This case study showcases the importance of customer convenience, IoT integration, and continuous iteration in product development. By analyzing Amazon's Dash Button case, product managers can gain insights into designing intuitive products, optimizing user interfaces, and iterating based on user feedback to meet evolving customer needs.

4. Tesla's Autopilot Feature

Tesla's Autopilot feature is a groundbreaking innovation in the automotive industry that showcases the potential of autonomous driving technology. This case study illustrates the significance of technology integration, safety considerations, and regulatory compliance in developing cutting-edge products. By examining Tesla's Autopilot case, product managers can learn how to navigate complex technological landscapes, prioritize user safety, and comply with industry regulations while driving innovation.

5. Slack's Collaboration Platform

Slack's collaboration platform has transformed how teams communicate and collaborate in the workplace. This case study emphasizes the importance of user research, seamless integration with existing tools, and continuous improvement in product evolution. By studying Slack's product journey, product managers can understand the value of user-centric design, platform scalability, and proactive feature development in creating indispensable products that enhance productivity and team collaboration.

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Studying product management case studies provides valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and successes of leading companies in the industry. By analyzing and learning from these examples, product managers can enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and drive innovation in their own product development initiatives . Remember, every case study is a lesson waiting to be learned and applied in your product management journey.

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10 Product Analytics Case Studies

Successful companies understand the value of utilizing product analytics to make informed decisions, optimize user experiences, and drive growth . From entertainment giants like Netflix to e-commerce platforms like Shopify , businesses across industries leverage product analytics to gain a competitive edge. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 inspiring case studies showcasing the power of product analytics.

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Real-world examples of how data-driven insights transformed businesses

1. Netflix ‘s Content Recommendation System: Personalized Engagement Delve into the realm of data-driven innovation as you uncover the inner workings of Netflix ‘s cutting-edge recommendation algorithm. Through meticulous analysis of user data, this algorithm breathes life into personalized entertainment, decoding individual preferences, viewing history, and interactions to craft a seamless streaming experience, resulting in a profound boost in user engagement and unwavering retention rates. This fusion of data and innovation is a testament to the power of harnessing user insights to revolutionize the entertainment industry, showcasing unparalleled content curation. Read the case here >>

2. Airbnb ‘s Dynamic Pricing Strategy : Revenue Optimization Experience the revolution of dynamic pricing, where data-driven insights and innovative hospitality transform travel. Airbnb uses real-time data to shape pricing, aligning with demand, local events , and seasons. This ensures hosts maximize earnings while keeping guests satisfied. Travelers find prices tailored to their preferences and budget, building transparency and trust. This fresh pricing approach balances host profitability and guest affordability, redefining hospitality through data-guided strategies. Read the case here >>

3. Spotify ‘s Music Personalization: Tailored Playlists Explore the world of personalized music through Spotify’s ingenious algorithm. By analyzing users’ listening behavior, Spotify crafts personalized playlists that uniquely resonate. These curated musical journeys transcend genres, leading to delightful discoveries and cherished rediscoveries. Through this innovative blend of data analysis and musical intuition, Spotify creates longer listening sessions and heightened user satisfaction, showcasing the transformative power of finely tuned data in crafting auditory experiences. Read the case here >>

4. Shopify ‘s Conversion Rate Optimization: Enhanced E-commerce Sales Dive into e-commerce optimization with Shopify’s advanced analytics. Every click, scroll, and interaction in this digital marketplace leaves insights. Shopify ‘s analytics tools uncover valuable data, enabling businesses to decode customer behavior, spot bottlenecks, and enhance the sales funnel . Armed with these insights, businesses adeptly tackle conversion rate challenges , refining user experiences for persuasion. As they fine-tune websites, adjusting the layout, navigation, product presentation, and checkout, a tangible improvement in sales and revenue emerges. This narrative showcases how data-driven choices reshape e-commerce, orchestrating growth one insight at a time. Read the case here >>

5. Uber ‘s Surge Pricing Algorithm: Efficient Demand Management Explore the world of dynamic pricing through Uber’s lens. Uber’s data-driven surge pricing in urban transportation is an optimization exemplar. The algorithm identifies demand spikes during peak hours, special events, or adverse weather. It then adjusts fares, balancing rider expectations and driver incentives to align supply with demand. This equilibrium ensures reliable rides for riders and encourages drivers into high-demand areas. This data symphony showcases efficiency, aligning rider and driver interests and boosting Uber ‘s peak-time revenue. Read the case here >>

6. Coca-Cola ‘s Freestyle Machines: Flavor Innovation Experience the realm of beverage innovation where Coca-Cola’s data-driven insights create a symphony of flavors and precise inventory. The Freestyle machines showcase how data fuels innovation and efficiency. By analyzing customer preferences, consumption patterns, and flavor combinations, Coca-Cola crafts new blends for evolving tastes. These inventive mixes tantalize taste buds and highlight data-creativity synergy. Beyond flavor, data guides inventory management. Freestyle machines’ real-time data grasp popular beverages by location, optimizing inventory to match demand. This fusion of data and beverage artistry quenches thirst and demonstrates how data sparks innovation, improves offerings, and refines operational excellence. Read the case here >>

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7. Fitbit ‘s User Engagement Enhancement: Health Tech Insights Enter the health and fitness tech world, where Fitbit’s mastery of product analytics shines as a guide for evolving insights. In the dynamic wearable landscape, understanding user preferences shapes resonating experiences. With various sensors and data collection tools , Fitbit deciphers patterns like steps, heart rate, sleep, and workouts. This data portrays users’ fitness journeys, refining features based on goals and needs. By empowering users, Fitbit creates an engaged ecosystem. Data insights drive product innovation, enhancing the journey towards better health. Read the case here >>

8. Facebook ‘s News Feed Customization: Tailored Engagement Enter the realm of social media dynamics, where Facebook’s data mastery shines in tailoring content consumption. The News Feed is a virtual hub for sharing, interacting, and exploring in this digital arena. Using diverse data streams, from interactions to browsing habits, Facebook employs algorithms to curate personalized content symphonies. This approach lets users discover posts, stories, and updates that personally resonate, fostering community connections beyond demographics. As users dive into this sea of tailored content, engagement thrives, cementing the platform in their daily lives. This showcases the convergence of data and interaction, with Facebook’s insights orchestrating seamless digital journeys. Read the case here >>

9. Slack’ s Collaboration Revolution: Data-Driven Features Enter the world of workplace collaboration, where Slack’s data-driven innovation shines. Effective communication and collaboration are pivotal for modern productivity. Slack pioneers this realm, utilizing product analytics to understand user interactions, preferences, and challenges. This treasure trove guides Slack’s evolution, enabling seamless feature integration to meet users’ needs. With real-time data guiding them, Slack enhances messaging, integrates third-party tools, and refines the user experience . As teams work on the platform, every action shapes refined user journeys. The outcome is a harmonious work rhythm, embodying the idea that data-guided innovation creates user-centered excellence. Read the case here >>

10. Supercell ‘s Monetization Mastery: Community and Revenue Growth Step into the dynamic mobile gaming world, where Supercell shines as a data-driven gaming leader. In mobile gaming, engagement and monetization go hand in hand, and Supercell excels by using product analytics to create experiences that deeply resonate with players. Every interaction, from swipes to cleared levels, generates data that Supercell transforms into valuable insights. This understanding of player behavior is the foundation of their community engagement strategy. Supercell curates content updates aligned with player preferences, sparking excitement and leading to irresistible in-game purchases. This harmonious blend of data insights and game design propels community engagement while ensuring player satisfaction generates revenue. In the dynamic realm of mobile gaming, Supercell ‘s expertise in product analytics illustrates how carefully orchestrated data shapes digital experiences, fosters enduring player connections, and cultivates thriving gaming ecosystems. Read the case here >>

These case studies showcase the transformative impact of product analytics across various sectors. By harnessing the power of data, companies can better understand their customers, optimize processes, and ultimately achieve their business goals. Each case study link takes you to an in-depth analysis of how these companies implemented product analytics to drive success.

As technology evolves and data becomes more accessible, these examples provide a glimpse into the vast potential of product analytics. Stay tuned to the ever-evolving landscape of data-driven insights that continue to shape how businesses operate and deliver value to their customers.

Related Posts

  • Video: Product Analytics Masterclass
  • How Prescriptive Analytics is Transforming Product Analytics
  • Apple AirPods: A Case Study in Product Analytics

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15 Real-Life Case Study Examples & Best Practices

15 Real-Life Case Study Examples & Best Practices

Written by: Oghale Olori

Real-Life Case Study Examples

Case studies are more than just success stories.

They are powerful tools that demonstrate the practical value of your product or service. Case studies help attract attention to your products, build trust with potential customers and ultimately drive sales.

It’s no wonder that 73% of successful content marketers utilize case studies as part of their content strategy. Plus, buyers spend 54% of their time reviewing case studies before they make a buying decision.

To ensure you’re making the most of your case studies, we’ve put together 15 real-life case study examples to inspire you. These examples span a variety of industries and formats. We’ve also included best practices, design tips and templates to inspire you.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is a case study, 15 real-life case study examples, sales case study examples, saas case study examples, product case study examples, marketing case study examples, business case study examples, case study faqs.

  • A case study is a compelling narrative that showcases how your product or service has positively impacted a real business or individual. 
  • Case studies delve into your customer's challenges, how your solution addressed them and the quantifiable results they achieved.
  • Your case study should have an attention-grabbing headline, great visuals and a relevant call to action. Other key elements include an introduction, problems and result section.
  • Visme provides easy-to-use tools, professionally designed templates and features for creating attractive and engaging case studies.

A case study is a real-life scenario where your company helped a person or business solve their unique challenges. It provides a detailed analysis of the positive outcomes achieved as a result of implementing your solution.

Case studies are an effective way to showcase the value of your product or service to potential customers without overt selling. By sharing how your company transformed a business, you can attract customers seeking similar solutions and results.

Case studies are not only about your company's capabilities; they are primarily about the benefits customers and clients have experienced from using your product.

Every great case study is made up of key elements. They are;

  • Attention-grabbing headline: Write a compelling headline that grabs attention and tells your reader what the case study is about. For example, "How a CRM System Helped a B2B Company Increase Revenue by 225%.
  • Introduction/Executive Summary: Include a brief overview of your case study, including your customer’s problem, the solution they implemented and the results they achieved.
  • Problem/Challenge: Case studies with solutions offer a powerful way to connect with potential customers. In this section, explain how your product or service specifically addressed your customer's challenges.
  • Solution: Explain how your product or service specifically addressed your customer's challenges.
  • Results/Achievements : Give a detailed account of the positive impact of your product. Quantify the benefits achieved using metrics such as increased sales, improved efficiency, reduced costs or enhanced customer satisfaction.
  • Graphics/Visuals: Include professional designs, high-quality photos and videos to make your case study more engaging and visually appealing.
  • Quotes/Testimonials: Incorporate written or video quotes from your clients to boost your credibility.
  • Relevant CTA: Insert a call to action (CTA) that encourages the reader to take action. For example, visiting your website or contacting you for more information. Your CTA can be a link to a landing page, a contact form or your social media handle and should be related to the product or service you highlighted in your case study.

Parts of a Case Study Infographic

Now that you understand what a case study is, let’s look at real-life case study examples. Among these, you'll find some simple case study examples that break down complex ideas into easily understandable solutions.

In this section, we’ll explore SaaS, marketing, sales, product and business case study examples with solutions. Take note of how these companies structured their case studies and included the key elements.

We’ve also included professionally designed case study templates to inspire you.

1. Georgia Tech Athletics Increase Season Ticket Sales by 80%

Case Study Examples

Georgia Tech Athletics, with its 8,000 football season ticket holders, sought for a way to increase efficiency and customer engagement.

Their initial sales process involved making multiple outbound phone calls per day with no real targeting or guidelines. Georgia Tech believed that targeting communications will enable them to reach more people in real time.

Salesloft improved Georgia Tech’s sales process with an inbound structure. This enabled sales reps to connect with their customers on a more targeted level. The use of dynamic fields and filters when importing lists ensured prospects received the right information, while communication with existing fans became faster with automation.

As a result, Georgia Tech Athletics recorded an 80% increase in season ticket sales as relationships with season ticket holders significantly improved. Employee engagement increased as employees became more energized to connect and communicate with fans.

Why Does This Case Study Work?

In this case study example , Salesloft utilized the key elements of a good case study. Their introduction gave an overview of their customers' challenges and the results they enjoyed after using them. After which they categorized the case study into three main sections: challenge, solution and result.

Salesloft utilized a case study video to increase engagement and invoke human connection.

Incorporating videos in your case study has a lot of benefits. Wyzol’s 2023 state of video marketing report showed a direct correlation between videos and an 87% increase in sales.

The beautiful thing is that creating videos for your case study doesn’t have to be daunting.

With an easy-to-use platform like Visme, you can create top-notch testimonial videos that will connect with your audience. Within the Visme editor, you can access over 1 million stock photos , video templates, animated graphics and more. These tools and resources will significantly improve the design and engagement of your case study.

Simplify content creation and brand management for your team

  • Collaborate on designs , mockups and wireframes with your non-design colleagues
  • Lock down your branding to maintain brand consistency throughout your designs
  • Why start from scratch? Save time with 1000s of professional branded templates

Sign up. It’s free.

Simplify content creation and brand management for your team

2. WeightWatchers Completely Revamped their Enterprise Sales Process with HubSpot

Case Study Examples

WeightWatchers, a 60-year-old wellness company, sought a CRM solution that increased the efficiency of their sales process. With their previous system, Weightwatchers had limited automation. They would copy-paste message templates from word documents or recreate one email for a batch of customers.

This required a huge effort from sales reps, account managers and leadership, as they were unable to track leads or pull customized reports for planning and growth.

WeightWatchers transformed their B2B sales strategy by leveraging HubSpot's robust marketing and sales workflows. They utilized HubSpot’s deal pipeline and automation features to streamline lead qualification. And the customized dashboard gave leadership valuable insights.

As a result, WeightWatchers generated seven figures in annual contract value and boosted recurring revenue. Hubspot’s impact resulted in 100% adoption across all sales, marketing, client success and operations teams.

Hubspot structured its case study into separate sections, demonstrating the specific benefits of their products to various aspects of the customer's business. Additionally, they integrated direct customer quotes in each section to boost credibility, resulting in a more compelling case study.

Getting insight from your customer about their challenges is one thing. But writing about their process and achievements in a concise and relatable way is another. If you find yourself constantly experiencing writer’s block, Visme’s AI writer is perfect for you.

Visme created this AI text generator tool to take your ideas and transform them into a great draft. So whether you need help writing your first draft or editing your final case study, Visme is ready for you.

3. Immi’s Ram Fam Helps to Drive Over $200k in Sales

Case Study Examples

Immi embarked on a mission to recreate healthier ramen recipes that were nutritious and delicious. After 2 years of tireless trials, Immi finally found the perfect ramen recipe. However, they envisioned a community of passionate ramen enthusiasts to fuel their business growth.

This vision propelled them to partner with Shopify Collabs. Shopify Collabs successfully cultivated and managed Immi’s Ramen community of ambassadors and creators.

As a result of their partnership, Immi’s community grew to more than 400 dedicated members, generating over $200,000 in total affiliate sales.

The power of data-driven headlines cannot be overemphasized. Chili Piper strategically incorporates quantifiable results in their headlines. This instantly sparks curiosity and interest in readers.

While not every customer success story may boast headline-grabbing figures, quantifying achievements in percentages is still effective. For example, you can highlight a 50% revenue increase with the implementation of your product.

Take a look at the beautiful case study template below. Just like in the example above, the figures in the headline instantly grab attention and entice your reader to click through.

Having a case study document is a key factor in boosting engagement. This makes it easy to promote your case study in multiple ways. With Visme, you can easily publish, download and share your case study with your customers in a variety of formats, including PDF, PPTX, JPG and more!

Financial Case Study

4. How WOW! is Saving Nearly 79% in Time and Cost With Visme

This case study discusses how Visme helped WOW! save time and money by providing user-friendly tools to create interactive and quality training materials for their employees. Find out what your team can do with Visme. Request a Demo

WOW!'s learning and development team creates high-quality training materials for new and existing employees. Previous tools and platforms they used had plain templates, little to no interactivity features, and limited flexibility—that is, until they discovered Visme.

Now, the learning and development team at WOW! use Visme to create engaging infographics, training videos, slide decks and other training materials.

This has directly reduced the company's turnover rate, saving them money spent on recruiting and training new employees. It has also saved them a significant amount of time, which they can now allocate to other important tasks.

Visme's customer testimonials spark an emotional connection with the reader, leaving a profound impact. Upon reading this case study, prospective customers will be blown away by the remarkable efficiency achieved by Visme's clients after switching from PowerPoint.

Visme’s interactivity feature was a game changer for WOW! and one of the primary reasons they chose Visme.

“Previously we were using PowerPoint, which is fine, but the interactivity you can get with Visme is so much more robust that we’ve all steered away from PowerPoint.” - Kendra, L&D team, Wow!

Visme’s interactive feature allowed them to animate their infographics, include clickable links on their PowerPoint designs and even embed polls and quizzes their employees could interact with.

By embedding the slide decks, infographics and other training materials WOW! created with Visme, potential customers get a taste of what they can create with the tool. This is much more effective than describing the features of Visme because it allows potential customers to see the tool in action.

To top it all off, this case study utilized relevant data and figures. For example, one part of the case study said, “In Visme, where Kendra’s team has access to hundreds of templates, a brand kit, and millions of design assets at their disposal, their team can create presentations in 80% less time.”

Who wouldn't want that?

Including relevant figures and graphics in your case study is a sure way to convince your potential customers why you’re a great fit for their brand. The case study template below is a great example of integrating relevant figures and data.

UX Case Study

This colorful template begins with a captivating headline. But that is not the best part; this template extensively showcases the results their customer had using relevant figures.

The arrangement of the results makes it fun and attractive. Instead of just putting figures in a plain table, you can find interesting shapes in your Visme editor to take your case study to the next level.

5. Lyte Reduces Customer Churn To Just 3% With Hubspot CRM

Case Study Examples

While Lyte was redefining the ticketing industry, it had no definite CRM system . Lyte utilized 12–15 different SaaS solutions across various departments, which led to a lack of alignment between teams, duplication of work and overlapping tasks.

Customer data was spread across these platforms, making it difficult to effectively track their customer journey. As a result, their churn rate increased along with customer dissatisfaction.

Through Fuelius , Lyte founded and implemented Hubspot CRM. Lyte's productivity skyrocketed after incorporating Hubspot's all-in-one CRM tool. With improved efficiency, better teamwork and stronger client relationships, sales figures soared.

The case study title page and executive summary act as compelling entry points for both existing and potential customers. This overview provides a clear understanding of the case study and also strategically incorporates key details like the client's industry, location and relevant background information.

Having a good summary of your case study can prompt your readers to engage further. You can achieve this with a simple but effective case study one-pager that highlights your customer’s problems, process and achievements, just like this case study did in the beginning.

Moreover, you can easily distribute your case study one-pager and use it as a lead magnet to draw prospective customers to your company.

Take a look at this case study one-pager template below.

Ecommerce One Pager Case Study

This template includes key aspects of your case study, such as the introduction, key findings, conclusion and more, without overcrowding the page. The use of multiple shades of blue gives it a clean and dynamic layout.

Our favorite part of this template is where the age group is visualized.

With Visme’s data visualization tool , you can present your data in tables, graphs, progress bars, maps and so much more. All you need to do is choose your preferred data visualization widget, input or import your data and click enter!

6. How Workato Converts 75% of Their Qualified Leads

Case Study Examples

Workato wanted to improve their inbound leads and increase their conversion rate, which ranged from 40-55%.

At first, Workato searched for a simple scheduling tool. They soon discovered that they needed a tool that provided advanced routing capabilities based on zip code and other criteria. Luckily, they found and implemented Chili Piper.

As a result of implementing Chili Piper, Workato achieved a remarkable 75–80% conversion rate and improved show rates. This led to a substantial revenue boost, with a 10-15% increase in revenue attributed to Chili Piper's impact on lead conversion.

This case study example utilizes the power of video testimonials to drive the impact of their product.

Chili Piper incorporates screenshots and clips of their tool in use. This is a great strategy because it helps your viewers become familiar with how your product works, making onboarding new customers much easier.

In this case study example, we see the importance of efficient Workflow Management Systems (WMS). Without a WMS, you manually assign tasks to your team members and engage in multiple emails for regular updates on progress.

However, when crafting and designing your case study, you should prioritize having a good WMS.

Visme has an outstanding Workflow Management System feature that keeps you on top of all your projects and designs. This feature makes it much easier to assign roles, ensure accuracy across documents, and track progress and deadlines.

Visme’s WMS feature allows you to limit access to your entire document by assigning specific slides or pages to individual members of your team. At the end of the day, your team members are not overwhelmed or distracted by the whole document but can focus on their tasks.

7. Rush Order Helps Vogmask Scale-Up During a Pandemic

Case Study Examples

Vomask's reliance on third-party fulfillment companies became a challenge as demand for their masks grew. Seeking a reliable fulfillment partner, they found Rush Order and entrusted them with their entire inventory.

Vomask's partnership with Rush Order proved to be a lifesaver during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rush Order's agility, efficiency and commitment to customer satisfaction helped Vogmask navigate the unprecedented demand and maintain its reputation for quality and service.

Rush Order’s comprehensive support enabled Vogmask to scale up its order processing by a staggering 900% while maintaining a remarkable customer satisfaction rate of 92%.

Rush Order chose one event where their impact mattered the most to their customer and shared that story.

While pandemics don't happen every day, you can look through your customer’s journey and highlight a specific time or scenario where your product or service saved their business.

The story of Vogmask and Rush Order is compelling, but it simply is not enough. The case study format and design attract readers' attention and make them want to know more. Rush Order uses consistent colors throughout the case study, starting with the logo, bold square blocks, pictures, and even headers.

Take a look at this product case study template below.

Just like our example, this case study template utilizes bold colors and large squares to attract and maintain the reader’s attention. It provides enough room for you to write about your customers' backgrounds/introductions, challenges, goals and results.

The right combination of shapes and colors adds a level of professionalism to this case study template.

Fuji Xerox Australia Business Equipment Case Study

8. AMR Hair & Beauty leverages B2B functionality to boost sales by 200%

Case Study Examples

With limits on website customization, slow page loading and multiple website crashes during peak events, it wasn't long before AMR Hair & Beauty began looking for a new e-commerce solution.

Their existing platform lacked effective search and filtering options, a seamless checkout process and the data analytics capabilities needed for informed decision-making. This led to a significant number of abandoned carts.

Upon switching to Shopify Plus, AMR immediately saw improvements in page loading speed and average session duration. They added better search and filtering options for their wholesale customers and customized their checkout process.

Due to this, AMR witnessed a 200% increase in sales and a 77% rise in B2B average order value. AMR Hair & Beauty is now poised for further expansion and growth.

This case study example showcases the power of a concise and impactful narrative.

To make their case analysis more effective, Shopify focused on the most relevant aspects of the customer's journey. While there may have been other challenges the customer faced, they only included those that directly related to their solutions.

Take a look at this case study template below. It is perfect if you want to create a concise but effective case study. Without including unnecessary details, you can outline the challenges, solutions and results your customers experienced from using your product.

Don’t forget to include a strong CTA within your case study. By incorporating a link, sidebar pop-up or an exit pop-up into your case study, you can prompt your readers and prospective clients to connect with you.

Search Marketing Case Study

9. How a Marketing Agency Uses Visme to Create Engaging Content With Infographics

Case Study Examples

SmartBox Dental , a marketing agency specializing in dental practices, sought ways to make dental advice more interesting and easier to read. However, they lacked the design skills to do so effectively.

Visme's wide range of templates and features made it easy for the team to create high-quality content quickly and efficiently. SmartBox Dental enjoyed creating infographics in as little as 10-15 minutes, compared to one hour before Visme was implemented.

By leveraging Visme, SmartBox Dental successfully transformed dental content into a more enjoyable and informative experience for their clients' patients. Therefore enhancing its reputation as a marketing partner that goes the extra mile to deliver value to its clients.

Visme creatively incorporates testimonials In this case study example.

By showcasing infographics and designs created by their clients, they leverage the power of social proof in a visually compelling way. This way, potential customers gain immediate insight into the creative possibilities Visme offers as a design tool.

This example effectively showcases a product's versatility and impact, and we can learn a lot about writing a case study from it. Instead of focusing on one tool or feature per customer, Visme took a more comprehensive approach.

Within each section of their case study, Visme explained how a particular tool or feature played a key role in solving the customer's challenges.

For example, this case study highlighted Visme’s collaboration tool . With Visme’s tool, the SmartBox Dental content team fostered teamwork, accountability and effective supervision.

Visme also achieved a versatile case study by including relevant quotes to showcase each tool or feature. Take a look at some examples;

Visme’s collaboration tool: “We really like the collaboration tool. Being able to see what a co-worker is working on and borrow their ideas or collaborate on a project to make sure we get the best end result really helps us out.”

Visme’s library of stock photos and animated characters: “I really love the images and the look those give to an infographic. I also really like the animated little guys and the animated pictures. That’s added a lot of fun to our designs.”

Visme’s interactivity feature: “You can add URLs and phone number links directly into the infographic so they can just click and call or go to another page on the website and I really like adding those hyperlinks in.”

You can ask your customers to talk about the different products or features that helped them achieve their business success and draw quotes from each one.

10. Jasper Grows Blog Organic Sessions 810% and Blog-Attributed User Signups 400X

Jasper, an AI writing tool, lacked a scalable content strategy to drive organic traffic and user growth. They needed help creating content that converted visitors into users. Especially when a looming domain migration threatened organic traffic.

To address these challenges, Jasper partnered with Omniscient Digital. Their goal was to turn their content into a growth channel and drive organic growth. Omniscient Digital developed a full content strategy for Jasper AI, which included a content audit, competitive analysis, and keyword discovery.

Through their collaboration, Jasper’s organic blog sessions increased by 810%, despite the domain migration. They also witnessed a 400X increase in blog-attributed signups. And more importantly, the content program contributed to over $4 million in annual recurring revenue.

The combination of storytelling and video testimonials within the case study example makes this a real winner. But there’s a twist to it. Omniscient segmented the video testimonials and placed them in different sections of the case study.

Video marketing , especially in case studies, works wonders. Research shows us that 42% of people prefer video testimonials because they show real customers with real success stories. So if you haven't thought of it before, incorporate video testimonials into your case study.

Take a look at this stunning video testimonial template. With its simple design, you can input the picture, name and quote of your customer within your case study in a fun and engaging way.

Try it yourself! Customize this template with your customer’s testimonial and add it to your case study!

Satisfied Client Testimonial Ad Square

11. How Meliá Became One of the Most Influential Hotel Chains on Social Media

Case Study Examples

Meliá Hotels needed help managing their growing social media customer service needs. Despite having over 500 social accounts, they lacked a unified response protocol and detailed reporting. This largely hindered efficiency and brand consistency.

Meliá partnered with Hootsuite to build an in-house social customer care team. Implementing Hootsuite's tools enabled Meliá to decrease response times from 24 hours to 12.4 hours while also leveraging smart automation.

In addition to that, Meliá resolved over 133,000 conversations, booking 330 inquiries per week through Hootsuite Inbox. They significantly improved brand consistency, response time and customer satisfaction.

The need for a good case study design cannot be over-emphasized.

As soon as anyone lands on this case study example, they are mesmerized by a beautiful case study design. This alone raises the interest of readers and keeps them engaged till the end.

If you’re currently saying to yourself, “ I can write great case studies, but I don’t have the time or skill to turn it into a beautiful document.” Say no more.

Visme’s amazing AI document generator can take your text and transform it into a stunning and professional document in minutes! Not only do you save time, but you also get inspired by the design.

With Visme’s document generator, you can create PDFs, case study presentations , infographics and more!

Take a look at this case study template below. Just like our case study example, it captures readers' attention with its beautiful design. Its dynamic blend of colors and fonts helps to segment each element of the case study beautifully.

Patagonia Case Study

12. Tea’s Me Cafe: Tamika Catchings is Brewing Glory

Case Study Examples

Tamika's journey began when she purchased Tea's Me Cafe in 2017, saving it from closure. She recognized the potential of the cafe as a community hub and hosted regular events centered on social issues and youth empowerment.

One of Tamika’s business goals was to automate her business. She sought to streamline business processes across various aspects of her business. One of the ways she achieves this goal is through Constant Contact.

Constant Contact became an integral part of Tamika's marketing strategy. They provided an automated and centralized platform for managing email newsletters, event registrations, social media scheduling and more.

This allowed Tamika and her team to collaborate efficiently and focus on engaging with their audience. They effectively utilized features like WooCommerce integration, text-to-join and the survey builder to grow their email list, segment their audience and gather valuable feedback.

The case study example utilizes the power of storytelling to form a connection with readers. Constant Contact takes a humble approach in this case study. They spotlight their customers' efforts as the reason for their achievements and growth, establishing trust and credibility.

This case study is also visually appealing, filled with high-quality photos of their customer. While this is a great way to foster originality, it can prove challenging if your customer sends you blurry or low-quality photos.

If you find yourself in that dilemma, you can use Visme’s AI image edit tool to touch up your photos. With Visme’s AI tool, you can remove unwanted backgrounds, erase unwanted objects, unblur low-quality pictures and upscale any photo without losing the quality.

Constant Contact offers its readers various formats to engage with their case study. Including an audio podcast and PDF.

In its PDF version, Constant Contact utilized its brand colors to create a stunning case study design.  With this, they increase brand awareness and, in turn, brand recognition with anyone who comes across their case study.

With Visme’s brand wizard tool , you can seamlessly incorporate your brand assets into any design or document you create. By inputting your URL, Visme’s AI integration will take note of your brand colors, brand fonts and more and create branded templates for you automatically.

You don't need to worry about spending hours customizing templates to fit your brand anymore. You can focus on writing amazing case studies that promote your company.

13. How Breakwater Kitchens Achieved a 7% Growth in Sales With Thryv

Case Study Examples

Breakwater Kitchens struggled with managing their business operations efficiently. They spent a lot of time on manual tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing client communication. This made it difficult for them to grow their business and provide the best possible service to their customers.

David, the owner, discovered Thryv. With Thryv, Breakwater Kitchens was able to automate many of their manual tasks. Additionally, Thryv integrated social media management. This enabled Breakwater Kitchens to deliver a consistent brand message, captivate its audience and foster online growth.

As a result, Breakwater Kitchens achieved increased efficiency, reduced missed appointments and a 7% growth in sales.

This case study example uses a concise format and strong verbs, which make it easy for readers to absorb the information.

At the top of the case study, Thryv immediately builds trust by presenting their customer's complete profile, including their name, company details and website. This allows potential customers to verify the case study's legitimacy, making them more likely to believe in Thryv's services.

However, manually copying and pasting customer information across multiple pages of your case study can be time-consuming.

To save time and effort, you can utilize Visme's dynamic field feature . Dynamic fields automatically insert reusable information into your designs.  So you don’t have to type it out multiple times.

14. Zoom’s Creative Team Saves Over 4,000 Hours With Brandfolder

Case Study Examples

Zoom experienced rapid growth with the advent of remote work and the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such growth called for agility and resilience to scale through.

At the time, Zoom’s assets were disorganized which made retrieving brand information a burden. Zoom’s creative manager spent no less than 10 hours per week finding and retrieving brand assets for internal teams.

Zoom needed a more sustainable approach to organizing and retrieving brand information and came across Brandfolder. Brandfolder simplified and accelerated Zoom’s email localization and webpage development. It also enhanced the creation and storage of Zoom virtual backgrounds.

With Brandfolder, Zoom now saves 4,000+ hours every year. The company also centralized its assets in Brandfolder, which allowed 6,800+ employees and 20-30 vendors to quickly access them.

Brandfolder infused its case study with compelling data and backed it up with verifiable sources. This data-driven approach boosts credibility and increases the impact of their story.

Bradfolder's case study goes the extra mile by providing a downloadable PDF version, making it convenient for readers to access the information on their own time. Their dedication to crafting stunning visuals is evident in every aspect of the project.

From the vibrant colors to the seamless navigation, everything has been meticulously designed to leave a lasting impression on the viewer. And with clickable links that make exploring the content a breeze, the user experience is guaranteed to be nothing short of exceptional.

The thing is, your case study presentation won’t always sit on your website. There are instances where you may need to do a case study presentation for clients, partners or potential investors.

Visme has a rich library of templates you can tap into. But if you’re racing against the clock, Visme’s AI presentation maker is your best ally.

product case study technology

15. How Cents of Style Made $1.7M+ in Affiliate Sales with LeadDyno

Case Study Examples

Cents of Style had a successful affiliate and influencer marketing strategy. However, their existing affiliate marketing platform was not intuitive, customizable or transparent enough to meet the needs of their influencers.

Cents of Styles needed an easy-to-use affiliate marketing platform that gave them more freedom to customize their program and implement a multi-tier commission program.

After exploring their options, Cents of Style decided on LeadDyno.

LeadDyno provided more flexibility, allowing them to customize commission rates and implement their multi-tier commission structure, switching from monthly to weekly payouts.

Also, integrations with PayPal made payments smoother And features like newsletters and leaderboards added to the platform's success by keeping things transparent and engaging.

As a result, Cents of Style witnessed an impressive $1.7 million in revenue from affiliate sales with a substantial increase in web sales by 80%.

LeadDyno strategically placed a compelling CTA in the middle of their case study layout, maximizing its impact. At this point, readers are already invested in the customer's story and may be considering implementing similar strategies.

A well-placed CTA offers them a direct path to learn more and take action.

LeadDyno also utilized the power of quotes to strengthen their case study. They didn't just embed these quotes seamlessly into the text; instead, they emphasized each one with distinct blocks.

Are you looking for an easier and quicker solution to create a case study and other business documents? Try Visme's AI designer ! This powerful tool allows you to generate complete documents, such as case studies, reports, whitepapers and more, just by providing text prompts. Simply explain your requirements to the tool, and it will produce the document for you, complete with text, images, design assets and more.

Still have more questions about case studies? Let's look at some frequently asked questions.

How to Write a Case Study?

  • Choose a compelling story: Not all case studies are created equal. Pick one that is relevant to your target audience and demonstrates the specific benefits of your product or service.
  • Outline your case study: Create a case study outline and highlight how you will structure your case study to include the introduction, problem, solution and achievements of your customer.
  • Choose a case study template: After you outline your case study, choose a case study template . Visme has stunning templates that can inspire your case study design.
  • Craft a compelling headline: Include figures or percentages that draw attention to your case study.
  • Work on the first draft: Your case study should be easy to read and understand. Use clear and concise language and avoid jargon.
  • Include high-quality visual aids: Visuals can help to make your case study more engaging and easier to read. Consider adding high-quality photos, screenshots or videos.
  • Include a relevant CTA: Tell prospective customers how to reach you for questions or sign-ups.

What Are the Stages of a Case Study?

The stages of a case study are;

  • Planning & Preparation: Highlight your goals for writing the case study. Plan the case study format, length and audience you wish to target.
  • Interview the Client: Reach out to the company you want to showcase and ask relevant questions about their journey and achievements.
  • Revision & Editing: Review your case study and ask for feedback. Include relevant quotes and CTAs to your case study.
  • Publication & Distribution: Publish and share your case study on your website, social media channels and email list!
  • Marketing & Repurposing: Turn your case study into a podcast, PDF, case study presentation and more. Share these materials with your sales and marketing team.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Case Study?

Advantages of a case study:

  • Case studies showcase a specific solution and outcome for specific customer challenges.
  • It attracts potential customers with similar challenges.
  • It builds trust and credibility with potential customers.
  • It provides an in-depth analysis of your company’s problem-solving process.

Disadvantages of a case study:

  • Limited applicability. Case studies are tailored to specific cases and may not apply to other businesses.
  • It relies heavily on customer cooperation and willingness to share information.
  • It stands a risk of becoming outdated as industries and customer needs evolve.

What Are the Types of Case Studies?

There are 7 main types of case studies. They include;

  • Illustrative case study.
  • Instrumental case study.
  • Intrinsic case study.
  • Descriptive case study.
  • Explanatory case study.
  • Exploratory case study.
  • Collective case study.

How Long Should a Case Study Be?

The ideal length of your case study is between 500 - 1500 words or 1-3 pages. Certain factors like your target audience, goal or the amount of detail you want to share may influence the length of your case study. This infographic has powerful tips for designing winning case studies

What Is the Difference Between a Case Study and an Example?

Case studies provide a detailed narrative of how your product or service was used to solve a problem. Examples are general illustrations and are not necessarily real-life scenarios.

Case studies are often used for marketing purposes, attracting potential customers and building trust. Examples, on the other hand, are primarily used to simplify or clarify complex concepts.

Where Can I Find Case Study Examples?

You can easily find many case study examples online and in industry publications. Many companies, including Visme, share case studies on their websites to showcase how their products or services have helped clients achieve success. You can also search online libraries and professional organizations for case studies related to your specific industry or field.

If you need professionally-designed, customizable case study templates to create your own, Visme's template library is one of the best places to look. These templates include all the essential sections of a case study and high-quality content to help you create case studies that position your business as an industry leader.

Get More Out Of Your Case Studies With Visme

Case studies are an essential tool for converting potential customers into paying customers. By following the tips in this article, you can create compelling case studies that will help you build trust, establish credibility and drive sales.

Visme can help you create stunning case studies and other relevant marketing materials. With our easy-to-use platform, interactive features and analytics tools , you can increase your content creation game in no time.

There is no limit to what you can achieve with Visme. Connect with Sales to discover how Visme can boost your business goals.

Easily create beautiful case studies and more with Visme

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  • Digital Transformation

8 Examples of Innovative Digital Transformation Case Studies (2024)

  • Published: January 19, 2022
  • Updated: September 11, 2024

Picture of Priyanka Malik

With the rapid pace of technological advancement, every organization needs to undergo digital transformation and, most likely, transform multiple times to stay relevant and competitive. 

However, before you can reap the benefits of new technology, you must first get your customers and employees to adapt to this change successfully—and here lies a significant digital transformation challenge.

Organizations thriving in this digital-first era have developed digital innovation strategies prioritizing the change management mindset. This paradigm shift implies that organizations should continuously explore improving business processes .

8 Best Examples of Digital Transformation Case Studies in 2024

  • Amazon Business
  • Under Armour
  • Internet Brands®
  • Michelin Solutions

8 Examples of Inspiring Digital Transformation Case Studies

While digital transformation presents unique opportunities for organizations to innovate and grow, it also presents significant digital transformation challenges . Also, digital maturity and levels of digital transformation by sector vary widely.

If you have the budget, you can consider hiring a digital transformation consulting company to help you plan your digitization. However, the best way to develop an effective digital transformation strategy is to learn by example. 

Here are the 8 inspiring digital transformation case studies to consider when undertaking transformation projects in 2024:

1. Amazon extended the B2C model to embrace B2B transactions with a vision to improve the customer experience.

Overview of the digital transformation initiative

Amazon Business is an example of how a consumer giant transitions to the B2B space to keep up with the digital customer expectations. It provides a marketplace for businesses to purchase from Amazon and third parties. Individuals can also make purchases on behalf of their organizations and integrate order approval workflows and reporting.

The approach

  • Amazon created a holistic marketplace for B2B vendors by offering over 250 million products ranging from cleaning supplies to industrial equipment. 
  • It introduced free two-day shipping on orders worth $49 or more and exclusive price discounts. It further offered purchase system integration, tax-exemption on purchases from select qualified customers, shared payment methods, order approval workflows, and enhanced order reporting.
  • Amazon allowed manufacturers to connect with buyers & answer questions about products in a live expert program.
  • Amazon could tap the B2B wholesale market valued between $7.2 and $8.2 trillion in the U.S. alone.
  • It began earning revenue by charging sales commissions ranging from 6-15% from third-party sellers, depending on the product category and the order size.
  • It could offer more personalized products for an improved customer experience. 

2. Netflix transformed the entertainment industry by offering on-demand subscription-based video services to its customers.

Like the video rental company Blockbuster, Netflix also had a pay-per-rental model, which included DVD sales and rent-by-mail services. However, Netflix anticipated a change in customer demand with rising digitalization and provided online entertainment, thereby wiping out Blockbuster – and the movie rental industry – entirely. 

  • In 2007, Netflix launched a video-on-demand streaming service to supplement their DVD rental service without any additional cost to their subscriber base.
  • It implemented a simple and scalable business model and infused 10% of its budget in R&D consistently.
  • The company has an unparalleled recommendation engine to provide a personalized and relevant customer experience. 
  • Netflix is the most popular digital video content provider, leading other streaming giants such as Amazon, Hulu, and Youtube with over 85% market share.
  • Netflix added a record 36 million subscribers directly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

netflix market

3. Tesla uses connected car technology and over-the-air software updates to enhance customer experience, enable cost savings, and reduce carbon emissions.

No digital transformation discussion is complete without acknowledging the unconventional ideas implemented by Elon Musk. Tesla was a huge manifestation of digital transformation as the core motive was to prove that electric cars are better than their gasoline counterparts both in looks and performance. 

Over the years, Tesla has innovated continuously to improve its product, make itself more economical, and reduce its carbon footprint. 

  • Tesla is the only auto manufacturer globally, providing automatic over-the-air firmware updates that allow its cars to remotely improve their safety, performance, and infotainment capabilities. For example, the OTA update could fix Tesla’soverheating issues due to power fluctuation. 
  • Tesla launched an autopilot feature to control the speed and position of the car when on highways to avoid potential accidents. However, the user still has to hold the wheel; the vehicle controls everything else. This connected car technology has created an intelligent data platform and smart autonomous driving experience.
  • Tesla further ventured into a data-driven future, and it uses analytics to obtain actionable insights from demand trends and common complaints. A noteworthy fact is that the company has been collecting driving data from all of its first and second-generation vehicles. So far, Tesla has collected driving data on 8 billion miles while Google’s autonomous car project, Waymo , has accumulated data on 10 million miles.
  • Tesla’s over-the-air updates reduce carbon emissions by saving users’ dealer visits. Additionally, these updates save consumers time and money.
  • Tesla delivered a record 936,172 vehicles in 2021, an 87 % increase over the 499,550 vehicle deliveries made in 2020.

4. Glassdoor revolutionized the recruitment industry by allowing employees to make informed decisions.

Glassdoor is responsible for increasing transparency in the workplace and helping people find the right job by allowing them to see millions of peer-to-peer reviews on employers, including overall company culture, their CEOs, benefits, salaries, and more. 

  • Glassdoor gathers and analyzes employee reviews on employers to provide accurate job recommendations to candidates and vice-versa. It also allows recruitment agencies and organizations to download valuable data points for in-depth analysis & reporting. 
  • It further introduced enhanced profiles as a paid program, allowing companies to customize their content on the Glassdoor profiles, including job listings, “Why is it the Best Place to Work” tabs, social media properties, and more. This gives companies a new, innovative way to attract and recruit top talent.
  • Glassdoor created the largest pool of interview questions, salary insights, CEO ratings, and organizational culture via a peer-to-peer network, making it one of the most trustworthy, extensive jobs search and recruiting platforms – and one of the most well-recognized review sites
  • Glassdoor leverages its collected data for labor market research in the US. Its portfolio of Fortune’s “Best Companies to Work For” companies outperformed the S&P 500 by 84.2%, while the “Best Places to Work” portfolio outperformed the overall market by 115.6%.

5. Under Armour diversified from an athletic apparel company to a new data-driven digital business stream to transform the fitness industry.

Under Armour introduced the concept of “Connected Fitness” by providing a platform to track, analyze and share personal health data directly to its customers’ phones.

  • Under Armour acquired several technology-based fitness organizations such as MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal, and European fitness app Endomondo for a combined $715 million to obtain the required technology and an extensive customer database to get its fitness app up and running. The application provides a stream of information to Under Armour, identifying fitness and health trends. For example, Under Armour (Baltimore) immediately recognized a walking trend that started in Australia, allowing them to deploy localized marketing and distribution efforts way before their competitors knew about it.
  • Under Armour merged its physical and digital offerings to provide an immersive customer experience via products such as Armourbox. The company urged its customers to go online and share their training schedule, favorite shoe style, and fitness goals. It used advanced analytics to send customers new shoes or apparel on a subscription basis, offering customers a more significant value over their lifetime.
  • It additionally moved to an agile development model and data center footprint with the ERP SAP HANA . 
  • Under Armour additionally leveraged Dell EMC’s Data Protection and Dell Technologies to help fuel digital innovation and find peak value from its data.
  • Under Armour created a digital brand with a strong consumer focus, agility, and change culture. 
  • With the Connected Fitness app, it provided a customer experience tailored to each consumer.

6. Internet Brands® subsidiary Baystone Media leverages Whatfix DAP to drive product adoption of its healthcare businesses.

Baystone Media provides end-to-end marketing solutions for healthcare companies by providing a low-cost, high-value subscription offering of Internet Brands® to promote their practices digitally. Baystone Media empowers its customers by offering a codeless creation of personalized websites. However, as its userbase is less tech-savvy, customers were unable to make the most of their solution. 

The idea was to implement a solution for Baystone Media & its sister companies to enable its clients to navigate its platforms easily. In addition to PDFs and specific training videos, the search was on for a real-time interactive walkthrough solution, culminating with Whatfix .

Baystone media saw a 10% decrease in inbound calls and a 4.17% decrease in support tickets, giving them the runway to spend more time enhancing its service for the clients.

7. Sophos implemented Salesforce to streamline its business and manage customer relations more effectively.

Sophos went live with Salesforce to accelerate its sales process , enhance sales productivity , and increase the number of accounts won. However, the complex interface and regular updates of Salesforce resulted in a decreased ROI. 

  • Sophos implemented Whatfix to provide interactive, on-demand training that helped users learn in the flow of work. The 24*7 availability of on-demand self-support, contextual guidance, and smart tips allowed Sophos to manage its new CRM implementation effectively. 
  • It unified internal communications using Whatfix content. First, they created walkthroughs for the basic functionality of Salesforce such as lead management, opportunities, etc. Next, they moved to slightly more complex features that their users were uncomfortable with and created guided walkthroughs and smart pop-ups. Sophos also used Whatfix to align the sales and product management teams by embedding videos and other media to unify product communication instead of relying on various communication tools.
  • Sophos experienced a reduction in sales operations support tickets globally by 15% (~12,000 tickets). It saved 1070 man-hours and achieved an ROI of 342%. 

8. Michelin Solutions uses IoT & AI to provide customers with a more holistic mobility experience.

The digital strategy of Michelin Solutions has essentially centered around three priorities:

  • Creating a personalized relationship with customers and end-users
  • Developing new business models
  • Improving their existing business processes 
  • AI is extensively used in R&D, enabling the digital supply chain driven through digital manufacturing and predictive maintenance. For example, connected bracelets assist machine operators with the manufacturing process. 
  • It deployed sophisticated robots to take over the clerical tasks and leveraged advanced analytics to become a data-driven organization. 
  • Offerings such as Effifuel & Effitires resulted in significant cost savings and improved overall vehicle efficiency. 
  • Michelin Solutions carefully enforced cultural change and launched small pilots before the change implementation . 

  • Effifuel led to extra savings for organizations and doubled per-vehicle profits.
  • A reduction in fuel consumption by 2.5 L per 100km was observed which translates into annual savings of €3,200 for long-haul transport (at least 2.1% reduction in the total cost of ownership & 8 tonnes in CO2 emissions).
  • Michelin Solutions shifted its business model from selling tires to a service guaranteeing performance, helping it achieve higher customer satisfaction, increased loyalty, and raised EBITDA margins.

Each industry & organization faces unique challenges while driving digital transformation initiatives. Each organization must find a personalized solution and the right digital transformation model when implementing new technology. Their challenges can prepare you better for the potential roadblocks, but the specific solutions will need to be personalized according to your business requirements.

Open communication with your customers and employees will help you spot potential issues early on, and you can use case studies like these as a starting point.

If you would like to learn how you can achieve these results by using a digital adoption platform , then schedule a conversation with our experts today.

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Request a demo to see how Whatfix empowers organizations to improve end-user adoption and provide on-demand customer support

HR & Digital Transformation: How to Drive HR Change (2024)

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Table of contents, the most common product manager case study question types.

  • December 30, 2020

Richard Chen

Congratulations on getting a Product Manager interview and making it to the case study round. Getting this far along the process is a real accomplishment, although it’s nowhere near the finish line. You have got to dominate the case study round first! To ace your Product Manager case study questions, first, you have to know what to expect. Given the plethora of companies and resources online, it might be tough to navigate your way to the right types of questions to solve when prepping for your next case study interview.

After mentoring more than a thousand members and helping them land the Product Manager job of their dreams, we have noticed a few trending patterns in the case studies they were given. While every company has its style when it comes to interviewing, there are certain types of questions that we continuously see appear in case study interviews.

In this article, we categorize these questions by what they ask you to do and how you should approach them. Here are the four common types of Product Manager case study questions that you should expect in your case study interview, ordered from the most common to least common:

  • Product Design Questions
  • Product Strategy Questions

Estimation and Analysis Questions

Scheduling/operational questions, product design case study questions.

If there is one thing we know about Product Manager case study interviews, it’s that you’ll get a product design question, regardless of where you interview. This should be no surprise to you as the Product Manager’s primary duty is to develop unique products that address the needs and desires of their target market.

Some companies will ask you to whiteboard your response within minutes while others will give you a week to turn your ideas into professional deliverables. Regardless, you’ll face product design questions.

Interviewers could ask these questions in many different ways. Here are eight common kinds of product design questions you should be expecting:

  • Design a product to help users find doctors on Facebook. ( Facebook )
  • How would you improve Google Maps? ( Google )
  • You’re a part of the Google Search webspam team: How would you detect duplicate websites? (Google)
  • Name any product you love and any product you despise and explain your reasoning for both cases. ( Amazon )
  • We aim to generate 100K monthly recurring customers with our product XYZ. What product or customer offerings would you create to help the team reach their goal? (Walmart)
  • You work for a mobile photo-sharing app that sees many users posting photos at shops and restaurants. The leadership team would like to figure out a way to monetize this organic relationship. What would you build? (Venmo)
  • You’re the Product Manager of a team that focuses on financial products for our drivers. You’re tasked with designing a financial product (or suite of products) that addresses our drivers’ needs in Brazil. ( Uber )
  • Go to our website and sign up as a Hiring Manager. Identify three places where the customer experience could be better. (Upwork)

Designing Everyday Products

Believe it or not, product management is not limited to complex software products. Every object you’ve encountered went through some sort of product management and design process!

So, in your case study interview, don’t be surprised if you encounter a couple of questions like these:

  • How would you redesign your shower?
  • How would you design an elevator for a 100-floor building?
  • How would you design sunglasses for babies?

Thinking about the problems faced by users is the key to answering these questions .

How to Answer Product Design Case Study Questions

Designing a new product out of the blue with a limited time might sound intimidating, but it’s not impossible.

Start by questioning the product that you were just asked about. Ask your interviewer for more constraints and understand what kinds of assumptions you should make before jumping into prototyping. Many candidates who receive take-home assignments think it’s impossible to ask your interviewer questions, but this is actually the most important first step to take in approaching your case study . Before you begin forming your own answers, you need to get as many details from them as you can.

Once you clarified the assumptions, think about the kinds of users this product would be serving. What are their needs? What are they actively looking for? Are there any existing products that satisfy these needs? The critical skill to demonstrate while addressing product design case study questions is customer empathy. You have to understand what the customer wants and design your product or feature accordingly.

After you define your target persona, think about all the features and metrics to measure the success of these features. Keep in mind that whatever you come up with is open for improvement. You want to show your interviewer that you can think beyond the MVP.

As you can see from the broad spectrum of questions above, you might be asked to design a product from scratch or to improve an existing product. Some questions will explicitly tell you to focus on a specific OKR, while others will leave everything ambiguous to challenge you to think more.  For some extra insight and examples, watch our case study instructor Roman Kolosovskiy solving a popular Facebook product design question:

Product Strategy Case Study Questions

Product strategy questions started trending recently as many companies seek intuitive Product Managers who can take ownership beyond the scope of the product they were hired to work on.

Unlike product design questions, strategy questions require you to think about the bigger picture. You’ll either be asked to find ways to make a product (and hence define success for the product) or to complete the overall organization more successfully.

Here are five of the most frequently asked product strategy questions to prep for:

  • If you were Google’s CEO, would you be concerned about Microsoft? (Google)
  • How would you improve product/feature X (where X is something that the company is currently working on or selling)?
  • How would you improve Google Maps? (Google)
  • How would you set goals and measure success for Facebook notifications? (Facebook)
  • How would you monetize Facebook messenger? (Facebook)
  • How would you determine the right price and method to promote product XYZ, and why? (Amazon)
  • Imagine you’re a PM that works with big data. Now what? (Microsoft)

How to Solve Product Strategy Case Study Questions

Remember: no product is created in a single iteration. Even the most perfect product has room for improvement. To solve these questions, you need to be well informed about the company and its products/services. Here are some of the main points you should be addressing with your response to strategy questions:

  • How does a particular product contribute to the company’s overall business?
  • What businesses, markets, or products should the company focus on to reach its targets?
  • What metrics should the company focus on to be successful?

Consider the company’s business model, competitors, and the recent developments in that industry. The essential skill you need to demonstrate here is analytical thinking. You should identify the key OKRs to define success for your product and organization. These questions also test your prioritization skills.

Note that these questions will most likely appear during the interview itself as it’s quite challenging to prepare deliverables for them. Like product design questions, they are very ambiguous. The only way to solve them entirely is by narrowing them down first with questions.

Many companies ask estimation questions during the case study round . If you are wondering how these questions assess your product management skills, you can consider them a method for the interviewers to understand how comfortable you are making decisions with limited data.

Long story short, they want to see how you use data to derive the KPIs you need for your product. Here are seven examples of estimation questions you might face:

  • How many queries per second does Gmail get? (Google)
  • As the Product Manager for Google Glass ‘Enterprise Edition’, which metrics would you track? How do you know if the product is successful? (Google)
  • How much revenue does YouTube make per day? (Google)
  • How would you go about estimating the number of gas stations in the USA? (Microsoft)
  • How would you track user engagement in an app, and what KPIs would you use to improve it? (Microsoft)
  • How would you measure the success of the Netflix recommendation engine? (Netflix)
  • Ride cancellations shot up 4.5% week-over-week (WoW). How would you investigate what’s going on? (Uber)

Most of these questions will require you to calculate how many users would use a product that the company is currently providing or thinking of producing, how much revenue a product would bring to the company, what the market acquisition percentage would be, etc.

These questions are mostly asked during the interview. To solve them without internet access is only possible by learning the fundamental values of the company beforehand. This includes the revenue it makes or the approximate number of users it has. You should also be able to calculate their critical KPIs.

Operational questions are scarce, but we have seen more companies lately relying on them to assess the candidates’ ability to turn ideas into deliverable tasks.

A significant aspect of product management is stakeholder management, and these questions challenge you to distribute work items to the related stakeholder or team member. You are also asked to come up with a realistic delivery schedule. Your knowledge of Agile principles — especially for software products — is also essential.

If you need to review agile principles, check out this video:

Note that for most operational case study questions, the interviewer will require you to write a detailed delivery schedule and write user stories and tasks.

Here are two examples of case study questions to get you familiar with the task:

  • Write the Jira ticket(s) for engineering for the idea you want to execute. (Upwork)
  • Outline a brief (1-2 page) launch plan that would cover the activities and tasks needed to launch the feature successfully. Be sure to touch on both internal and external stakeholders, and include potential launch goals. (Stitch Data)

Need More Case Study Advice?

Or if you need a hand with the job-hunting process as a whole, let us help you. We’re scheduling free 20-minute career coaching sessions with our in-house team. Give us a call and learn how Product Gym can help you ace every round of the Product Manager interview.

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Product Manager Case Study Questions Explained

Product management case studies are an integral part of the interview process for aspiring product managers. They evaluate analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strategic decision-making skills.

Understanding the Role of Case Studies in Product Management

Case studies assess how well a candidate can understand ambiguous business situations and provide data-driven recommendations. They test competencies like:

  • Market analysis
  • Competitive benchmarking
  • Product positioning
  • Go-to-market strategy

Recruiters use case studies to gauge if a product manager can structure nebulous problems and drive product direction strategically.

Product manager case study questions typically present real-world scenarios like new product development, feature prioritization, pricing strategy, etc.

The Goals of Product Management Case Studies

The goals behind case study evaluations are:

  • Evaluate analytical abilities
  • Assess problem-solving approach
  • Test strategic thinking
  • Benchmark communications skills
  • Gauge leadership principles

The case study framework is designed to simulate the responsibilities and challenges faced by product managers daily.

Overview of the Product Management Case Study Framework

The standard product management case study framework follows this structure:

  • Company background
  • Product background
  • Business challenge or opportunity
  • Market dynamics
  • Competitor benchmarking
  • Questions on product strategy

The questions asked aim to assess the thought process and problem-solving skills of candidates. There are no definitively right or wrong answers.

Product Manager Case Study Presentation Essentials

An effective Product Manager case study presentation should clearly communicate:

  • Findings from quantitative and qualitative analyses
  • Fact-based recommendations
  • Data-driven strategic plan
  • Proposed success metrics

Focus on showcasing the analytical approach over final recommendations. Demonstrate how you structured the problem and aligned solutions to company goals.

How do you answer a case study question for a product manager?

When answering a case study question as a product manager candidate, it's important to demonstrate both your strategic thinking and your ability to execute tactically. Here are some tips:

Focus on achieving tangible outcomes

  • Clearly define the goal or objective you are trying to achieve from the case study
  • Outline 2-3 key metrics that would indicate success in meeting that goal
  • Provide specific examples of tangible outcomes you would aim to deliver

Describe your step-by-step process

  • Product management case study framework: Outline the framework or methodology you would follow to approach the problem
  • Explain the step-by-step process you would take to understand the users, analyze data, ideate solutions, prioritize, etc.
  • Product manager case study templates: You may reference or adapt standard PM frameworks like Opportunity Solution Tree or PRD templates

Demonstrate your PM skills

  • Explain how you would apply essential PM skills like user research, market analysis, prioritization, roadmapping, etc.
  • Provide examples of qualitative or quantitative analysis you might conduct
  • Describe how you would collaborate with various functions like design, engineering, etc.

Structure your response

  • Organize your answer clearly around goals, process, and skills/expertise
  • Product Manager case study presentation: Use a simple structure of defining the objective, outlining your approach, and stating your deliverables

Following this kind of framework can demonstrate both strategic alignment and tactical planning abilities needed in product management. Referencing PM methodologies and showing your core competencies can further strengthen your case study performance.

What questions should I ask for a case study?

When preparing a case study as a product manager , it's important to ask the right questions to fully understand the client's needs and challenges. Here are some key questions to ask:

CASE STUDY QUESTIONS TO ASK THE CLIENT

  • Can you give a brief description of your company? This provides context on the client's industry, size, goals, etc.
  • How did you first hear about our service? This gives insight into what piqued their interest.
  • What challenges/problems necessitated a change? This reveals the pain points they aimed to solve.
  • What trends in your industry drove the need to use our product? This highlights external factors influencing their decision.
  • What were you looking for in a solution? This clarifies the must-have capabilities they required.

Additional questions could cover budget constraints, decision makers involved, specific features needed, and measurable goals hoped to be achieved.

Asking thoughtful questions lays the groundwork for crafting a compelling case study showcasing how your product uniquely solved the client's problems. It also enables tailoring the content to resonate with prospects in similar situations.

What does a product manager case study look like?

A product management case study typically examines a specific product and analyzes how it was developed, launched, and iterated on over time. Case studies aim to uncover key learnings that can be applied to other products.

Here are some common elements of a PM case study:

Problem Definition

  • Identifies the specific user need or business goal the product aimed to address
  • Provides context on the target market, competition, and other environmental factors

Solution Approach

  • Explains the product's core features and functionality
  • Details the technology stack and architecture
  • Describes the overall product strategy and positioning

Execution and Iteration

  • Traces the product development timeline and process
  • Analyzes how the product changed over time based on user feedback and data
  • Examines pricing, promotion, and distribution strategies

Outcomes and Metrics

  • Reviews usage metrics, conversion rates, revenue, etc.
  • Discusses qualitative feedback from users and customers
  • Determines if business and user goals were achieved

Key Takeaways

  • Summarizes the main lessons learned and best practices
  • Provides advice for other PMs working on similar products

By studying these elements, product managers can better understand what works well and what doesn't for a given product category or business model. Case studies are a valuable resource for continuous PM learning and improvement.

What is the best questions to ask a product manager?

When interviewing a product manager or trying to understand their role better, asking strategic questions can provide useful insights. Here are some recommended questions:

What is the strategic vision for this product?

This open-ended question allows the product manager to explain the long-term vision and goals for the product they manage. It gives insight into the product's purpose and intended value.

How do you develop your product roadmap?

By understanding their process for building product roadmaps, you learn how they prioritize features and initiatives. This sheds light on how they balance business goals, customer needs, and technical constraints.

How does product management work with executive leadership?

Learning about the relationship between product management and company executives shows how aligned product strategy is with broader business objectives. It also demonstrates the level of executive support and autonomy product has.

Product manager case study questions like these help assess strengths in strategic thinking, customer orientation, and cross-functional collaboration. Tailor additional questions to understand the context of their role and products better. The more you can learn about their real-world experiences, the better sense you have of their competencies.

Dissecting Product Management Case Study Questions

This section delves into the types of questions that surface in product management case studies, with a focus on product design and strategy.

Probing into Product Design Questions

Product design questions aim to assess a candidate's ability to design user-centric products while considering various constraints. Some examples include:

  • How would you design an app for grocery delivery that provides the best user experience? Consider factors like ease of use, personalization, and order tracking.
  • Design a ride sharing app while optimizing for driver supply, customer demand prediction, pricing strategy, and minimizing wait times.
  • Suggest ways to improve the user onboarding flow for a food delivery app to drive higher user retention.

These questions evaluate how well you can empathize with users, identify pain points in existing solutions, and devise elegant yet practical product enhancements. Strong answers demonstrate user-centric thinking balanced with business objectives.

Strategizing with Product Strategy Questions

Product strategy questions test your ability to make decisions from a broader business context. Some examples:

  • As a PM for an e-commerce company, would you build a mobile app or focus on improving the mobile web experience? Consider factors like development costs, user engagement, and revenue goals.
  • A music streaming startup is struggling with customer churn. How would you identify reasons for churn and formulate strategies to improve retention?
  • A grocery delivery provider is looking to expand into a new city. Outline your market entry strategy while considering competition, operational costs, targeting customer segments etc.

These questions expect you to flex your analytical and strategic thinking muscles. Great answers weigh tradeoffs between multiple factors and craft a sound overarching strategy.

Navigating Product Roadmap Challenges

You may also encounter questions that deal with prioritizing features and planning effective roadmaps:

  • As a PM for a budgeting app, outline how you would prioritize building features like transaction tagging, debt management, investing tools etc. Consider factors like customer requests, development effort, and business impact.
  • A software company wants to expand from only web-based products to also building mobile apps. How would you structure the product roadmap to support this transition?
  • Construct an 18 month roadmap for a media subscription service, outlining key initiatives across content licensing, personalization, payments etc. How would you sequence priorities?

Strong responses demonstrate the ability to make tough product tradeoffs, sequence priorities, and craft realistic roadmaps to achieve business goals.

Mastering Product Launch Scenario Questions

Finally, some case studies present scenarios around planning and executing a successful product launch:

  • You are launching a new crypto exchange product. Outline the launch strategy and post-launch metrics you would track to measure success.
  • A startup is preparing to unveil a smart assistant device for the home. Construct a pre-launch plan covering marketing campaigns, partnerships, distribution channels and launch events.
  • An insurer is introducing an app to allow customers to manage policies and file claims. Design a rollout plan highlighting early access users, press outreach, and customer onboarding flows.

Expect questions probing your understanding of launch best practices across marketing, partnerships, tech readiness and adoption measurement.

Exploring Product Manager Case Study Templates

Product management case studies are an integral part of the interview process for product manager roles. They assess a candidate's ability to analyze data, prioritize features, and develop product strategies. Having a structured framework when approaching case studies can help candidates demonstrate their skills more effectively.

This section introduces templates that can guide product managers through various types of case studies.

Market Analysis and Entry Strategy Template

When entering a new market, it's critical to deeply understand customer needs, competitive landscape, market trends and dynamics. This template provides a methodical approach:

  • Customer analysis: Map target customer segments and develop buyer personas. Identify their needs, pain points and jobs-to-be-done. Quantify market size of each segment.
  • Competitive analysis: Identify direct and indirect competitors. Analyze their product offerings, business models and go-to-market strategies. Pinpoint competitive advantages and disadvantages.
  • Market analysis: Evaluate market trends, growth drivers, industry lifecycle stage, regulations and other dynamics. Determine market accessibility and expansion potential.
  • Entry strategy: Define market entry plan based on above analyses - ideal customer segment(s) to target initially, product positioning and MVP feature set, pricing models, distribution channels and partnership opportunities. Outline expansion strategy.

Following this standardized template ensures thorough evaluation of the market opportunity and development of a tailored entry approach.

Product manager case study questions around new market entry often focus on quantifying the market, analyzing the competitive landscape, identifying the beachhead segment, and formulating the initial go-to-market strategy.

Product Roadmap Prioritization Framework

Determining what initiatives and features to build next is crucial for product success. This framework helps structure the prioritization process:

  • Gather inputs: Compile inputs from customer research, user interviews, support tickets, sales requests, market analysis and internal stakeholders.
  • Define evaluation criteria: Identify criteria like business value, user value, level of effort, dependencies and risks. Assign weights to each.
  • Score roadmap items: Tally scores for each initiative based on the defined criteria to allow comparison.
  • High-level sequencing: Group scored items into broader themes and high-level releases. Order these releases based on overarching priorities.
  • Granular prioritization: Prioritize individual features within each release based on scores. Consider dependencies.

This data-driven approach brings rigor to product manager case study questions around roadmap prioritization. It's more defensible than gut feel and can facilitate alignment across the organization.

Comprehensive Product Launch Plan Template

Successfully launching a new product requires coordinating many complex, interdependent activities across teams. This template can help structure an effective, detailed launch plan:

  • Pre-launch: Finalize positioning and messaging, create launch assets, drive buzz through influencer campaigns, optimize conversion funnels.
  • Launch: Unveil product on launch date, drive traffic to website/app through advertising and PR, activate referral programs.
  • Post-launch: Closely monitor KPIs like activations, retention, engagement, satisfaction. Address issues immediately through rapid iteration. Develop customer success processes.
  • Expansion: Plan for incremental feature releases to expand value proposition. Pursue additional customer segments, partnerships and geographies. Ramp up marketing and sales.

Thoughtfully outlining all launch activities makes product introduction smooth and impactful. Product Manager case study presentation questions on new product launches evaluate this level of planning rigor.

Innovation and Pivot Strategy Framework

When products fail to achieve product-market fit, product managers may need to rethink strategy. This framework can help determine next steps:

  • Diagnosis: Thoroughly analyze customer segments, their engagement, feedback and market success indicators. Identify issues.
  • Ideate solutions: Brainstorm innovative ideas and pivots to address problems through new technologies, business models or market approaches.
  • Market analysis: Gauge market demand for proposed solutions. Evaluate technical and business feasibility.
  • Decision: Determine whether to persevere with small tweaks, make minor pivots in current product or business model, or perform major reworks or re-launches.

This structure brings strategic clarity to questions on Product Strategy and innovation during Product Management Case Studies.

Following standardized frameworks and templates allows showcasing analytical abilities and structured thinking - critical skills assessed in product manager case study interviews through open-ended Sample Questions. With practice, these templates can be adapted to various case contexts.

Real-World Product Management Case Studies with Sample Questions

Product management case studies aim to simulate real-world scenarios a PM may face. Reviewing examples helps prepare for interviews and day-to-day work. Here are some common case study prompts with analysis.

Sample Question: Entering the Rideshare Market

A case study may present a scenario like:

"A startup called DriveFast wants to enter the competitive rideshare market with a differentiated offering. As the PM, put together a strategic plan, including challenges, solutions, key metrics, and a rollout timeline."

This requires developing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy. Considerations may include:

  • Understanding rider and driver needs to identify gaps in existing offerings
  • Brainstorming features like scheduling, vehicle types, loyalty programs
  • Analyzing market data to forecast demand and growth
  • Evaluating operational costs and pricing models
  • Setting targets for key metrics like ride volume, customer acquisition cost
  • Building marketing and incentive campaigns to attract early adopters

The response should showcase analytical thinking and strategic planning skills relevant for product leadership roles.

Sample Question: Prioritizing a Social Media Platform's Features

A sample case could be:

"A new social media site for teens is gaining traction but has limited engineering bandwidth. As the PM, prioritize these potential features: stories, events, profiles, messaging, analytics."

This tests the ability to make data-driven decisions about feature development and sequencing. The PM would likely:

  • Consider metrics showing current site usage and growth trends
  • Weigh differentiators compared to competitive sites teenagers use
  • Map out user workflows and identify friction points
  • Talk to teen users directly to validate needs
  • Develop evaluation criteria like engagement, retention, and sharing
  • Use techniques like weighted scoring to prioritize feature roadmap

The process demonstrates user empathy, analytical thinking, and product strategy skills.

Sample Question: Launching a Wearable Tech Product

A wearable tech case study may ask:

"Your startup is preparing to launch a new fitness wearable called FitNow. Develop a go-to-market strategy including positioning, pricing, promotion and distribution."

This evaluates bringing an early-stage hardware product to market. The strategy may cover:

  • Conducting user studies to validate product-market fit
  • Identifying customer segments and use cases to focus positioning
  • Competitive analysis against similar wearables
  • Developing pricing tiers and discounts for early buyers
  • Securing retail partnerships for distribution
  • Creating a targeted launch campaign with influencers

Success depends on understanding user needs, evaluating market dynamics, and planning effective commercialization.

Sample Question: Developing a Product Innovation Strategy

Some cases challenge developing new solutions, like:

"Your building products company wants to rapidly innovate and stay ahead of commoditization trends in the market. How would you maintain differentiation?"

This aims to assess strategic thinking and creativity. The PM may propose ideas like:

  • Exploring adjacent spaces like IoT-connected buildings
  • Launching industry or region specific product lines
  • Leveraging data and analytics to offer insights as a service
  • Building a modular platform for rapid customization
  • Creating sustainable construction products
  • Implementing an innovation lab for ongoing R&D

Top candidates can connect innovation to business impact and articulate a compelling vision.

These examples illustrate common scenarios and considerations evaluated in PM case studies, helping prepare for interviews. Tailoring responses using actual product experience can showcase leadership potential.

Preparing for the Product Manager Case Study Interview

Adopting a product management case study framework.

When preparing for a product manager case study interview, it is important to have a structured framework to approach the business case or product design challenge. A framework provides guidance on the key areas to cover and helps ensure a comprehensive analysis.

Some popular frameworks include:

  • Opportunity Assessment : Evaluates market size, competition, customer needs and product positioning.
  • MECE (Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive) : Breaks down a problem into distinct components that cover all aspects.
  • RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) : Prioritizes potential solutions based on key factors.
  • AARRR (Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Referral, Revenue) : Focuses on core funnel metrics.

I would recommend developing experience with 2-3 frameworks so you have different lenses to evaluate product problems. Practice applying the frameworks to sample case studies to get comfortable. Having a reliable framework reduces anxiety and builds structure into your analysis.

Effective Communication of Your Strategic Approach

How you present your case study analysis is as important as the substance itself. Interviewers want to understand your thought process and strategic rationale.

  • Verbalize your framework out loud so the interviewer follows your thinking
  • Use whiteboarding to map out key factors and relationships
  • Present 2-3 options with pros/cons instead of just one solution
  • Tailor communication to audience - emphasize business impact
  • Practice explaining analysis clearly and concisely

The goal is to showcase your structured problem-solving approach and ability to translate analysis into compelling recommendations.

Time Management Techniques for Case Study Success

With case study interviews often lasting 45 minutes or less, time management is critical. Avoid getting bogged down analyzing market research or financials.

Some strategies:

  • Agree on problem framing upfront
  • Set a timer on your phone to pace yourself
  • Spend more time on strategy and solutions vs. data analysis
  • Practice case studies with a timer to improve efficiency

If you have extra time, highlight additional analyses you would conduct given more time or propose experiments to validate assumptions. Proactively managing pace demonstrates preparedness.

Practice with Realistic Product Manager Case Study Templates

The best preparation for case study interviews is to practice with examples that resemble real PM case studies. Overly simplistic or unrealistic cases have limited training value.

Look for practice cases that provide:

  • Relevant customer and market context
  • Data on adoption, usage, churn
  • Competitor profiles and benchmarking
  • Open-ended strategic questions

Practice presenting analyses and recommendations out loud. Refine based on feedback. Quality practice with realistic templates builds muscle memory for the actual case study interview.

Conclusion: Mastering Product Management Case Studies

Recap of product manager case study essentials.

Preparing for product management case study interviews requires understanding the fundamentals. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

  • Know the product manager frameworks : Frameworks like Opportunity Assessment, PRD, and others provide structure for analyzing case studies systematically. Familiarize yourself with a few core frameworks.
  • Practice case studies extensively : Solving diverse case studies is the best preparation. Look for case studies online or get help building a library to practice with. Review solutions to refine your approach.
  • Structure your thinking : Outline the key issues, product goals, user needs - before diving into solutions. Structured thinking clarifies the problem space.
  • Show your working : Explain your step-by-step thought process while solving the case. The interviewer wants insights into your analytical abilities.
  • Back up ideas with data : Use market research, user data, or financial projections to validate ideas. Concrete data lends credibility.

With practice, these core strategies will help tackle case study questions confidently.

Final Thoughts on Utilizing Product Management Case Study Frameworks

Frameworks provide the scaffolding to methodically break down and solve case study problems. They enable structured thinking about product opportunities, tradeoffs, and decisions.

While no framework fits every case, having a few committed to memory - like Opportunity Assessment, PRD, and Growth - equips you with analytical tools for common product scenarios.

Rather than relying on generic frameworks, adapt them to the case context for optimal relevance. Customize frameworks to the product stage, user needs, and goals highlighted in the case prompt.

As important as frameworks are, avoid plugging in ideas mechanically without explaining the underlying reasoning. Illustrate your thought process with the frameworks as guides, not rigid templates.

With an adaptable, customized approach, product management case study frameworks unlock strategic thinking to drive impactful solutions.

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Ten Types of Innovation: 30 new case studies for 2019

Ten Types of Innovation 30 new examples for 2019

If you’ve followed my work for a while, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of the Ten Types of Innovation, a framework developed by Doblin (now a part of Deloitte).

I previously listed it as the #2 innovation framework you should be using.

And with good reason. I have used it frequently with clients to get them to think beyond innovating their product , which becomes harder, more expensive and less differentiating over time.

However, what I have found in recent workshops is that since it was originally published in 2013, some of the case studies and examples in the book already come across as out of date. That’s how rapidly the world is changing.

So here, I present three new more recent case studies for each of the Ten Types of Innovation, along with an outline on what each of them represents. Try and see which of these examples you would also suggest touch on more than one of the Ten Types, and let me know in the comments below:

1) Profit Model: How you make money

Innovative profit models find a fresh way to convert a firm’s offerings and other sources of value into cash. Great ones reflect a deep understanding of what customers and users actually cherish and where new revenue or pricing opportunities might lie.

Innovative profit models often challenge an industry’s tired old assumptions about what to offer, what to charge, or how to collect revenues. This is a big part of their power: in most industries, the dominant profit model often goes unquestioned for decades.

Recent examples:

  • Fortnite – Pay to customise: This Free-to-Play video game by Epic Game Studios is currently one of the most popular and profitable games in the world. Unlike other “freemium” games which incentivise people to spend money to speed up progression, Fortnite is completely free to progress and people only need pay if they want to unlock cosmetic items which don’t affect gameplay but act to personalise their characters.
  • Deloitte – Value sharing: Professional Services firm Deloitte is the world’s largest Management Consulting firm and still growing. They noticed a desire from their clients for assurance that the advice they were being given and transformation projects which Deloitte was running would actually succeed. As a result, Deloitte has begun trialling projects where instead of their fee being based just on Time and Materials, they will also share in value delivery, where additional bonus payments are only activated if previously-agreed performance metrics are successfully met.
  • Supreme – Limiting supply: While most companies want to get their products in to the hands of as many people as possible, Supreme has built a cult following through deliberately forcing scarcity of its products. The streetwear clothing retailer announces limited items which will only be available from a specific day when they “drop”, and once they are sold out, that’s it, unless you want to pay huge markups for a second-hand item on eBay. Their red box logo is now so collectible and desirable that the company is able to sell almost anything by putting the logo on it for a limited time only. Case in point: you can find official Supreme Bricks (yes, like the ones used to build houses) which are still selling on eBay for $500.

Supreme's limited quantity releases often lead to people queuing overnight

Supreme’s limited quantity releases often lead to people queuing overnight

2) Network: How you connect with others to create value

In today’s hyper-connected world, no company can or should do everything alone. Network innovations provide a way for firms to take advantage of other companies’ processes, technologies, offerings, channels, and brands—pretty much any and every component of a business.

These innovations mean a firm can capitalize on its own strengths while harnessing the capabilities and assets of others. Network innovations also help executives to share risk in developing new offers and ventures. These collaborations can be brief or enduring, and they can be formed between close allies or even staunch competitors.

Recent Examples:

  • Ford & Volkswagen – Developing Self-driving cars: As two of the world’s largest car-makers, Ford and Volkswagen are competitors on the road. However, in 2019 they announced a partnership to work together to develop technology for self-driving cars and electric vehicles which would be used in both company’s fleets of the future. While Ford brings more advanced automated driving technology, Volkswagen was leading in electric vehicles. Through the combined venture called ARGO, both firms can spread their R&D spending across more cars, while both developing competing products.
  • Microsoft – launching on competitors platforms: Since new Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has taken over, he has changed the innovation ethos of the company. Whereas previously Microsoft was a product-first company who tried to eliminate competing products and customers should stay within the company’s ecosystem, Nadella has shifted the mindset to a service company where their products should be accessible to customers should be able to access the products in whichever way they prefer. As a result, products such as Office 365 are now available in any web browser, as well as on the mobile marketplaces of Google’s Android and Apple’s IOS, previously seen as competitors.
  • Huawei – Leveraging celebrity endorsement: Until recently, “high-quality smartphone” made people think of companies like Apple (USA), Samsung and LG (South Korea). Brands from China were often seen as competing on price but suffering from lower build quality and a lack of innovation. So in order to raise their profile in Western markets, Huawei has invested heavily in celebrities to endorse their flagship phones, such as Scarlett Johanssen, Lionel Messi, Henry Cavill and Gal Gadot. This initial investment raised brand name recognition, to the stage where it is now focusing marketing more towards features and functionality.

Huawei has paid Lionel Messi millions to endorse their brand

Huawei has paid Lionel Messi millions to endorse their brand

3) Structure: How you organize and align your talent and assets

Structure innovations are focused on organizing company assets—hard, human, or intangible—in unique ways that create value. They can include everything from superior talent management systems to ingenious configurations of heavy capital equipment.

An enterprise’s fixed costs and corporate functions can also be improved through Structure innovations, including departments such as Human Resources, R&D, and IT. Ideally, such innovations also help attract talent to the organization by creating supremely productive working environments or fostering a level of performance that competitors can’t match.

  • Perpetual Guardian – Four-day working week: This small financial advisory firm in New Zealand trialed moving to a four-day working week, giving their staff an additional free day each week as long as they got their outputs done. As a result, they found people adjusted their working rhythm to achieve the same outcomes in 20% less time , while also resulting in more satisfied employees.
  • Netflix – Unlimited Vacations: In order to drive their breakneck growth, Netflix reviewed their formal HR policies to see what processes were getting in the way of people doing their best work. They discovered that most bureaucratic processes which slowed down high performing individuals were in place to only handle situations where a low-performance individual would do something wrong. As a result, they scrapped most formal HR policies to free people to work in their own ways to benefit the company, summarised in their “Freedom and Responsibility” culture document, including allowing staff to take as many vacation days as they felt they needed to produce their best work.
  • WeWork – Leveraging other companies’ hard assets: WeWork’s business model revolves around providing affordable office rentals for entrepreneurs and companies, fitting a lot of tenants into the same space by offering co-working areas. In order to rapidly deploy new working spaces and attract customers, WeWork started using a system called rental arbitrage, where they would rent commercial space, create a ready-to-use coworking setup, and then rent this space to customers. By not having to spend CAPEX on purchasing the buildings themselves, they were able to rapidly expand with lower overhead.

Netflix allows staff to take unlimited vacation days

Netflix allows staff to take unlimited vacation days

4) Process: How you use signature or superior methods to do your work

Process innovations involve the activities and operations that produce an enterprise’s primary offerings. Innovating here requires a dramatic change from “business as usual” that enables the company to use unique capabilities, function efficiently, adapt quickly, and build market–leading margins.

Process innovations often form the core competency of an enterprise, and may include patented or proprietary approaches that yield advantage for years or even decades. Ideally, they are the “special sauce” you use that competitors simply can’t replicate.

  • Tesla – Vertically integrated supply chain: Tesla’s electric cars require huge packs of EV batteries, made of thousands of lithium-ion cells. Until recently, the lack of demand for electric vehicles meant that companies had not invested in battery technology development, resulting in prices remaining high and making the cost of cars prohibitively more expensive than their gasoline counterparts. Tesla invested in a massive gigafactory to produce the newest battery packs themselves, and the economies of scale, as well as not paying markups to manufacturers, are estimated to save them 30% of the cost of the batteries.
  • Amazon Web Services – opening internal technology to third parties: When Amazon Web Services initially launched in 2006 , it effectively launched the cloud computing market, allowing external companies to not just host webpages but run code and calculations at a fraction of the cost of building their own server network. Since then, Amazon has continued to develop new technology it would use for its own services, such as artificial intelligence, image recognition, machine learning, and natural-language processing, and later make this technology available to their customers.
  • AliExpress – Making everyone a Shop Owner: AliExpress is one of the world’s largest eCommerce sites, and serves as a commercial storefront for thousands of Chinese companies, allowing you to purchase everything to phone cases to forklifts. However, AliExpress also allows the platform to handle purchases as listed on external storefronts using a system called drop-shipping, where anyone can set up their own store, sell someone else’s products (but to customers it looks like they are coming from the seller) and then have those manufacturers send the product directly to the customer.

Tesla's Gigafactory is the world's largest building

Tesla’s Gigafactory is the world’s largest building

5) Product Performance: How you develop distinguishing features and functionality

Product Performance innovations address the value, features, and quality of a company’s offering. This type of innovation involves both entirely new products as well as updates and line extensions that add substantial value. Too often, people mistake Product Performance for the sum of innovation. It’s certainly important, but it’s always worth remembering that it is only one of the Ten Types of Innovation, and it’s often the easiest for competitors to copy.

Think about any product or feature war you’ve witnessed—whether torque and toughness in trucks, toothbrushes that are easier to hold and use, even with baby strollers. Too quickly, it all devolves into an expensive mad dash to parity. Product Performance innovations that deliver long-term competitive advantage are the exception rather than the rule.

  • Gorilla Glass – Changing chemistry to improve smartphone durability: Gorilla Glass by Corning was listed as one of the original Ten Types by becoming scratch resistant. I have included it again for how it has changed the properties of its glass based on customer feedback each year. In 2016, version 5 of the glass was designed to resist shattering when dropped from 5+ feet, dubbed “selfie height” drops. However, after discussing what properties their customers wanted, by 2018 version 6 was no longer trying to resist shattering when dropped from a height once, instead the chemistry and manufacturing process had been changed to make it resistant to cracking after 15 drops from a lower height (1 meter, or a “fumble drop from your pocket”). I love this example of innovation as the product performance doesn’t just try to become “ better ” by resisting one drop from a higher height than last year, instead figuring out what really matters to customers and delivering that.
  • Raspberry Pi – full PC for $35: The original Rasperbby Pi was developed by a UK charity to make a simple yet expandable computer which was affordable enough for everyone. Their credit-card sized PC may look bare-bones (it comes without a case and is effectively an exposed circuit board), yet it contains everything which someone needs to run a Linux operating system, learn to program and even connect it with external sensors and peripherals to make all manner of machines. The latest version 4 is now powerful enough to serve as a dedicated PC, all for a price so low you can give it to a child to tinker with without fear of it being broken.
  • Lush Cosmetics – Removing what people don’t want anymore: As people become more aware of their impact on the environment, customers are demanding that customers do more to reduce the amount of plastic packaging their products use which could end up in landfill or the ocean. Lush Cosmetics was an early pioneer in bringing packaging-free cosmetics to scale, offering some of their packaging-free products like shampoo bars and soaps in dedicated packaging-free stores .

Giving children a cheap PC like the Raspberry Pi to learn and experiment on

Giving children a cheap PC like the Raspberry Pi to learn and experiment on

6) Product System: How you create complementary products and services

Product System innovations are rooted in how individual products and services connect or bundle together to create a robust and scalable system. This is fostered through interoperability, modularity, integration, and other ways of creating valuable connections between otherwise distinct and disparate offerings. Product System innovations help you build ecosystems that captivate and delight customers and defend against competitors.

  • Ryobi – One battery to rule them all: While handheld tools have had rechargeable batteries for decades now, Ryobi’s innovation was designing the modular One+ battery which could be used with over 80 different tools. Not only was this convenient for customers who needed fewer batteries overall for multiple uses, it also encouraged someone to buy into the Ryobi tool ecosystem once they had previously purchased one tool and battery set.
  • Zapier – making APIs easy: Many web-based applications nowadays have an Application Programming Interface (API) which allows them to share data with other services. However, this often requires complex coding from the developers, and repeated effort to integrate with multiple different APIs. Zapier acts as a middleman for data, providing ready-made actions and API integrations between popular web services, allowing customers to automate certain activities every time a specific event happens.
  • Airbnb – Expanding into experiences: Airbnb built their business on allowing everyday people to sell accommodation in their homes to strangers. Now the company has begun offering complementary services to people visiting new places through Experiences . These experiences are also sold by local guides, and allow guests to try things they would otherwise not have known about in addition to staying somewhere new.

Ryobi One+ battery powers multiple different tools

Ryobi One+ battery powers multiple different tools

7) Service: How you support and amplify the value of your offerings

Service innovations ensure and enhance the utility, performance, and apparent value of an offering. They make a product easier to try, use, and enjoy; they reveal features and functionality customers might otherwise overlook, and they fix problems and smooth rough patches in the customer journey. Done well, they elevate even bland and average products into compelling experiences that customers come back for again and again.

  • Kroger – Smartphone grocery scanning: US retail giant Kroger has been trialing a new smartphone app which allows shoppers to scan items as they shop, and then skip checking out altogether. Using the Scan, Bag, Go app, a customer will scan each item as they pick them up and place them into whatever bag they want, and once they are done, they can simply pay using the app and leave. This prevents shoppers having to wait in checkout lines and gives them an overview of their running total as they go, and also allows the supermarket to entice shoppers by sending coupons and offers directly to them.
  • PurpleBricks – bringing real estate online: Estate Agents have a poor reputation for treating both sellers and buyers, especially for the amount they charge relative to the service they provide. PurpleBricks was one of the first online-only estate agents , where they could charge a significantly lower fee if the seller chose to complete some of the service processes themselves, such as showing the home to potential buyers. The firm can provide additional services for additional charges.
  • Meituan Dianping – providing one app for all the services you want: As Fast Company’s 2019 Most Innovative company , Meituan Dianping provides a platform for Chinese consumers to purchase a variety of services. Known as a transactional super-app, you can use the app to book and pay for food delivery, travel, movie tickets and more from over 5 million Chinese small and large merchants.

Scan your own groceries with the Scan-Bag-Go app

Scan your own groceries with the Scan-Bag-Go app

8) Channel: How you deliver your offerings to customers and users

Channel innovations encompass all the ways that you connect your company’s offerings with your customers and users. While e-commerce has emerged as a dominant force in recent years, traditional channels such as physical stores are still important — particularly when it comes to creating immersive experiences.

Skilled innovators in this type often find multiple but complementary ways to bring their products and services to customers. Their goal is to ensure that users can buy what they want, when and how they want it, with minimal friction and cost and maximum delight.

  • Dollar Shave Club – Direct to your door: Razor Blades have always been high-margin products, and Gillette was one of the original innovators by giving away the razor handle to make money on the subsequent razor blade sales. Dollar Shave Club has taken a different approach, by reducing the cost of each set of blades, but having people join a subscription service where blades are delivered to them automatically. While the margin on each set of blades is lower than retail, the subscription model has provided steady, predictable revenue for the company, to the extend that subscription boxes can now be found for almost any consumable product.
  • Zipline – Blood Delivery for remote areas: In hospital settings, getting fresh blood can a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, many Sub-Sharan African countries don’t have road infrastructure suitable for quickly delivering blood between hospitals or storage locations. This is why Zipline has developed a simple, reliable drone network where hospitals in Rwanda and Ghana can order fresh blood from a central processing area and receive it within an average of 15 minutes, rather than the hours or days it would take using conventional transportation.
  • 3D Printers – produce whatever you need at home: Instead of a single company, the industry of 3D printers is slowly beginning to change the way in which consumers get simple tools and parts. By downloading schematics from the internet (or designing their own), people owning a 3D printer now no longer to go to a retail location or order the parts they need. In commercial settings, this is also speeding up how quickly companies are able to prototype new ideas and designs, waiting hours rather than days or weeks.

zipline blood drone innovation

zipline blood drone innovation

9) Brand: How you represent your offerings and business

Brand innovations help to ensure that customers and users recognize, remember, and prefer your offerings to those of competitors or substitutes. Great ones distill a “promise” that attracts buyers and conveys a distinct identity.

They are typically the result of carefully crafted strategies that are implemented across many touchpoints between your company and your customers, including communications, advertising, service interactions, channel environments, and employee and business partner conduct. Brand innovations can transform commodities into prized products, and confer meaning, intent, and value to your offerings and your enterprise.

  • Gillette / Nike – being willing to lose customers who don’t align with purpose: I have combined both Gillette and Nike into this example of brand innovation since they have both recently aligned their brands to a purpose (social and political), which has been positively welcomed by some people but has resulted in hatred from other groups. Nike began by making former NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick the face and voice of one of their advertising campaigns. Kaepernick rose in prominence when he refused to stand during the national anthem before his games, his way of protesting the police brutality and inequality towards his African American community. This led to some people claiming he was disrespecting the American Flag, and therefore what the flag stands for. When his advert launched, a vocal minority took to social media to upload videos of themselves saying that Nike no longer aligned with their values, and they burned their shoes, vowing to never buy Nike again. Similarily, Gillette came out with a commercial urging all men to be “The best a man can be”, by pushing aside previously ‘masculine’ traits like bullying, chauvinism or fighting, and showing children how a modern man should behave. As soon as the ad was released online, many media outlets praised its message, but it brought the wrath of angry men who claimed that the razor manufacturer shouldn’t tell them what to think or how to behave, how they would never buy the products again, and how the world was becoming too politically correct, with women and minorities getting preferential treatment over white men. The advert quickly became one of the most disliked videos on Youtube, and even my commentary about the innovative message (seen in the video below) had the comments section covered by hate-filled messages. What both Nike and Gillette realised was that if they wanted to align with positive, progressive messages and values (which align with their target demographic of the future), then they would risk upsetting and alienating the proportion of their current customer base who didn’t share those views. In both cases, these were decisions that would have been signed off by all levels in the company, through marketing, sales, legal and the board, and the brands will be stronger in the future because of it.
  • Burberry – modernising a classic brand: Burberry had built its luxury fashion reputation by aligning itself with the British Aristocracy, and its famous chequer patterned fabric was iconic. However, when trying to modernise and make the brand “sexy” in the early 2000s, a misstep happened when the luxury house began to license the chequered fabric, resulting in it becoming a status symbol and desired motif for a different social group: the British “Chavs” (rough, lower class and sometimes aggressive). This poisoned the once iconic brand in the eyes of their intended luxury clientele. In order to survive, the company and brand embraced innovation , by becoming one of the first fashion houses to redesign their website to be mobile-optimised, aligning their store layout to mirror the website, highlighting young British talent and livestreaming content and fashion shows. Most importantly, they moved away from the iconic chequer pattern in their fashion designs, where it is now limited to less than 10% of products.

10) Customer Engagement: How you foster compelling interactions

Customer Engagement innovations are all about understanding the deep-seated aspirations of customers and users, and using those insights to develop meaningful connections between them and your company.

Great Customer Engagement innovations provide broad avenues for exploration and help people find ways to make parts of their lives more memorable, fulfilling, delightful — even magical.

  • REI – closing their stores on the busiest shopping day: Outdoor equipment retailer REI had begun closing its doors on Black Friday , traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year. They claim they are doing this to Eddie their customers to actually get outdoors and use their equipment, rather than queuing for discounted material goods.
  • Peloton – bringing the gym into the home: Many people benefit from going to joint gym classes because the sense of a group working toward is goals together with a coach is more powerful than trying to exercise by yourself. Peloton makes exercise equipment with built-in screens, powered by a subscription to live and on-demand classes. It’s like being part of a workout group with the benefits of being at home.
  • NBA – bringing the fans into the action: The NBA had invested heavily in innovation to make their sport more immersive. From live analytics and player statistics, new ways to watch like VR video, and official video game players for each team, they are finding new ways to bring basketball to the next generation, while making it even more exciting for existing fans.

Peloton brings exercise classes into the home

Peloton brings exercise classes into the home

There we go, a new set of 30 examples of the Ten Types of Innovation.

If you found some of these examples interesting, please share the article.

Can you think of any more good examples? Let me know in the comments below.

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great examples! I now feel inspired to innovate in my entrepreneurial project. Thank you ?

Greetings from Mexico

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Excellent work!

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They’s very interesting. Do you have the solutions of some of recent examples?

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My university has taken pretty much everything from here, poorly rephrased a few things and have delivered it to us, the student, as an entire weeks worth of content. Maybe i should be paying my fees here…

Bachelor of business student Australia

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Very interesting. Which course was it being used for?

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More From Forbes

10 original case study ideas for converting tech-savvy audiences.

Forbes Agency Council

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Case studies are tried-and-true tools that businesses use to convince prospects to buy their products or services. When it comes to selling to tech-savvy customers in any industry, case studies have long been integral to providing potential customers with the information they need to make a purchase decision.

However, to effectively engage the most tech-savvy prospects, a case study must be designed and presented with the specific audience’s level of understanding and objectives in mind. Taking a nontraditional approach to creating case studies may help to capture the interest of tech-focused audiences. Here, members of Forbes Agency Council explore 10 original and effective ways to inform prospects about the technological benefits of a product or service and lead them toward conversion.

Forbes Agency Council members share original ideas for case studies that will convert tech-savvy prospects.

1. Let Your Customer Speak

Everyone is used to carefully worded case studies written by a marketer trying to sell the product or service. Flip it around and have a satisfied customer tell an authentic story in their own words. Have them speak in the same language that your new prospects do and proactively answer their anticipated questions. Capture that on video, and you’re sure to surprise prospects. - Jim Heininger , Dixon|James & Rebranding Experts

2. Make The Customer The Hero

Make the customer the hero of your case studies, not your company. When prospects read a case study, they view themselves in the role of your customer, not the agency. If you make the case study about yourself, not only will they fail to identify with the content, but they will also think that you are more concerned with your own success than that of your clients. - Scott Baradell , Idea Grove

3. Make Case Studies Available In A Variety Of Formats

Case studies are business-generation tools. I do not get to decide where my prospects are consuming content; they do. I therefore need to make a case study available in whatever format they choose to consume it. This means that my case study must be available in print, on YouTube, as a PDF or in any other format the people I want to reach are consuming. - Brook Shepard , Mason Interactive

Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?

4. Use A Video Capture System To Highlight Your Case Study

I’ve been using Loom for a variety of show-and-tell kinds of conversations where an email or print piece can’t express the concepts or ideas sufficiently. I’d recommend using Loom or another video capture system to highlight your case study and actually walk prospects through a demo via video. - Jason Wilson , Strategy, LLC

5. Tell The Story Through Images Or Video With Voice-Over

Telling the story of a case study through a rotating carousel of images or video with voice-over would be an effective way to portray the success of the study and keep the tech-savvy consumer or prospective client engaged. - Jessica Hawthorne-Castro , Hawthorne LLC

6. Show The Results In A Video Format

When we build our case studies, we like to show the results in a video format. Think of it as a 15-second commercial. We then take this same piece of content and post it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Then, I will build remarketing audiences based on the video views. I like to make sure every piece of content is getting the maximum opportunity to drive conversions. - Jerry Kelly , Marketing 360®

7. Personalize Case Studies By Making Them Interactive

Marketing today is about personalization. Therefore, case studies—which are a natural extension of marketing—really need to be similarly tailored. By this I mean put the reader or viewer in charge of what they consume. Make the case studies interactive by allowing them to choose which aspects of the case study they see in whatever order they choose. Let them build it however they want to consume it. - Hamish Anderson , Three Piece Marketing

8. Use A Video Testimonial Created By A Client

Using a video testimonial created by a current or previous client could be an original idea for a nontraditional way to present a case study. Having them outline the benefits of your product or service firsthand is invaluable. While written case studies often aren’t very engaging, it’s easy to convey key points in a relatable way with video content. -  Adrian Falk ,  Believe Advertising & PR

9. Supplement The Traditional Model With A Video

A video case study to accompany the traditional problem/solution model can be a great way to show off your clients’ product. This added visual element speaks much louder than static words and pictures and allows prospects to get a better idea of what the client does and how they achieve customer goals. The videos can then be shortened and repurposed for additional engaging social media content. - Michelle Abdow , Market Mentors, LLC

10. Integrate Forum-Like Functionality Into Case Studies

Combine case studies with forum-like functionality. That is, on case study pages, provide links to Discord channels, Slack communities and other conversational tools intended to enrich the reader experience. These tools will boost reader engagement and lead to better conversations with potential prospects. - Bobby Steinbach , MeanPug Digital

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Brent Barnhart | B2B Content Writer

7 Superb SaaS Case Study Examples (and Why They’re So Effective)

saas case study example hero image

It’s no secret that the SaaS space is crowded.

Heck, the average business is juggling hundreds of apps at any given time.

And so anything software companies can do to prove their value is a plus.

That’s why SaaS case studies are so important.

Fact: case studies are cited as the most effective type of content for influencing B2B buying decisions. Case studies are crucial for not only helping SaaS companies stand out from the crowd but also answer their potential customers’ most pressing questions.

Want to see what compelling customer stories look like in the wild? Check out the seven SaaS case study examples below.

gong case study example

“What does this case study do well?”

  • Immediately highlights the client’s key challenge and how Gong’s product managed to solve it. The specific, positive outcomes (“more closed deals,” “increased sales productivity” and “more cross-department collaboration”) speak for themselves.
  • The format is scannable and flows seamlessly, broken up by colorful visuals, client quotes and a product screenshot.
  • The case study reads like an actual narrative, brimming with conversational copy and client quotes to keep the report from feeling too “matter of fact.”

Much like SaaS blog writing doesn’t have to be boring, case studies shouldn’t be a total snooze-fest. This report proves exactly that.

zylo saas case study

  • Incorporates a brief video to summarize the study’s key points and provide real-world context to the client’s challenges. This is especially important for more “technical” or complicated SaaS products.
  • It’s brief! In addition to the provided video, the tried-and-tested “Challenge, Solution, Results” format helps keep this study short and sweet.
  • The study’s headline is compelling. From its title alone, the study highlights how a specific feature (Zylo’s SaaS renewal calendar) addressed a specific pain point (unwanted auto-renewals) and resulted in a major benefit ($50,000+ saved) for the client.

Clocking in at under 500 words, this is among the shortest of our SaaS study examples. That said, the study’s brevity is one of its key strengths.

heap case study

  • The study’s format gives you pretty much everything you need above-the-fold, including the client’s results and a well-produced video.
  • Highlights impressive data points and outcomes immediately (“5xd conversion” and “90% retention rate”).
  • Includes quotes from multiple employees to showcase how Heap’s service helps clients organization-wide (rather than just a single department).

databox case study example

  • The case study’s title is striking, putting a massively positive client outcome (saving 40 hours per week) front-and-center.
  • It feels human! The fact that the study comes from a back-and-forth client conversation not only humanizes Databox as a brand but also makes their product seem more tangible.
  • The study’s unique format (a blog post that provides both a video and transcript) is fair game for prospects whether they prefer to consume content via viewing or reading. This likewise highlights how you might integrate case studies into your SaaS content strategy.

5. FunnelCake

funnelcake case study example

  • The study’s headline does double-duty of showcasing awesome results (1.5x conversion rates) and how quickly those results came (“Within a quarter of launching”).
  • Provides multiple hard-hitting client quotes to drive home the product’s effectiveness (“finding value in the first week”).
  • Couples its bold claims with specific data points (“100% adoption in the first 30 days”).

6. Chili Piper

chili piper case study example

  • Major outcomes are highlighted throughout the case study (including a “5x increase in inbound meeting booked” and the “300% revenue increase” referenced in the title).
  • The study uses the numbers above to hook the reader and then provide a brief breakdown of how those results came to be, moving us from Point A to Point B.
  • Candid client video and quotes provide additional context and a personal touch to Chili Piper’s product.

7. Typeform

typeform case study example

  • The study is presented as a hybrid between a customer success story and a how-to blog post for new users and existing clients. Again, case studies are a valuable part of your SaaS content marketing strategy.
  • Incorporates actual client screenshots and highlights the specific steps to replicate their positive results, making Typeform’s product seem super actionable.
  • Integrates glowing quotes from the client to showcase benefits.

“What do the best SaaS case study examples have in common?”

As proven by the examples above, there is no “right” or singular way to put together a SaaS case study.

That said, there are a few common threads between the reports above that companies should strive to stick to.

If you’re trying to figure out how to write a SaaS case study yourself, keep the principles below in mind.

Grab readers’ attention with specific numbers, figures and data points

Sure, phrases like “increased revenue” or “saved time” are enticing.

But coupling those phrases with actual numbers can help your case study pack a much-needed punch.

For example, “increased revenue” versus “increased MRR by $10,000” or “saved time” versus “saved 15 hours per week.”

See how that works? Using actual client numbers does double duty of grabbing your target audience’s attention while also proving to prospects that your service produces meaningful results.

Integrate visuals to illustrate your points and keep readers engaged

Fact: recent visual content statistics note that both videos and graphics help push people toward making purchasing decisions.

It’s telling that five of our seven SaaS case study examples include video, right?

From stylized quotes to product screenshots and client headshots, it’s crucial that your reports are more than just walls of text. Written case studies can definitely be effective, granted you stick to the principle of “show, don’t tell.”

Let your clients do the talking

Again, most SaaS case studies are basically client stories.

So don’t be shy about letting your clients sing your praises. You’d be surprised at what gems of social proof they’ll say totally unprompted.

The correlation between customer testimonials and higher conversions is well-documented. Note that many of the SaaS case study examples below draw heavily on direct client quotes or interview segments.

If nothing else, making your case studies client-centric makes sense and likewise means less work on your part.

Make your case study shareable

Fact: the typical B2B buying process involves between six and ten people.

And so anything you can do to make your case study shareable to multiple stakeholders is a smart move.

This again speaks to why so many SaaS case studies incorporate video or are formatted as succinct, scroll-friendly PDFs.

Beyond that, conversational language and a summary of key points can also make a report more shareable. In short, your case study should be accessible even to people who don’t have a deep knowledge of your product.

Which SaaS case study examples stand out to you?

SaaS providers have a ton of freedom when it comes to how they put together their case studies.

Want to keep it brief? Looking to take a deep dive into your product and its specific features? Go for it.

Hopefully these examples and best practices provided some insight into what makes a “good” case study in the software space.

Got any other SaaS case study examples I should totally check out? Let me know on  Twitter , comment below or  shoot me an email .

This post was last updated on 1/5/2021.

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January 6, 2021 at 8:26 am

Great piece for me as a marketing analyst who is looking to learn more about the SaaS industry

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What Are Product Management Case Study Interviews?

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Carlos González De Villaumbrosia

Updated: May 6, 2024 - 10 min read

What is a product management case study interview?

A case study interview, also known as a case interview, is a tool used by many companies to assess a candidate’s analytical, creative, and problem-solving skills. Similar to coding interviews for engineers, they allow the interviewers to simulate a situation that allows your skills to be put into practice.

Quite simply, you’ll be given a situation, and asked to make suggestions or come up with a hypothetical solution or improvement.

In product management, this can be about any number of things. The realm of product managers is vast, and covers many different aspects of product development. As product managers sit at the intersection of business, technology, and design, you could be asked case questions under these umbrellas.

This means that you could be given a case question based on product design, monetization, market research, user segmentation, trends, data, technical development, go-to-market , prioritization…pretty much anything product managers are into!

Example case study interview questions

What’s your favorite product? How would you improve its design?

Which company do you think we should acquire next?

How would you go about launching our product in an emerging market, say, India?

What new feature would you build for Instagram?

How to ace a case study interview

Blog image 1: Product Management Case Study Interviews

The product design case interview

No, the interview isn't going to hand you a Wacom tablet and ask you to mock up an entire product on the spot! Instead, you’ll be asked to think through some solutions to pretty common design problems. Things like:

How would you improve our in-app messenger?

If we tasked you with making our user interface more inclusive of those with disabilities, how would you approach that?

How would you redesign our homepage to make it more appealing for X demographic?

We’re finding that X number of users don’t make it through the entire onboarding process. What would you do/design to fix that?

The key when being asked a question about how you’d improve the company’s product is not to insult it too heavily. Remember, the people who built it are in the room with you, so if you come in hot with “well, for starters, your homescreen is absolutely hideous and needs a complete do-over”, you’re not going to endear yourself to them. A product manager is a diplomat, so be as diplomatic as possible.

Instead of focusing on how you’d fix what you see as glaring problems, try to come up with something that adds to the product. “I think a chatbot in your user onboarding process would help people to navigate through the process. Here’s where I’d implement it…”

How to ace it

Give your hypothesis: Because everything in product starts with why .

Lay out your approach : Briefly summarize what your approach would be, given your hypothesis. Include things like the research you would need to do, and the preparation the team would need to make.

Identify the user: Companies want user-driven product managers, so definitely make sure you know which user you’re building for.

Describe the solution : How would you actually build the solution? No need to get too technical if that’s not where your skills lie. If that’s the case, talk about how you’d lead the engineering teams to build the solution.

Suggest testing: If you’ve got 2 ideas and you’re not sure which one is better, describe both and talk about the test you’d run to discover which one to roll with.

Prioritize features : Show off your prioritization skills if you’re suggesting more than one feature.

Suggest features for an MVP and plans for a V1 launch:

Finish off by helping the interviewers to visualize what the finished MVP would be like, as well as the plans you’d have for a full release later down the line.

The business-thinking case interview

Blog image 2: Product Management Case Study Interviews

Business thinking is vital for product managers, as you’re the person that ties what’s being built to the needs of the business. This is why you may be presented with a business problem, so that the interviewer can assess your thought process, and how you approach product strategy.

Business case questions may include things like:

Management wants to build X because a competitor has launched something similar. How would you respond?

If we wanted to move more into the B2B market by launching X, what would you do first?

How would you increase customer adoption for the feature we released last month?

We want to become more product-led in our growth strategy. What recommendations would you make in terms of pricing structure/increasing customer adoption?

Establish market characteristics : This is especially important if your case question is a go-to-market question. If you’re not sure what the market characteristics are, talk about what you would find out before starting the work.

Layout your approach: Briefly summarize what your approach would be.

Prioritize your actions: If you’ve been asked for a step-by-step approach, talk about why you’re doing things in that order.

Provide analysis : Business decisions require a heavy amount of analysis, so be sure to include some competitor/customer/market analysis.

Make recommendations: Talk about the end result in a business sense. Instead of getting into the weeds of feature building etc, give a step-by-step approach of how you’d take a new feature to market, or make business-oriented improvements to a product.

Remember that a business-thinking case question requires an answer that would make C-suite happy. Try to think through your answer for the eyes of management. Think about what brings most business value, and tailor your answer around that.

The technical interview

Here, by technical interview, we don’t necessarily mean the tech interviews that engineers can expect to go through. It’s very rare for product managers to be asked technical questions in an interview, unless they’re specifically applying for a technical product manager role. You’ll usually get some warning in advance that your technical prowess will be tested, either by the recruiter or a hiring manager.

The chances of being given an in-depth technical case interview (aka, a coding interview) are rare, so you’re more likely to be asked a few general questions to gauge your technical ability.

Things like:

What’s your experience with X or Y technology?

Do you feel comfortable managing a team of engineers?

Can you explain the most technical project you’ve worked on?

These are questions that you should be able to answer in the room, because they’re based on your direct experience. So you don’t need to put any special level of preparation into their answers.

You may also be asked some technical questions that allow you to show off your technical knowledge, but are open-ended enough that you can still answer even if you’re not very techy. The goal is to gauge how much technical know-how you already have, not to embarrass you and put you on the spot for not having a computer science degree.

These questions might include:

What feature do you think we should build next? How should we approach building it?

Would you build X solution in-house, or would you outsource development elsewhere?

What partners do you think we should integrate with next? (eg. Slack, Trello)

These are questions that you can approach in your own way, from a technical perspective if you come from that background, or from a people-management/design/business perspective if you don’t.

Product managers and tech skills…what’s the deal?

Blog image 3: Product Management Case Study Interviews

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll be asked to go through a technical interview, as product managers aren’t the ones who physically build the product. They provide the direction and the insights, and the engineers provide the solutions and the finished product. So what’s gained by seeing how well you can code?

Well, some roles are more technical than others, so obviously in these roles you’d need either a computer science degree or a proven record of technical work, like an engineering background.

But for a regular product manager, you’re less likely to be given a technical case interview, and more likely to just be asked a few very general questions to gauge your knowledge.

1. Give yourself time to think

The worst thing you can do is panic, and rush in with an answer. It’s OK to give yourself time to think. An interview is not a first date, and silences don’t have to be awkward! So pause, and give yourself time to consider your answer before you start.

That’s much better than giving a sub-standard answer that you can’t take back. The interviewer will expect you to need a moment to gather your thoughts, so don’t stress.

2. Hack: The McKinsey case study

Now, you’re bound to go off and do plenty more research on case study interviews, wanting to find out everything you can. So let us give you this secret hack: check out materials for McKinsey case interviews .

“But I want to work at Facebook/Google/Amazon!” we hear you say. “Why would I prep for McKinsey?”

McKinsey is one of the most difficult interviewers out there. Reviews by some previous interviewees makes it seem like the process was designed to help choose the next ruler of Westeros. Their standards are incredibly high, and their case interviews are something that people prep weeks, even months in advance for.

This has a double result for you. One, there are swathes of resources out there specifically to prep for this behemoth of a case interview. Two, if you can give a McKinsey-standard answer to a case interview, you’ll outshine the competition easily!

3. Practice ahead of time

While you can’t be totally sure what you’ll be asked in a case interview, you can still prepare.

The smart thing to do is to practice case interview questions ahead of time. The way to do this is to pick apart the job posting you’re interviewing for, and identify what the main responsibilities are.

Case interview preparation is absolutely essential for acing product manager interviews, as you’re bound to be asked a hypothetical question sooner or later in the interview process.

4. Don’t feel pressured to give a perfect answer

Companies know how much time, research, and information goes into making informed product decisions. So if they’ve asked you to propose a new feature for their product as part of your interview, they’re not looking for something they can actually implement from you. They just want to see how you think, and what your analytical and problem-solving skills are. It’s also a test of your communication skills, seeing how you present yourself and your ideas.

So don’t pressure yourself into giving an answer that’s on par with the work their existing product managers do. That’s like beating yourself up for not running as fast a Usain Bolt when you do your first ever 5K.

Prepping for product manager interviews?

We’ve got you covered! Check out these great resources:

Master The Product Manager Interview Playlist : We’ve collected together our best talks on acing the Product Management interview, from a look behind the scenes of recruitment, to how to break into the industry. Check out the entire playlist here , or enjoy this sample from Google’s Product Manager…

The Ultimate List of Product Manager Interview Questions: Prepare yourself for every kind of question you could ever hope to be asked in a product manager interview!

Product School resources: If you really want to deep-dive into the best interview techniques, and become the master of any interview you walk into, you should check out the resources we have in our community. We’ve got cheat sheets, templates, and more!

Hired — How to Get a Great Product Job: Tailored guide-to-go for product manager positions in top tech companies. As this book will show you,  some of the most successful product transitions originated from people in music production or finance, with full-time jobs or with no prior experience. The collection of stories of Product Management transition will show you how it’s done.

Updated: May 6, 2024

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  • mindful design
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  • design careers
  • design inspiration

10 Exceptional Product Design Portfolios with Case Study Breakdowns

After working with many designers throughout my own career and helping many more build their job-ready portfolios, there are a few designers that I keep coming back to for inspiration and some that are inspiring a new generation of UI/UX and Product Designers to enter the field.

I've chosen 10 of our favorite UI/UX and Product Designers—a colorful tapestry of digital product architects that have evolved from graphic designers, marketers, architects, engineers and everything in-between. Their unique backgrounds and journey bring something special to our industry and illustrate how we can all do more meaningful, interesting and impactful work:

There are 10 things in particular that make these 10 designers really stand out:

  • They have each honed their craft from the bottom up (whether having gone through a traditional academic program, an online course like DesignerUp , or being self-taught).
  • They are all at different stages of their careers (some newly minted and others seasoned veterans).
  • They continue to learn, grow, push the envelope, document and share their genuine experiences.
  • They each hail from a different background (and sometimes non-design industry) that informs who they are and what they work on as a designer.
  • Their evolution is apparent in their work.
  • They are passionate about the problems they solve and find joy in connecting with the users they serve.
  • They are transparent about their processes, thoughtful in their communication about it and not afraid to show what worked and what didn't.
  • They have focused portfolios that reveal their unique point of view as a designer.
  • They are a diverse group of designers from different cultural, gender and socio-economic backgrounds.
  • They have so much to teach us all about design and how to use it to express authenticity and to understand and help others do the same.

Homepage for Simon Pan's Portfolio

Case Study Format:   http://simonpan.com/work/uber/

  • The Challenge
  • Early Insights
  • Reframing the Problem
  • The Redesign
  • Design Strategy
“In a city as busy as San Francisco, over $1 million was wasted per week because of problematic pickups.”

Madeline Wukusick

Improving mentral health case study screen

Madeline is a graduate of our DesignerUp Product Design course. She was able to create an incredible portfolio working through our curriculum, blended with her background in graphic and data design that set her up for immediate success landing professional design roles.

Case Study Format:

  • The Observed Problem
  • The Research
  • In the Insights
  • The proposed How Might We Statements
  • Lean Canvas and Product Strategy
  • Business Requirements
  • The Solutions and MVP Features
  • Things that could be improved
"Thanks for helping me work through these iterations—it's been tremendously helpful! You have such a knack for fine-tuning and teasing out subtle themes that I hadn't noticed before. From these comments, I have a better sense of some of my growth areas to work on and ways in which to push myself. It also helped me realize that I am most interested in hybrid roles, or at least roles with a strong visual component. Really grateful to have discovered this course :-)" - Madeline

Humanize The Design writte on dark background

Not an Italian mobster; Johny Vino is an engineers' designer. I've been a long time admirer of his work every since his mind-blowing animations and micro-interactions arrested me mid Dribbble scroll many years ago. He is a thoughtful, meticulous designer that understands how to align user and business goals all while transmuting conventional interaction patterns into something that is altogether transcendent yet familiar.

Case Study Format: https://johnyvino.com/

Process, Goal and Task Oriented that varies with each project

  • What he worked on
  • What he aim to accomplish
  • Business Goals
  • Representation of complex data
  • Integration
Humans are not perfect. I like to apply 3 principles to ever product I design to help me focus on that. Fitt's Law, Mimicry, Aesthetic Usability Effect

Steph Parrott

Steph is a product designer based in Toronto. Currently working on Plantd and most recently at Square in San Francisco.

3 Portfolio project cards on white background

Case Study Format: https://www.stephparrott.com/plantd/

  • Roles and Process
  • App Overview
  • Feature proposal
  • Design to Development
  • Looking to the future and what's next
"As someone who hasn’t eaten meat in almost 20 years, I’m highly motivated to put in the work to find plant-based options, but for those starting to dabble, how can we except them to do the same?" - Steph

Go Cardless screenshot on white page

Tom is the co-founder of the community and event series Design Club , and an investor & advisor to Bricklane . He currently works  own clients, helping invent, design, and launch new ventures. Before that he held design leadership roles at fashion and fintech startups, and was as a senior designer at a global agency. Case Study Format: http://tom.pe/gc-dashboard.html

  • Summary of the problem space, challenges, project and contribution
  • Goal and Problem
  • Design Principles applied
  • Proposed solution and representation of dashboard and data
  • Design frameworks used
  • Future considerations
"The problem here is that by trying to create something for everyone, we risked helping no one. Avoiding the design equivelant of an identity crisis became a big focus of mine. I'd do this by finding ways to inject a point of view into the product. By knowing what it wasn't, as well as what it was." - Tom Petty

Want to create an incredible portfolio like these full of amazing case studies to get you hired? Enroll in our Product Design Course today!

PD-Enroll-Now-

Garett MacGillivray

Garett MacGillivray's Portfolio

Much like myself and other designers of a particular generation, Aussie/Canadian Garett MacGillivray has been around the block and through the evolution of graphic designer, web design, UI/UX Designers and now landed squarely as a full stack Product Designer.

Case Study Format: https://aucadian.com.au/project/goloop

  • Exploration and Ideation
  • Component Library
  • B2B product interface
I've had many labels throughout my career in the digital industry. It's safe to say that I enjoy crafting digital experiences.

Elise Fu's Portfolio

Elise is a Bay Area designer that jumped to the bay from NYU. She comes from an advertising and marketing background and has fine tuned her communication skills and processes vast knowledge of the tech and digital product industry has a whole having been on the broadcasting and marketing side of things.

Case Study Format: http://www.elisefu.com/work-komeeda/

  • Impact/Metrics
  • User testing
  • User research
  • Information Architecture
  • Implementation
  • Major Findings
  • Formal User Testing
I was driven to design because I felt excited and rewarding to learn about people’s goals and desires, help them solve problems and make their lives easier.

Latiesha Caston

Latisha is a User Experience Designer passionate about holistic, accessible, and inclusive design, based in Seattle.

White background with designer bio in black text

Case Study Format: https://www.latieshacaston.com/veggie-grill-online-ordering-experience

  • The Problem
  • The High-level Goal
  • The approach
  • Pain Points
  • Optimizing flow and improving architecture
  • Interaction model breakdown
  • Looking to the future
"Our high level goal was to design a holistic order-ahead experience that keeps the core of what we've built, while delivering on opportunities, addressing pain points, and setting the stage for the future." - Latisha

Karolis Kosas

product case study technology

Having recently joined the amazing design team at Stripe as a Product designer, Karolis's portfolio is clean and minimal and his case studies really understand the mental model of the user, getting into their heads and revealing the friction points they are feeling and how he can insert a solution that improves on the experience with compromising the soul of the designer.

Case Study Format: http://karoliskosas.com/cinemaclub/

  • prototyping
  • Built the product from zero
Visual communication is a self-sufficient organism capable of adapting and evolving based on the input of multiple sources.Acting in such context, the designer is an initiator, establishing methods and boundaries for the system to establish itself as an independent entity.

Rohit Singh

product case study technology

One of o ur very own graduates ! Rohit Singh is an up and coming product designer with a focus on helping early-stage startups and new businesses blossom.

Rohit outlines his process for creating an MVP for his digital product from scratch, which serves as a sort of physical and virtual library for the poorest class of India.

Case Study Format: https://work.khadush.in/booksite-an-online-physical-book-sharing-platform/

  • Inspiration
  • User Interviews
  • Lean Canvas
  • Visual Design
  • Final Words
I specialize in helping early stage startups validate their riskiest assumptions using leading design methods

After analyzing all of these case studies and working with 100s of designers in our product design course to get them ready for the job application process, we've created our own tried-and-true templates to make it easy for designers to replicate the successful format and structure of these top portfolios using Notion .

Each of these amazing portfolios tells the story of the product designer, their evolution, their process and shows what they bring to the world. But it's not easy doing what they do or knowing exactly how to show and tell who you are as designer. Having a solid design education and getting feedback from the design community is the best way to ensure that your work is up to par and being presented in a way the shows your skills and your worth.

Have a look at our partners' advice over at Pathrise on building a strong UX design portfolio .

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A Systems View Across Time and Space

  • Open access
  • Published: 17 July 2023

New product development process and case studies for deep-tech academic research to commercialization

  • Pravee Kruachottikul 1 , 2 ,
  • Poomsiri Dumrongvute   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0009-7461-5888 3 ,
  • Pinnaree Tea-makorn 4 ,
  • Santhaya Kittikowit 5 &
  • Arisara Amrapala 6  

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship volume  12 , Article number:  48 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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This research proposes a new product development (NPD) framework for innovation-driven deep-tech research to commercialization and tested it with three case studies of different exploitation methods. The proposed framework, called Augmented Stage-Gate, integrates the next-generation Agile Stage-Gate development process with lean startup and design thinking approaches. The framework consists of six stages and five gates and focuses on critical thinking to help entrepreneurs avoid psychological traps and make the right decisions. Early activities focus on scouting for potential socioeconomically impactful deep-tech research, developing a business case, market analysis, and strategy for problem–solution fit, and then, moving to a build–measure–learn activity with a validated learning feedback loop. Next, suitable exploitation methods are decided using weight factor analysis, developing intellectual property (IP) strategy, completing the university technology transfer process, and participating in fundraising. To pass each gate, the committee board members, consisting of tech, business, IP and regulatory, and domain experts, will evaluate the passing criteria to decide Go/No-Go. Applying the framework to the case studies results in successful university research commercialization. The model, case study, and lessons learned in this paper can be useful for other deep-tech incubator programs to successfully launch deep-tech research for commercialization. The case studies’ positive outcomes validate the Augmented Stage-Gate framework, yet their success is not entirely guaranteed due to external factors like regulatory constraints, entrepreneur characteristics, timing, and the necessary ecosystem or infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets. These factors should be taken into account for future research purposes.

Introduction

Deep-tech innovation is a new wave of impactful innovation that drives the economy and society. Unlike digital innovations such as mobile apps and digital platforms that disrupted many old-fashioned businesses in past decades, deep-tech is unique, high-value, hard-to-reproduce technological or scientific advances that will improve the technological frontier or disrupt existing solutions and result in socio-economic impacts (De la Tour et al., 2017 ). Deep-tech innovation is usually led by megatrends and unmet needs (Linden & Fenn, 2003 ).

Thailand, a developing country, relies heavily on traditional businesses such as sales, marketing, and services. Thailand’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) is lower than that of other middle-to-high income countries. In 2018, Thailand spent 1.11% of gross domestic product (GDP) (182 billion baht) compared with an average of 1.41% for the upper-middle-income group and 2.43% for high income countries. GERD was expected to reach 2% of GPD in 2027 but this was revised to 1.46% due to the COVID-19 pandemic, assuming no new measures to boost R&D investment. Nevertheless, various government policies require stimulus to R&D spending, especially for SMEs and innovation-driven enterprises through the Thai Bay-Dole Act (Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council, 2021 ). Therefore, deep-tech innovation applied to Thai businesses could be a potent new driver for its economy. Since most deep-tech originates from academia, researchers, patents, or publications, it is unlikely to be successful and sustainable without real demand from users or direction from the business side. This is because traditional academia focuses heavily on research, publication, and prototype development (Fellnhofer, 2016 ), rather than building a product that is ready for commercial use (Hicks et al., 2009 ). Promoting entrepreneurship, which is a combination of art and process to pursue opportunities and turn into a business regardless of resources, among academia can be helpful to create environments that support innovation development (Barringer & Ireland, 2012 ).

Moreover, many deep-tech innovations require a large amount of funding at the initial stage to build a prototype, perform user validation, and develop a business strategy. Additionally, deep-tech innovation is new, and the industry may not be clear about market needs or potential buyers. Therefore, the technology acceptance model (TAM) is used to understand predictors of human behavior toward potential acceptance or rejection of the technology, particularly technologies related to information and communication technology (ICT) (Lee et al., 2003 ). It can also provide a useful tool to assess the success of new technology introductions and help understand the drivers of acceptance to proactively design interventions targeted at users that may be less inclined to adopt new systems (Venkatesh et al., 2003 ). After validating the market and technology, it is time to decide on commercialization options (Yaldiz & Bailey, 2019 ).

For deep-tech innovation to become successful exploitation from the research ideation stage until commercialization, it requires a product development model suitable for university research initiation and developing market environment. Meanwhile, many pieces of prior research on the NPD model and case studies were primarily conducted based on developed countries where the product development was done within the established company ecosystem (Cocchi et al., 2021 ; Cooper, 2016 ; Cooper & Sommer, 2016 , 2018 ; Salvato & Laplume, 2020 ; Walrave et al., 2022 ; Wuest et al., 2014 ). However, this study highlighted the importance of a specific NPD model in the academic initiative context with low resources and a lack of infrastructure setting, which generally happens within developing countries (Ravi & Janodia, 2022a ). This study is essential to promote deep-tech in Thailand and to help other developing countries that require a new growth potential to drive the economy. Consequently, to accelerate deep-tech innovation in Thailand, the Chulalongkorn University Technology Center (UTC) was established in 2019 as a platform to spring-board academic research to commercialization and facilitate among stakeholders within the ecosystem based on triple helix model, which promotes the way of working that the government, private sector, and academia must collaborate to form a solid, deep-tech innovation ecosystem (Leydesdorff & Etzkowitz, 1998 ) to support manpower, finance, know-how, production facilities, regulation, and sandbox testing in order to expedite the speed of innovation development.

This study uses qualitative research and observation based on the actual case studies of the UTC portfolio research teams. The goal is to understand the pain points, needs, obstacles, and processes required for the successful exploitation of their project and then extract the vital insightful factors for applying to the NPD model, which will be later discussed in the Methods section.

To develop the proposed NPD model, several related NPD studies have been reviewed. Then the next-generation stage-gate development system integrated with agile development, lean startup, and design thinking methods is selected and then applied together with the insights obtained from qualitative research as the NPD model to develop successful business-driven deep-tech innovation. The effectiveness of the model is later tested and confirmed using both experts and observation, which will be later described further in the Results section. This framework, which we call the Augmented Stage-Gate framework, is important for successful innovation and is based on critical thinking. Because human decisions are influenced by the subconscious, it is essential to make decisions based on the results of logical reasoning and avoid psychological traps (Linden & Fenn, 2003 ).

In addition, three case studies are explained and discussed. Applying the Augmented Stage-Gate framework results in successful commercialization process in all three cases where the teams transferred the technology via a spin-off startup with a patent, non-profit use with trade secret, and licensing. The benefits of this study can be used as a framework and case study for successful deep-tech innovation development and commercialization, especially in the context of developing markets and academic research initiation. Several options are proposed and discussed. Finally, the study makes several recommendations for future research, including its application to other vertical deep-tech innovation areas.

Literature review

In this section, the literature on the NPD model, TAM model, and product readiness assessment is discussed. Generally, the NPD model, is a nonlinear and iterative process based on a problem-solving approach that is used for the conception, development, and launch of new products or services. It can help management understand user insights, challenge assumptions, redefine problems, and create innovative solutions to prototype and test with target users to successfully launch in the market. In addition, the NPD process is based on critical thinking, which is the ability to look at events, conditions, or thoughts with a careful eye and make decisions about the reliability and validity of the knowledge according to standards of logic (Seferoglu & Akbiyik, 2006 ). It involves identifying and analyzing informational sources for credibility, indicating previous knowledge, making connections, and deducing conclusions (Thurman, 2009 ). Higher-order thinking ability provides the opportunity to analyze the existing knowledge or situation to correct mistakes and complete deficits to reach correct conclusions (Howard et al., 2015 ). In this study, the authors select Stage-Gate, which is a macro idea-to-launch product development planning process that involves the Go/No-Go decision-making (Cooper & Kleinschmidt, 2001 ), as the baseline NPD framework because the model is easy to understand among stakeholders in a simple linear system format that consists of detailed guidelines for every stage and explains the criteria for management to make a decision whether to allow the development to pass each gate. These unique characteristics of Stage-Gate model strongly fit within the context of our study. While its principles can be applied, the Stage-Gate model, including the number of stages, activities, and gate criteria, has to be adjusted according to our objectives using the insights obtained from this study.

After the core concept of Stage-Gate model was chosen, several modern State-Gate models were reviewed. The next-generation Stage-Gate process that comes with the Triple A system and spiral concept that promotes the development process to be adaptive, flexible, iterative, and accelerated using a feedback loop from user validation (Cooper, 2016 ) can be applied to the model. Furthermore, there was a study of applying Agile project management methods, which highlights a process that is a dynamic planning process that is adaptive and flexible to changes in product development, into a traditional Stage-Gate system, called Agile-Stage-Gate Hybrids. The results looked promising for faster product releases, quicker and better responses to changing customer requirements, and improved team communication and morale (Cooper, 2016 ). Moreover, case studies in manufacturers conducted by R. Cooper in 2018 also supported the earlier finding; yet it also added some challenges in terms of management buy-in, resources needed and allocation, and fluid product definitions and development plans (Cooper & Sommer, 2018 ). These insights are also similar to the study by Zasa et al. ( 2020 ) who highlighted that agile project management will increase interaction among project stakeholders and help break big tasks into small and achievable action items (called sprints ) within a short period of time. They also suggested that successful implementation required the integration between traditional project planning modes and the agile method, cultural change, and perceptions of all stakeholders in the organization (Zasa et al., 2020 ).

Therefore, by applying modern concepts of Stage-Gate like triple A system with spiral concept and agile development, the earlier Stage-Gate baseline model can be improved in many ways. That is, the model becomes more adaptive and flexible to changing customer requirements and situations, increasingly improved team communication and morale, and further highlights on an iterative process to promote interfacing between the development team and the target user. Moreover, the importance of interfacing with users iteratively for business assumption validation is also similar to the principle of lean startup and design thinking. The lean startup encourages startups to challenge business growth hypotheses and use them to build the minimal viable product (MVP), then test and validate with the real user to learn whether it is required to pivot or preserve. This can be repeated many times during the NPD process; an approach called build–measure–learn (Ries, 2011 ). On the other hand, design thinking uses a designer’s sensibility and methods to match people’s needs to what is technologically feasible and a viable business strategy that can be converted into customer value and market opportunity (Brown, 2008 ).

In addition, the TAM can be useful to consider during the NPD process, in particular with ICT-related technologies. It can provide information regarding the probability of success during the introduction of a new technology and the key drivers of user acceptance to enable proactively designed interventions and strategies targeted at populations of users who may not be inclined to adopt new systems (Venkatesh et al., 2003 ).

Lastly, the authors review the study of product readiness assessment. This is important for our context because there is a misalignment issue from different stakeholders when evaluating the readiness of the new product development. This is a typical problem found when the product is not ready for commercial. Yet the team has to communicate readiness level with stakeholders for different purposes such as fundraising, selling, field testing, etc. The first assessment is the technology readiness level (TRL) which was introduced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the 1970s. It is a well-recognized and useful tool to determine the maturity of new technologies. It is also a discipline-independent program that enables more effective assessment and communication. Its nine assessment levels are beneficial to determine the readiness of new technology and/or capability during the technology life cycle, which includes the completion of systems analysis and conceptual design studies, determination from several design options, and decision to start full-scale development (Mankins, 2009 ). Another assessment is the investment readiness level (IRL) proposed by Steve Blank in 2013, which is also divided into nine levels. IRL is used to evaluate how investment-ready a technology is by validating its business model to help investors assess the risk of investment (Blank, 2014 ). Investment readiness can be defined as a set of business development processes that increase business venture readiness as candidates for equity investors (Aernoudt et al., 2007 ). Alternatively, it is the capacity of the business venture to look for external funding, especially from an equity investor, to understand the specific needs required by an investor and be able to give an investor an attractive business proposal with high confidence (European Commission, 2006 ). Entrepreneurs need information and advice on the advantages of raising equity financing, what it means, and how to become investment-ready (Mason & Kwok, 2010 ). In addition, Australia National Investment Council. & Marsden Jacob Associates ( 1995 ) proposed that businesses that are not investment-ready are primarily the result of a lack of information. This means that they do not know about the role of equity finance and are unaware of what is involved in raising money, what is required to attract investors, and how to convincingly express their investment proposals (Australia National Investment Council. & Marsden Jacob Associates., 1995 ).

In this research, the authors use the next-generation stage-gate process as the baseline for the NPD process and then propose the modified NPD framework for new deep technologies that are more suitable for academic research initiation to commercialization in developing markets, called the Augmented Stage-Gate framework. The framework was designed using the insights obtained from in-depth interviews of 19 research teams who had been working on deep tech research and entered the three-month entrepreneurship development program in 2019. The interview was conducted at the end of the program and focused on understanding the pain points in the research-to-commercialization process in terms of entrepreneurship, business development, networking, financial, technology transfer process, progress assessment, and goal. After careful analysis, several recommendations were proposed and integrated into the Augmented Stage-Gate framework as shown in Table 1 .

The Augmented Stage-Gate framework highlights more on the Agile development process, flexible entrepreneurial development program, progress assessment using TRL and IRL, process management specialist to guide along the academic research to commercialization journey and bring in a network of business partners and legal experts to support. Its structure is divided into six stages (innovation ideation, build business case, development, test and validation, launch, and scale-up) with five gates (screening, go to development, go to test, go to commercial, and post-launch review). Here, stage means the process for work to be completed, and gate is for the Go or No-Go decision-making. TRL and IRL assessments, as shown in Table 2 , can be used to evaluate progress in terms of technology and business readiness at each stage.

The Augmented Stage-Gate framework applies the principle of the next-generation Stage-Gate’s triple A system and spiral development, which aims to overcome the typical challenges when handling undefined requirements during initial development, and Agile development, which aims to increase interaction among project stakeholders and help break big tasks into small and achievable action items (Sprints). This is because most customers are uncertain about their needs and so the product definition prior to development is unclear. The triple A model promotes each stage to be adaptive and flexible, agile, and accelerated while the spiral development concept promotes experimentation. This is also similar to what Isaacson ( 2011 ) described Steve Jobs’ philosophy during his development career at Apple that encouraged project teams to fail often, fail quickly, and fail cheaply. With the benefits obtained from the Augmented Stage-Gate core concept, the product design and definition can adapt to new information, customer feedback, and changing conditions along with multiple iterations of validation activities with users or customers throughout the NPD cycle. In addition, it is important to understand that the details of the process and its functions may differ from project to project, especially with deep tech, academic research initiative, and emerging market environment. Therefore, a flexible gating process must be leaner, faster, adaptive, and risk based. Experienced project teams, mentors, and stage-gate committees are also important to guide startup work throughout the NPD process. Additionally, even though the NPD model is represented in a simple linear format, in reality, it is common that each step can be repeated many times and also go back and forth between stages, depending on the readiness, criteria, and requirement to pass each stage.

Then the effectiveness of the Augmented Stage-Gate framework was tested with three cases, to be discussed in Sect. 4. The cases were research teams that joined UTC in 2019 after the new framework had been designed and completed the final stage of the framework by September 2022. The teams were willing to participate in the study. We gathered the information for the cases via observations and interviews.

The authors directly observed the teams as they moved through each stage of the framework. Tangible results such as actual sales, contract execution, regulatory approval, and certifications, were recorded. The authors also had access to relevant documents related to the development process since the teams were required to submit a progress checklist and presentation slides. Information reported (as appropriate to each stage) includes team, research and development progress, regulatory process, business plan, project planning and concept, product design, milestones, risk assessment, technology verification and validation (MVP), market validation, legal activities, IP status, implementation and operations, sales and marketing, and financial activities. These documents were collected and analyzed for the case studies.

In addition to observation, the authors interviewed the stage-gate committees and two or three people from each team (the principal investigator and 1–2 team members). The interviewees were asked to describe the team’s journey, how they applied the Augmented-Stage-Gate framework, and the results they achieved. The interviews also explored any significant challenges encountered during implementation, along with the solutions that the teams developed.

The interviews were recorded and transcribed, with the transcriptions used to create a final summary of the case. The summary was then reviewed and approved by the interviewees. In some cases, we went back to the interviewees multiple times to get additional information or to conduct follow-up interviews when the implementation and results had become clearer.

The Augmented Stage-Gate process of new product development

The proposed Augmented Stage-Gate process, as shown in Fig.  1 , is divided into six stages. In addition, the below detail explains the objective, activity, and criteria to pass the gate of each stage (as also summarized in Table 3 ).

Stage 0: innovation ideation stage. As a technology incubation office, one of the important roles at UTC is to search for impactful deep-tech research in focused areas that potentially impact our way of life and attitudes in all aspects. To achieve this, UTC has been working with various business partners and consultants to gain market insights while studying market research information for mega trends. Using this information, UTC scouts, classifies, and prioritizes potential research projects. After finding candidates, UTC works closely with them through various programs such as boot camp, workshop, and mentoring to develop the entrepreneurial knowledge and skill in order to help conduct an initial business feasibility study. Another advantage is to give entrepreneurs an understanding of the business journey, challenges, and exit plan so that they can prepare themselves with both skills and morale to be ready before launching. Moreover, the entrepreneurial development program is provided in a flexible format both online and offline to suit with the availability of researchers who might have other full-time jobs at the beginning. Usually, the business model canvas (Osterwalder et al., 2005 ), with its nine building blocks template, is used to communicate a firm’s or product’s value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances to stakeholders. After completion, the team is ready for the official screening, where the committee board consisting of business, technology, and legal experts will evaluate each research project.

The first step is to identify the target customer and study the user journey to understand the pain points and user insights. Additionally, lead users—advanced users who deal with an individual problem very intensively (von Hippel, 1986 )—are a subset of target users and can be helpful for the research team to test, validate, and gain valuable feedback on the early development product. Like design thinking, the concept starts with understanding the way customers do things and why, their physical and emotional needs, how they think about the world, and what is meaningful to them. This can be done by carefully observing, engaging, watching, and listening to the users and stakeholders, and then crafting a meaningful and actionable problem statement that focuses on the insights and needs (Brown, 2008 ).

The second step is to analyze internal and external market data. This process aims to understand the business environment and will allow us to better plan so that the threats and opportunities associated with the target area of the business are understood. An internal analysis examines factors within the research project and its co-founding team. The preferred analysis is a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat). Meanwhile, an external analysis examines the wider business environment outside the research project. A popular tool for this is the PESTEL five-force analysis. The key to this process is to ensure that there is market demand to continue the tech-market fit development process.

The third step is to complete an initial financial management strategy, including profit and loss analysis, cash flow planning, and fundraising, that can help the entrepreneur understand the business from a financial perspective in different scenarios and help the business thrive. Because deep-tech product development usually requires a large amount of money and lengthy development time, careful planning in this step is much cheaper regarding business risk. It can avoid cash flow issues that may cause the company to go bankrupt or project delays. Moreover, financial planning can be used to estimate how much investment is needed in each venture development stage so that the entrepreneur can develop a successful fundraising strategy for investors or government grant agencies.

The next step is a preliminary study of the IP landscape. This gives the research project a high-level perspective on the constraints and opportunities regarding the potential exploitation and freedom to operate of IP rights. The researchers can conduct this by themselves or consult with the university IP office since normally the university provides IP support through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and IP Practicum Clinic, or by outsourcing services to specialized law firms.

After that, it is time for regulatory planning to help the research team understand and anticipate what regulations are required for each target market. For instance, Med Tech requires FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for commercialization, IRB (Institutional Review Board) for conducting a clinical trial in humans, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) for manufacturing medical devices. Meanwhile, the PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act) is required to use personal data. Generally, the university technology office can be a helpful resource for regulatory advice.

Finally, since deep-tech initiates from academic research by nature, the original research team usually consists mainly of tech-savvy people. Therefore, to become a successful venture, it is crucial to find co-founders with business skills to join the team. Business case competitions or networking events within the university ecosystem can help form an organic partnership.

figure 1

Augmented Stage-Gate framework

Criteria to pass this gate

The research project must show the business’s potential and financial feasibility and complete the early version of the business model, including target users, value propositions, pain points, and insights. In addition, the team must propose a market assessment and preliminary study of IP, risk analysis, and regulatory plan. In addition, the research team has to show a mixture of co-founding venture teams with both business and technical expertise

Stage 1: build business case stage. The main activity focuses on developing and validating the business model with target users by demonstrating the prototype and then measuring customer satisfaction, interest, or purchase intent. Usually, the prototype in this stage can be nonfunctional and developed based on the concepts of rapid, rough, and right. For example, AI and computer science technology can use UX/UI (user experience and user interface) and wireframe, which is a schematic or blueprint that is useful for thinking and communicating about the software structure among team members, as a prototype to validate the end-to-end solution idea with the user. Moreover, a network of mentors, domain experts, or key opinion leaders, which are mostly university alumni, can be useful resource because they are knowledgeable and experienced, in which they can give truthful advice and validate the solution idea. Another important thing is to interact with real users or customers as early as possible because today users’ roles have become more significant as a new source of innovation than in the past, when innovation was created solely from producers and supplied to consumers via goods and services, as described in Schumpeter’s theory of innovation in 1934 (Schumpeter, 1934 ). By working together, the research team can provide product knowledge, engineering, and manufacturing for innovative users to think and be creative (von Hippel, 1976 ), which means innovators receive an incentive to engage with users to develop innovative designs (Baldwin & von Hippel, 2011 ).

Criteria to pass this gate

The project team has to show the potential of the business case proposal based on core impactful deep-tech research and product prototype that received good preliminary purchase intent or user satisfaction feedback from target users. In addition, the team has to demonstrate an excellent financial and funding plan and initial strategy for IP, regulatory, and risk

Stage 2: development stage. The main objective in this stage is to develop a workable and functional MVP, validate with the target user, and refine the business model. That is, it aims to improve technology progress and business strategy so that business risk can be reduced. However, it is noted that due to the Agile concept, the startup should target to break the development plan into small and achievable action items so that their hypothesis can be tested and learned often. In addition, validating the MVP in the closest real environment or sandbox, which refers to the environment that allows some players under specific conditions, to enter the market with fewer administrative constraints (e.g., licenses) or legislative requirements (Tsai et al., 2020 ), is recommended to move the MVP and business closer to the commercial version.

Criteria to pass this gate

The project team must demonstrate a workable MVP and its validation in the closest real environment or sandbox. A promising result in terms of satisfaction and purchase intent is required to pass the gate. Moreover, the team has to present the initial strategy for IP, regulatory, and risk. Lastly, the team has to have a solid financial strategy and actively participate in funding activities

Stage 3: test and validation stage. The goal in this stage is to obtain a commercial version of the MVP and business model. To do that, the lean startup’s validated learning concept is applied to this stage because it can show whether the innovation development and business are moving in the correct direction according to the business model. If not, the innovation can be pivoted; a structural course correction to test a new fundamental hypothesis about the product, strategy, and engine of growth. To make the validated learning successful, cause-and-effect questions with actionable and quantitative metrics are essential. After the new features of the MVP are developed, it will be measured with the user to determine if it demonstrates business growth according to the underlying hypothesis, a process can be repeated many times. The benefit of embracing validated learning is to substantially shorten the developmental cycle.

Criteria to pass this gate

The project team must demonstrate the promising validated near-commercial version of the MVP and revised business model, including sales and marketing plan, according to early market feedback. Additionally, the team must achieve patent ability analysis and participate in funding activity

Stage 4: launch stage. The main goal for this stage is to introduce the market of commercial products. The technology development team participates in a build–measure–learn activity to reach the closest version of a commercial product, while the business development team focuses on delivering a commercial final version of the business plan, sales and marketing strategy, IP strategy, regulatory planning, team formation and financial strategy to select the best commercial option with the highest probability of success and return on investment. In addition, if the university IP is used, the team must complete the technology transfer process. Moreover, according to the business model canvas template, this step must ensure that all nine blocks are validated with stakeholders in a way that leads to business growth and the commercial version of the MVP is refined accordingly. The next step is to finalize the IP submission and strategy, consisting of the final IP draft, valuation, and portfolio management, to obtain optimal legal protection and manage the IP effectively. IP valuation, calculated using either cost-based, income-based, or market-based methods, is useful for the entrepreneur to decide on a proper commercialization option and IP valuation for fundraising. Thus, it should be finalized before going to market. Even though IP services can be particularly expensive and time consuming for such early-stage endeavors, the benefit obtained from IP valuation and protection with a well-managed IP strategy generally increases company competitive advantages tremendously after successful exploitation.

The university technology transfer process is an intrinsic part of the technological innovation process. It is the process of conveying results stemming from scientific and technological research to the marketplace and to the wider society along with associated skills and procedures. To achieve a successful technological transfer, many factors must be considered. Souder et al. ( 1990 ) described seven best practices as analytical, facilities, pro-actions, people roles, conditions, technology quality, and organization. Meanwhile, Gorschek et al., ( 2006 ) recommended close cooperation and collaboration between researchers and practitioners. However, both entrepreneurs and tech transfer officers must discuss and plan each option carefully for the benefit of all stakeholders.

After completing the previous steps, it is time to decide on commercialization. Exploiting an innovation is not only about starting a new company, but there are also many other pathways to bring ideas to markets, such as licensing, joint ventures, and M&A (Schaufeld, 2015 ). Thus, to choose which option is suitable, the entrepreneur needs to consider factors such as market opportunity, IP protection, operation risk, time commitment, return on investment, and investment amount. A complete business plan should be developed and carefully verified, so that entrepreneurs can understand the business opportunities and risks in advance. Table 4 shows an example of an option comparison with a weight matrix between spin-offs and licenses. Briefly, the Option A spin-off scores higher than the Option B license, which means it is the more desirable commercial option to an entrepreneur.

Criteria to pass this gate

The team must launch the commercial version of the product onto the market with positive feedback. Then define the method to collect the market feedback for further refining newer commercial versions of the product and business plan, including the scale-up strategy. In addition, the team must complete the IP strategy, including the university technology transfer process

Stage 5: scale-up. This activity focuses on collecting and analyzing the feedback obtained after launch, providing newer and better versions of commercial products or business plans using market feedback, and fully penetrating the target market. Several considerations can be analyzed. The first is to assess whether the product is performing according to pre-defined expectations in terms of technical and business aspects such as functionality, revenues, costs, profits, and so on. The second is to check customer satisfaction or anything that affects the company’s value chain, including purchasing raw material, selling the product, and delivering the goods to the customer. Finally, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of the entire NPD process to learn and improve.

Results and discussion

Case studies.

The case studies below highlight the importance of having an NPD framework that is adaptable to deep-tech within university research and emerging market contexts, yet extensive enough to cover all the essential components to transform deep-tech research into an innovation that has a high-fidelity MVP, an accomplished business and market strategy, a clear pathway towards implementation in the real world, and a complete IP strategy and technology transfer process from academia IP.

ReadMe is an artificial intelligence (AI) research project application that began in 2013 to perform Thai object character recognition (OCR) in any scene image, which often has high perspective and distortion error, uneven illumination, and different image resolutions. Additionally, the Thai character structure itself is very difficult to read automatically, particularly using software algorithms, because it consists of a syntactic structure of up to four layers and a strict relationship between words. The research team was conducting research and development internally and working with various industry partners. An e-commerce platform and a railway engineering company were contracted to help understand business demand as well as to improve and optimize the AI model for real-world applications. Nevertheless, after many years the technology remained a research project; early customers did not have purchase intent with a long-term commitment although the Thai OCR reading accuracy was high. Upon applying our Augmented Stage-Gate Framework to ReadMe in 2019, we successfully transformed the deep-tech research into a tech startup named Eikonnex AI ( https://www.eikonnex.ai/ ) that has now secured business deals for commercial use in private companies.

At the screening stage, the project’s potential for exploitation, validity, market feasibility, and technological feasibility was assessed and found to fulfill all the framework’s criteria. ReadMe, a national award-winning research project, was a deep-tech text reader that was in development for six years, had a research prototype proven well in the lab with a TRL of 4 and an IRL of 1, was the state-of-the-art Thai text reader that was more accurate than other better-known OCR technologies, and is a high-potential technology that could impact the business, medical, and transport industries.

Following their selection, the research team carried out innovation framework activities starting with continuous customer validation, that later helped them develop their market research and business plans. A large majority of their customers were banks, driven by the digital transformation trend and strong competition in the financial industry. One of the most challenging and high-volume applications is the personal loan approval credit scoring. Most were unable to automatically read Thai bank statements correctly due to statement template differences from different banks and Thai character challenges, increasing the time required for loan approval. The team saw this opportunity and pivoted their target customer and core technology to become an OCR with automatic template detection to read bank statements instead. After this decision, the team quickly redeveloped their MVP and carried out multiple user validations using the build–measure–learn process. In the meantime, the team worked closely with a network of mentors to adjust and validate the product idea and business plan.

After rigorously applying the framework’s validation activities, the technology underwent a complete transformation and reached commercial readiness. The technology now had a TRL of 7 and an IRL of 7, completed the IP strategy by obtaining a patent for their technique, concluded the technology transfer process, and set up a spin-off tech startup. Moreover, in early 2021 a few months after their establishment as a startup, the company received its first business deal from one of the biggest banks and completed the technology transfer process. Currently, the company is making its first sales by providing Thai document reader solution services either as an API or as a customized technology. They will continue to move towards digital transformation and expand into a coherent document digitization platform.

It is clear that with the support, guidance, and structure provided by the Augmented Stage-Gate Framework as explained in Table 5 , deep-tech research can be transformed into an innovative, high-impact, commercializable product and company in one to two years.

Chest X-ray AI reporter for COVID-19

Following the trend in the use of AI for healthcare, the chest X-ray reporter was an R&D project by physicians and computational researchers that aimed to create AI software that could classify and report abnormalities for physicians to consider as part of their diagnosis. Nonetheless, the technology remained a research project as it lacked a workforce to develop the complete application software and system integration and had no exit strategy.

With the application of our framework and the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the technology met the immediate needs of society by being able to detect COVID-19 and numerous other conditions from chest X-rays. As of the end of 2021, this innovation was used as a not-for-profit technology in the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, helping many patients in need.

The technology had a TRL of three and an IRL of one at the time of screening with an alpha version of the AI algorithm. As this project is led by physicians and computational researchers who are experts in the field, it is considered a deep technology with high potential for use in hospitals, especially rural government hospitals that sometimes lack healthcare personnel or technology to analyze chest X-rays efficiently. This innovation may also be adapted for use in other types of X-rays for other diseases and undoubtedly has large potential to improve the accuracy of medical diagnosis. Thus, this research is a good candidate for our Augmented Stage-Gate framework as explained in Table 6 .

Following the development and validation activities of our framework, the research team recruited more AI engineers to develop their algorithms and UX/UI to enable intuitive use of the technology. Here, the code and interface were continuously revised with frequent customer and domain expert validations to select the most relevant features and data for physicians. To protect intellectual property, the technique was kept a trade secret. After using the framework for only one year, the work reached a TRL level of 7 and an IRL level of 7 and gained acceptance for not-for-profit use in the hospital for preliminary screening of COVID-19 and other chest X-ray abnormalities. At present, the innovation is used at Chulalongkorn Hospital. We believe that, with its initial success, the technology can be implemented in other hospitals to help improve patients’ quality of life. The project team is now involved in the process of technology transfer and spin-off.

Progesterone test kit

The progesterone test kit for swine is a medical technology that began with a contracted research project between the Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and a multinational science and technology company. The research team has in-depth knowledge and IP for developing a test kit that can easily test the progesterone level of animals from serum samples. In this research, the industry partner wanted to detect swine progesterone in the form of a strip test as it is a cheap and convenient method for mass adoption. The company promised to license the technology for sales and marketing purposes after the prototype showed promising results.

This research project has a potentially high impact on the local livestock industry. It is a new state-of-the-art technology and is an easy, effective, and low-cost solution that addresses many pain points faced by the swine farm industry. Moreover, we foresaw that the technology could be adapted to detect other hormones and health- or disease-related biomolecules in other livestock, increasing the market size and potential customers in the future. Finally, the initial readiness assessment revealed a TRL of 6 and an IRL of 1.

With our Augmented Stage-Gate framework, as explained in Table 7 , and business directions from the industry partner, the project established its market and business strategy and financial analysis. Moreover, the project team also brought in the qualified diagnostic development (QDD) center of Chulalongkorn University to support strip test design and small-scale manufacturing. Furthermore, with continuous iterations of customer validation, the researchers were able to fit the technology to the user’s needs and better understand the type of collaboration the industry was looking for. Thus, the team had business matching opportunities and discussed plausible deals with potential customers.

After more than 6 months of fine-tuning all aspects of the innovation, the project had a TRL of 7 and an IRL of 7 with a final prototype and licensed their technology to an international company that will use the kit for real-world applications. With the success of their first deal, the team has leverage to make future deals with other private companies.

The Augmented Stage-Gate Framework was used in these cases to validate the potential for exploitation, validity, market feasibility, and technological feasibility. All projects had low levels of investment readiness and different levels of technological readiness at the time of screening but were all considered deep technologies with high potential for use in their respective industries. The framework helped the teams carry out innovation framework activities, including continuous customer validation, market research, and business plans. All projects underwent a complete transformation after rigorously applying the framework’s validation activities, which included developing their MVP, carrying out multiple user validations, and adjusting their product idea and business plan with a network of mentors. In terms of commercial success, ReadMe successfully transformed into a tech startup named Eikonnex AI and secured business deals for commercial use in private companies. Chest X-ray AI Reporter for COVID-19 remained a not-for-profit technology used in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to detect COVID-19 and other chest X-ray abnormalities. Progesterone Test Kit licensed their technology to an international company. It is shown that the Augmented Stage-Gate Framework effectively transformed research projects into innovative, high-impact, commercialized products and companies.

Past literature has mentioned that traditional Stage-Gate models are not suitable for many of today’s businesses due to fast-changing user needs, uncertain market requirements (Cooper & Sommer, 2018 ), or industry complexity that requires highly iterative cycles and external collaboration (Sommer et al., 2015) and requires a more flexible and adaptive Stage-Gate model such as integrating agile process (Cocchi et al., 2021 ). Case studies leveraging these models were mostly conducted in corporates in developed economies. Directly adopting successful models from developed countries’ academic institutions require a well-established technology transfer office (Ravi & Janodia, 2022b ). Other studies that focus on the academic context in developing countries made suggestions in the policy level, recommending that the government encourage technology transfer by connecting industry and academia (Kirby & El Hadidi, 2019 ; Ravi & Janodia, 2022b ). None has given practical, step-by-step guideline model for technology initiated from academic institutions like ours.

Therefore, our work provides the first proved example of a new product development model that can be applied in similar contexts—commercializing university technology in an emerging economy. It solves the problems that persist in developing countries, Thailand especially, of lack of literature, lack of evaluation from key stakeholders, and a design-actuality gap (Abbasi et al., 2022 ; Heeks, 2002 ; Kalyanasundaram et al., 2021 ; Ravi & Janodia, 2022a ). However, we believe this model can also be applied to ecosystems with better infrastructure and maturity. Once research can be stably commercialized, building a strong infrastructure for technology transfer office like those in developed countries is a task recommended in the long run.

Lastly, even though the result from these case studies can confirm the validity of the proposed NPD model, it is not a hundred percent guarantee of successful exploitation. There might be other factors or circumstances that can affect the result such as market or technology that is highly regulated by local law, certain requirements of entrepreneur characteristics, appropriate timing for market or technology readiness, ecosystem or infrastructure that is required for research to commercial process, especially in emerging markets that might have no mature standard yet, etc. Those mentioned can be considered for future research.

Theoretical implications

This study develops a modified NPD framework that incorporates agile, lean startup, and design thinking to the Stage-Gate model for effective research to commercialization process generated from within the university in developing markets. Using the proposed Augmented Stage-Gate framework that has six stages (Innovation Ideation, Build Business Case, Development, Test and Validation, Launch, and Scale-up), we have presented three case studies from the Chulalongkorn University Technology Center. The approach is structural and based on critical thinking, which helps the technology incubator to accelerate the idea-to-launch process, decide the Go/No-Go of each innovation project stage to prioritize resource contribution, and reduce the risk of failure. Applying an open innovation concept can be beneficial during the NPD process of exchanging internal and external ideas. For example, introducing market demand to guide the direction of research, bringing in high-quality human resources from outside firms to accelerate the research and development, engaging users or customers to trial the product at an early stage, and co-creating the sandbox area to test and validate the innovation. Nevertheless, the project team must have an open mindset and absorptive capability to capture the value of this approach. In addition, university or business incubators should engage legal experts to supervise each activity to avoid conflicts of interest with external parties.

Managerial implications

The actual journey from idea to launch can be different from project to project. Engaging the Next-generation Stage-Gate’s Triple A System, (Adaptive, Agile and Accelerated) and Agile development to the NPD process is very important. Especially during early stages, each project team should focus on setting up a problem statement and then experimenting to learn and fail early, fast, and cheaply. Additionally, we summarized the key lessons learned during the first few batches of the UTC incubation program. First, the importance of the stage-gate committee role and organization as they are the gatekeepers in deciding the Go/No-Go of each project’s stage. The team needs to understand each project very well and be able to effectively track development progress and milestones. Project management software tools can be helpful in sharing ideas and tracking progress among teams, mentors, and committees whose roles must be considered carefully. Second, the incubator is usually responsible for providing NPD guidelines and mentoring for each stage; yet the incubator must also sometimes play a hands-on role solving issues by working closely with each team, especially for topics that they are unfamiliar with or that are at high risk such as regulatory and IP issues. Third, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period, many activities were conducted online, such as business matching, mentoring, and customer meetings. Online activities lack many of the emotional and social aspects of work done in person. Therefore, the community manager had to work hard to build a supportive environment, maintain momentum and create positive team dynamics. Still, our experience suggests that it is possible to practice a hybrid onsite/online model while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 period. Fourth, legal considerations such as NDAs (Non-disclosure Agreements) and co-founder agreements should be considered as early as possible to avoid any conflicts that could cause project delay or failure. Finally, creating an environment where research, business partners, investors, and mentors can get to know each other is very important. These relationships can be developed informally and can lead to successful business deals. However, tech incubators should be able to identify, understand, and manage the expectations and relationships of each party before organizing networking events so that win–win situations can be realized.

Ideas for future research

Further research on the deep-tech NPD framework applied to specific technologies such as Med Tech that require extraordinary activities or have important limitations is needed. Case studies of successes and failures can be very useful. Challenges involving multiple stakeholders in different development journeys can lead to project failure due to miscommunication, lack of transparency, and a lack of legal knowledge. Thus, integrating legal perspectives and creating legal readiness levels in each NPD journey is essential. Finally, an analysis of co-founder characteristics, such as personality and working style, can suggest suitable ways of commercialization to maximize the probability of success.

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Abbreviations

Artificial intelligence

Food and Drug Administration

Gross domestic product

Gross expenditure on R&D

Good manufacturing practice

  • Intellectual property

Institutional review board

Investment readiness level

Minimal viable product

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Non-disclosure agreement

  • New product development

Object character recognition

Personal Data Protection Act

Politics, economics, social, technology, environment and legal

Qualified diagnostic development

Strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat

Technology acceptance model

Technology readiness level

Technology transfer office

User interface

Chulalongkorn University Technology Center

User experience

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Eikonnex AI Co., Ltd., Chulalongkorn University Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (CU-AIM), Chulalongkorn University Center of Excellence in Swine Reproduction, and Qualified Diagnostic Development (QDD) Center of Chulalongkorn University for assisting the required information and being used in the selected case studies. We would like to express our gratitude to the Second Century Fund (C2F) of Chulalongkorn University and the Program Management Unit for National Competitiveness Enhancement (PMU-C) of The Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) to support this research project. Lastly, we would like to thank the staffs of UTC, which now forms a research group called Ignite Innovation Lab.

Second Century Fund (C2F) of Chulalongkorn University and the Program Management Unit for National Competitiveness Enhancement (PMU-C) of The Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) to support this research project.

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Pravee Kruachottikul

University Technology Center (UTC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

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Poomsiri Dumrongvute

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Pinnaree Tea-makorn

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PK, PD, and SK conceived the concept of new product development and entrepreneurship for academic research and technology transfer. PT wrote the manuscript. AA collected data from each research team and the publication templating.

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Kruachottikul, P., Dumrongvute, P., Tea-makorn, P. et al. New product development process and case studies for deep-tech academic research to commercialization. J Innov Entrep 12 , 48 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-023-00311-1

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AI in Action: 6 Business Case Studies on How AI-Based Development is Driving Innovation Across Industries

ai case studies

  • Unveiling the Power of AI - Compelling Statistics Behind AI's Rise

How Appinventiv Empowers Businesses to Create Disruptive AI-Based Platforms: 6 Innovative Case Studies

Mudra (fintech), vyrb (social media), jobget (recruitment), gurushala (edtech), houseeazy (real estate), transformative advantages and ai business use cases across diverse industries, social media platforms, recruitment, step-by-step guide to leveraging ai development for your business growth, step 1: identify business challenges that ai can solve, step 2: set clear ai development objectives, step 3: collaborate with ai development experts, step 4: choose the right ai technology stack, step 5: build a strong data foundation, step 6: pilot ai solutions on a small scale, step 7: monitor and optimize ai performance, how appinventiv delivers comprehensive, cutting-edge ai development services.

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and business innovation is more crucial than ever. Organizations are not merely adapting to change; they are leveraging AI to redefine their operational frameworks and reshape their market presence. As industries evolve, the ability to harness AI-based development becomes a pivotal differentiator, enabling businesses to unlock new efficiencies and enhance customer engagement.

But how exactly is AI being implemented in real-world scenarios? Understanding its practical applications requires diving into specific examples that showcase its impact. This collection of six compelling AI case studies from Appinventiv illustrates how businesses across various sectors are harnessing AI-based development to foster innovation, optimize processes, and create value.

By examining these success stories, businesses can gain valuable insights into the strategies and technologies that are propelling organizations forward in an increasingly competitive environment.

At the forefront of these success stories is Appinventiv, whose proven track record in AI-based application development and software development underscores the potential of intelligent solutions across industries. With a portfolio of successful artificial intelligence case studies that have driven measurable results, Appinventiv exemplifies how targeted AI implementation can unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation.

So, let’s embark on this exploration of transformative AI applications through these case studies. But before that, let’s take a quick look at some compelling artificial intelligence statistics.

Partner with us to build Result-driven Applications

Unveiling the Power of AI – Compelling Statistics Behind AI’s Rise

Artificial intelligence has significantly expanded the scope of various industries by driving automation, optimizing decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering innovative, tailored solutions. Here are a few statistics that demonstrate the growing shift of businesses across different industries toward AI in order to maintain competitiveness and fuel strategic growth.

  • The AI in the fintech market was valued at $42.83 billion in 2023 and grew to $44.08 billion in 2024. With a CAGR of 2.91%, it’s expected to surpass $50 billion by 2029.
  • As per a Gartner report , 76% of HR leaders believe that without adopting AI-based solutions like generative AI within the next 12 to 24 months, their organizations will fall behind in terms of success compared to those that do.
  • The global AI healthcare market was valued at $20.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $48.4 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 48.1% during the forecast period.
  • According to Precedence Research , the global AI in e-commerce market reached $5.81 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to approximately $22.60 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 14.60% from 2023 to 2032.

Now without further ado, let’s delve into the AI case studies that exemplify the remarkable potential of the technology in driving business innovation across industries.

Here are some real-world examples of AI case studies, empowering businesses to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and achieve remarkable outcomes. Let’s dive in!

Mudra embarked on an ambitious initiative to transform budget management through an AI-driven solution. Understanding the demand for a more engaging and accessible approach to personal finance, they sought to develop an application that could simplify budgeting while improving user experience.

Partnering with Appinventiv, they successfully brought this vision to fruition, creating an AI budget app like Mudra that meets the needs of users looking for innovative financial management tools.

Appinventive collaborated with Mudra

Appinventiv’s Strategic Approach

Mudra partnered with Appinventiv to develop a cutting-edge chatbot-centric budget management application aimed at millennials. Our collaboration focused on harnessing AI technology to automate the budgeting process, allowing users to manage their expenses effortlessly. Utilizing Google’s Dialogflow, we built an intelligent chatbot that dynamically analyzes users’ debit and credit card data, delivering personalized insights and reminders that help users stay within their budget. The chatbot’s conversational design includes dynamic and engaging responses, ensuring that interactions feel enjoyable and relevant.

From a design perspective, we aimed to create a seamless user experience that balances functionality with a visually appealing interface. Additionally, we prioritized data security throughout the development process, implementing robust measures to protect user information.

Results: A Game-Changing Fintech Solution

After six months of dedicated development, the result was a groundbreaking chatbot app ready to launch in over 12 countries. Key outcomes included:

  • Automated Expense Tracking: Users can effortlessly monitor their spending.
  • Budget Alerts: Real-time notifications help users stay on track with their finances.
  • Engaging Design: A playful interface that transforms budgeting into an enjoyable experience.
  • Widespread Reach: Successfully launched in over 12 countries, catering to a global audience.
  • User-Centric Experience: Dynamic interactions and a user-friendly layout enhance overall satisfaction.

Mudra’s innovative solution, powered by Appinventiv, transformed budgeting from a mundane task into an exciting journey toward financial wellness, showcasing their efforts as part of compelling artificial intelligence case studies.

Vyrb partnered with Appinventiv to revolutionize social media interactions by enabling users to navigate their platforms through voice commands on Bluetooth wearables. The vision was clear: to create a seamless, hands-free experience that allows users to engage without needing to glance at their smartphones.

This collaboration serves as a noteworthy example of AI case study, illustrating how innovative technology can elevate user engagement.

Appinventive forged a partnership with Vyrb

Appinventiv developed a voice-assistant app, Vyrb that enables users to engage effortlessly without needing to look at their devices.

  • Voice Commands: We integrated intuitive voice command functionality, allowing users to control their social media interactions effortlessly.
  • Autoplay Features: Users can enjoy content seamlessly without manual input, enhancing engagement.
  • Expanded Voice Messaging: This feature enables users to send and receive messages using only their voice, making social media interaction hands-free.

Our team’s dedication to understanding the client’s needs and refining the app’s features was paramount. This collaborative approach ensured that every element was aligned with the goal of transforming social media engagement.

Results: A New Era of Social Media Interaction

The result was a groundbreaking app that significantly impacted the social media landscape. Key achievements included:

  • Funding Success: Vyrb secured more than $1 million in funding, showcasing investor confidence in the innovative solution.
  • Over 50,000 App Downloads: The app quickly gained popularity, reflecting its effectiveness and user appeal.
  • Hands-Free Navigation: The AI-based voice assistant transformed how users interact with social media, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Vyrb stands as a testament to how Appinventiv’s innovative solutions and technical expertise can drive real-world success, showcasing an impressive example of AI case study that redefines the future of social media interactions through cutting-edge technology, particularly with its AI-based voice-assistant app like Vyrb.

JobGet embarked on an ambitious quest to become the leading recruitment app tailored for blue-collar workers. The challenge was clear: drastically reduce the typical job fulfillment timeline from several months to just days. To make this vision a reality, they sought a transformative solution that could enhance the hiring process and facilitate quick connections between job seekers and employers. That’s where Appinventiv came into play.

Strategic alliance between Appinventiv and JobGet

To tackle JobGet’s challenges, we introduced a range of innovative features designed to elevate the user experience:

  • Streamlined Profiles: We created intuitive, resume-like profiles that simplified the hiring journey, allowing job seekers to effectively highlight their skills and qualifications.
  • Integrated Video Interviews: This feature enabled employers and candidates to communicate seamlessly, speeding up the hiring process significantly.
  • AI-Enhanced Location Matching: Utilizing AI technology, we connected job seekers with nearby employers, catering to those with fluctuating schedules and making the app more user-friendly.

Our strategy centered around developing intelligent matching algorithms and real-time alerts to expedite the job search experience for both job seekers and employers, creating an AI-based job search portal like Jobget.

Results: A Recruitment Revolution

  • $52 Million in Series B Funding: The success of the app attracted significant investment, enabling further growth and innovation.
  • 2 Million Downloads: JobGet quickly established itself as a premier platform for blue-collar job seekers, achieving widespread popularity.
  • 150,000 Successful Placements: The app effectively bridged the gap between employers and job seekers, making a notable impact in the labor market.
  • Recognition and Awards: JobGet received several accolades, including the MIT Inclusive Innovation Award and a Gold Award from MassChallenge, underscoring its influence in the recruitment industry.

JobGet’s rapid ascent exemplifies how Appinventiv’s strategic initiatives played a crucial role in transforming the recruitment landscape for blue-collar workers.

"Appinventiv streamlined our job search process with their empathy mapping expertise." – Billy Lan

Discover how AI case studies are transforming education with innovative solutions like the AI-powered Question and Tag Generator developed for Gurushala .

This tool aimed to revolutionize content creation for educators by simplifying the process of generating assessments from diverse resources such as YouTube videos and NCERT PDFs. Gurushala partnered with Appinventiv to make this vision a reality, helping teachers easily create relevant course materials and assessments, ultimately streamlining educational processes.

Appinventiv partnered with Gurushala

To address Gurushala’s needs, we implemented a range of advanced features designed to enhance content generation:

  • AI-Driven Question Generation: The tool automatically creates objective assessment questions based on key factors such as subject type, chapter, topic, complexity, Bloom’s taxonomy, and skill level, ensuring a thorough evaluation of student understanding.
  • Automated Tagging System: Uploaded content is tagged automatically, making it easy for educators to retrieve relevant materials quickly.
  • Diverse Question Types: The system supports a variety of question formats, including grammatical, comprehension-based, and mathematical questions.
  • Advanced AI Technologies: We leveraged cutting-edge technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) , document-based question answering, and generative AI for summarization and conversational interfaces.

Additionally, our focus extended to developing personalized learning paths, intelligent content recommendations, and interactive assessment tools to optimize student engagement and enrich the educational experience, resulting in an AI-based online learning platform like Gurushala.

Results: A Transformative Educational Tool

  • 150,000 Teachers and Students Onboarded: A significant number of users embraced the platform, demonstrating its impact in the educational sector.
  • $2.1 Million in Funding Received: The success of the platform attracted substantial investment, facilitating further growth and innovation.
  • 20+ National Media Mentions: Gurushala gained significant visibility and recognition, highlighting its contribution to transforming education.

Gurushala’s innovative AI-powered platform, developed in collaboration with Appinventiv, exemplifies how technology can transform education, making it more efficient and effective for both educators and students.

One of the business transformation case studies of artificial intelligence is HouseEazy. HouseEazy aimed to revolutionize the real estate industry by creating an innovative AI solution for predicting property prices. The goal was to automate the pricing process, providing users with precise, data-driven insights to enhance their buying and selling strategies.

To realize this vision, HouseEazy collaborated with Appinventiv to tap into advanced technology and machine learning app development expertise.

To support HouseEazy’s ambitions, we crafted a detailed strategy centered around maximizing model efficiency:

  • Data Preparation and Encoding: We refined and structured data to optimize the performance of AI models, ensuring accurate inputs lead to dependable outputs.
  • Incorporating Time-Series Analysis: By utilizing time-series techniques, we enabled the model to detect and forecast price trends over time, offering valuable insights into market dynamics.
  • Advanced Model Development: Our team employed techniques like Random Forest Regression, Statsmodels, and ARIMA for thorough model creation and assessment, guaranteeing high reliability in predictions.
  • Technology Deployment: With our expertise in Python, Flask, and various machine learning frameworks, we ensured a smooth deployment process, integrating the predictive tool seamlessly into HouseEazy’s platform.

Results: Transforming Property Price Predictions

  • Reliable Price Predictions: HouseEazy can now deliver accurate property forecasts, empowering users to make informed decisions in the real estate market.
  • Improved User Experience: Automating property pricing has streamlined the user journey, simplifying navigation through real estate options.
  • Strengthened Market Position: With a sophisticated AI-driven solution, HouseEazy has enhanced its competitive edge, attracting more users and driving growth.

Through this collaboration, HouseEazy has effectively leveraged AI to enhance property pricing, fundamentally changing how users engage with the real estate market.

Tootle aimed to redefine the user experience in navigation and information retrieval by harnessing the power of AI. The goal was to provide users with accurate, location-based insights—such as weather updates, nearby places, and relevant facts—through a conversational interface. Tootle partnered with Appinventiv to turn this vision into reality by leveraging advanced technologies.

Appinventiv teamed up with Tootle

To achieve Tootle’s objectives, we focused on integrating a suite of cutting-edge technologies and features:

  • Generative AI and NLP Integration: By incorporating large language models (LLMs), we enhanced Tootle’s ability to accurately retrieve and process detailed location-based information.
  • Real-Time Data Fetching: Utilizing APIs such as Google Places and Wikipedia, Tootle can access real-time information, ensuring users receive up-to-date insights.
  • Advanced Speech Technologies: We implemented tools like Deepgram and the OpenAI API to generate clear, concise, and conversational responses, elevating the user experience.
  • Conversational Interactions: By integrating text-to-speech and speech-to-text capabilities, Tootle offers a seamless conversational interface, providing users with spoken answers alongside textual information.

[Also Read: How much does it cost to build an app like Speechify? ]

Results: A Conversational Navigation Revolution

  • Enhanced User Experience: Users can now interact with Tootle in a natural, conversational manner, receiving accurate information effortlessly.
  • Real-Time Insights: The integration of APIs allows for timely updates on weather and nearby locations, improving user decision-making.
  • Increased Engagement: The combination of speech capabilities and responsive interactions has made Tootle a preferred choice for users seeking intuitive navigation solutions.

Through Appinventiv’s strategic expertise, Tootle has successfully transformed the way users engage with navigation, setting a new standard for intelligent information retrieval.

revolutionize your business processes in AI development

Still unsure how artificial intelligence can help elevate your business to new heights in the current competitive landscape? Let’s take a closer look at the major industry-wise AI benefits and use cases.

Investing in artificial intelligence can provide companies with a significant competitive advantage by driving innovation, attracting top talent, and staying ahead in fast-evolving AI markets. Let’s explore AI business use cases  and uncover its wide-ranging benefits and transformative potential for businesses across industries.

AI-Assisted Surgery

AI-Assisted Surgery is revolutionizing the healthcare industry by enhancing precision and reducing recovery times. By integrating AI-based mobile app development with surgical tools, surgeons can benefit from real-time data analysis and guidance, resulting in more accurate procedures. This is one of the notable AI use cases examples, showcasing how technology is transforming healthcare practices for better precision and patient care.

AI in Surgery

Drug Discovery with AI Algorithms

AI-based development is accelerating drug discovery by analyzing vast datasets to identify potential drug candidates faster and more efficiently than traditional methods. Artificial intelligence in mobile app development can predict how different compounds interact with biological targets, streamline the screening process, and suggest novel molecules.

Ai in drug Discovery

Virtual Health Assistants

Virtual Health Assistants, powered by AI-based development, offer personalized support to patients by managing appointments. This artificial intelligence implementation example demonstrates accessibility to healthcare services and supports better management, exemplifying the diverse AI use cases examples that are reshaping the future of healthcare.

Algorithmic Trading with AI

Algorithmic Trading powered by AI-based development is transforming the financial markets by enabling faster, more accurate trading decisions. AI-based algorithms analyze vast amounts of market data in real-time, identifying patterns and making trades at optimal times. This leads to increased profitability and reduced risk for traders.

Securities trade processing flow for Algorithmic trading

AI-Driven Risk Assessment

AI-driven risk assessment is enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of evaluating financial risks. Through artificial intelligence, application systems analyze historical data, market trends, and external factors to assess risk levels and predict potential financial threats. This allows financial institutions to better understand and manage risk exposure, leading to improved decision-making and more effective risk management strategies.

Chatbots for Automated Customer Support

Chatbots powered by AI are revolutionizing customer support in the finance sector by providing instant assistance and handling routine inquiries. These AI-driven chatbots can manage a wide range of customer interactions, from answering questions about account balances to assisting with transaction processes.

Dynamic AI Pricing Models

Dynamic AI-based pricing models revolutionize how retailers set prices by adjusting them in real-time based on factors like market demand, competitor pricing, and consumer behavior. By leveraging machine learning algorithms , these models ensure optimal pricing that adapts instantly to changing conditions. This dynamic approach enables businesses to maximize revenue, as products are always priced according to current market trends.

AI-Based Demand Forecasting

AI-based demand forecasting empowers retailers to predict future customer demand with a high degree of accuracy. By analyzing historical sales data, current market trends, and external influences like weather or seasonal events, AI-based web app development systems generate precise forecasts that help retailers manage their inventory effectively.

AI-based Demand forecasting

Virtual Fitting Rooms with AI

AI-powered apps offer a cutting-edge solution for retailers, allowing customers to try on clothes virtually without visiting a physical store. Using AI-based web app development and augmented reality, the virtual try-on systems provide personalized fitting experiences based on an individual’s body measurements and style preferences.

AI-Powered Personalized Learning Paths

AI-powered apps revolutionize education by customizing each student’s journey based on their unique learning style, strengths, and areas for improvement. By analyzing data such as past performance, learning speed, and preferences, AI-based development creates tailored lessons that adapt in real time. This approach ensures that students progress at their own pace.

AI-Powered personalized learning

AI-Based Automated Grading Systems

AI-based automated grading systems offer significant advantages in educational settings by speeding up the assessment process and providing consistent, objective feedback. These systems can evaluate assignments, quizzes, and even essays with remarkable accuracy, reducing the burden on educators and freeing up time for more personalized instruction.

Intelligent Tutoring Systems

Intelligent tutoring systems, powered by AI, act as virtual tutors that offer personalized instruction and real-time feedback to students. These systems adapt to a learner’s specific needs, identifying gaps in knowledge and providing targeted lessons to address them. Unlike traditional tutoring, intelligent systems are available 24/7, offering support whenever a student needs it.

AI-Driven Content Moderation

AI-driven content moderation plays a critical role in maintaining safe and positive environments on social media platforms. Using machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, AI-based mobile app development systems can automatically detect and remove harmful content such as hate speech, offensive language, and inappropriate images.

Sentiment Analysis for User Engagement

Sentiment analysis, powered by AI , enables social media platforms to gauge user emotions and opinions based on the content they share and interact with. By analyzing text, comments, and reactions, AI-based development can determine whether a user’s sentiment is positive, negative, or neutral, providing valuable insights into how users feel about specific topics, brands, or trends.

AI-Based Content Recommendation

AI-based content recommendation systems enhance user experience on social media platforms by curating personalized content feeds based on individual preferences and behavior. These systems analyze users’ past interactions, likes, shares, and search history to recommend posts, videos, and articles that are most likely to capture their interest.

AI-Powered Visual Search Engines

AI-powered apps allow customers to find products using images instead of traditional text queries. The key benefit is that it enhances the shopping experience by making it easier for users to find exactly what they want, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased conversions.

AI-Driven Customer Behavior Analytics

AI-driven customer behavior analytics helps eCommerce businesses gain deep insights into customer preferences, purchasing patterns, and engagement levels. AI-based app development use cases include using AI to segment customers based on their browsing history, recommending products based on previous purchases, and optimizing pricing strategies for higher sales conversions.

AI-Based Supply Chain Optimization

AI-based app development use cases include eCommerce businesses using AI to automate restocking processes, predict demand for products based on seasonal trends, and reduce shipping costs through AI-driven route optimization. The benefit is a streamlined supply chain, reducing delays, minimizing costs, and ensuring products are always in stock when needed.

AI-Powered Resume Screening

In recruitment, AI-powered apps revolutionize how organizations sift through the vast number of job applications they receive. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, artificial intelligence can quickly analyze resumes and match candidates’ qualifications to job descriptions with remarkable accuracy. This technology not only speeds up the initial screening process but also ensures that the most relevant candidates are identified based on specific skills, experience, and qualifications.

Predictive Analytics for Employee Retention

Predictive analytics for employee retention uses data-driven insights to forecast which employees might be at risk of leaving and why. By analyzing historical data, employee behavior patterns, and various organizational factors, predictive models can identify potential red flags that signal disengagement or dissatisfaction. This allows companies to proactively address issues before they lead to turnover.

AI-Assisted Interview Scheduling

AI-assisted interview scheduling simplifies and automates the process of coordinating interviews between candidates and hiring teams. AI in mobile apps can integrate with calendars, analyze availability, and automatically propose optimal times for interviews. This eliminates the back-and-forth typically involved in scheduling and reduces the chances of conflicts or errors.

Autonomous Vehicle Navigation with AI

Autonomous vehicle navigation powered by AI-based app development represents a significant leap forward in automotive technology, enabling vehicles to operate without human intervention. AI in mobile apps systems utilize a combination of sensors, cameras, and sophisticated algorithms to interpret the surrounding environment, make real-time decisions, and navigate safely.

AI-Based Driver Assistance Systems

AI-based driver assistance systems are designed to enhance vehicle safety and driver convenience by providing real-time support through various features. These systems include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Artificial intelligence analyzes data from sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, predict potential hazards, and alert or assist the driver as needed.

Predictive Maintenance in Smart Vehicles

Predictive maintenance in smart vehicles uses AI and machine learning to anticipate vehicle component failures before they occur. By analyzing data from various sensors and historical maintenance records, artificial intelligence models can predict when parts are likely to wear out or malfunction.

Having explored real-world examples through AI case studies, let’s now move forward with a detailed, AI-based development process. This guide will ensure a smooth transition from initial concept to final deployment, paving the way for successful implementation.

Unlock Business Growth: A Step-by-Step AI Development Guide

Start by analyzing the pain points, inefficiencies, and areas where automation, predictive analytics, or data-driven decisions can lead to improved performance. Understanding the right problems to solve with AI will guide the development process and maximize the impact on your business growth.

Once challenges are identified, it’s important to set clear and measurable AI development objectives. Define the goals you aim to achieve, whether it’s increasing operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience, or boosting sales. Well-defined objectives ensure that the AI implementation aligns with your broader business strategy and provides a benchmark for evaluating success.

AI-based development often requires specialized knowledge, making collaboration with AI experts or development partners beneficial. These professionals can guide you through the technical complexities, offer insights on best practices, and help tailor solutions to your specific needs.

While selecting a development partner, review their artificial intelligence case studies to gain valuable insights into how AI-based projects are executed by them, highlighting their strategies that contributed to the success of their clients.

Selecting the right AI technology stack is a critical step in the AI software development process. Depending on your objectives, you may need to explore machine learning algorithms, natural language processing tools, or computer vision systems.

AI thrives on data, and building a robust data foundation is essential for success. Collect and organize relevant data from various sources, ensuring it is clean, accessible, and secure. A strong data infrastructure helps to build AI models that deliver accurate insights and predictions, making data management a priority throughout the development process.

Before rolling out an AI-based app across your entire business, it’s wise to pilot the solution on a smaller scale. Implement AI in a specific department or for a particular task to test its functionality and performance. Piloting allows you to identify potential issues, fine-tune the solution, and measure initial success before committing to a larger deployment.

AI development doesn’t end with deployment. Continuous monitoring and optimization are necessary to ensure the AI system performs efficiently over time. Regularly assess the system’s output, make adjustments based on performance data, and refine algorithms to keep up with evolving business needs.

Appinventiv, a leading AI development company , builds comprehensive, cutting-edge AI platforms by combining a multifaceted approach with a deep understanding of client needs. With over 9 years of experience and a team of 1600+ experts, we adhere to strict deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of quality, ensuring that each project is completed on time without compromising on excellence.

Our services are holistic, addressing every aspect of AI implementation, from conceptualization to deployment. Supported by our seasoned team, we leverage the latest technologies to craft scalable, secure, and customized AI solutions that perfectly align with business goals.

This dedication to precision and innovation ensures that our clients receive not only AI-powered solutions but also a strategic partner committed to their long-term success.

Connect with us to explore how AI services can revolutionize your business operations, fostering innovation and achieving exceptional results through advanced technological capabilities.

Q. How is AI used in different industries?

A. AI is leveraged across various industries to revolutionize processes, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. In healthcare, AI is used to power diagnostics, improve patient care, and predict disease outbreaks. Financial institutions leverage AI for fraud detection, risk assessment, and automated trading. In the retail sector, AI is applied to personalize customer experiences and optimize inventory management. Manufacturing industries use AI to streamline production, automate quality control, and forecast equipment maintenance.

Numerous AI case studies highlight how businesses in these sectors have successfully integrated AI to achieve operational excellence and innovation.

Q. What are some artificial intelligence implementation examples?

A. Here are some notable examples of AI implementation across industries:

Healthcare: AI is leveraged for diagnostic tools in order to analyze medical data to assist in diagnosing diseases and recommending treatments.

Finance: Businesses utilize AI for fraud detection by evaluating  transaction patterns in real-time to identify suspicious transactions.

Retail: With the assistance of AI, companies prioritize shopping experience, leveraging personalized recommendation based on user behavior.

Manufacturing: AI plays a significant role in forecasting equipment failures as well as optimizing maintenance schedules.

These examples demonstrate how AI can exceptionally augment efficiency, reduce costs and enhance user experience across sectors.

Q. How much does it cost to develop an AI-based app?

A. The AI-based app development cost varies significantly depending on the complexity of the features, technology stack, and the development team’s expertise. On average, it can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more.

Simple AI functionalities, like chatbots, may cost on the lower end, while complex AI solutions involving machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics, or deep learning could push the cost upwards. Additional factors such as the need for continuous data integration, cloud infrastructure, and security measures also impact the overall budget.

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AI Breakthroughs: Industry-Wise Practical Applications of Neural Networks for Businesses

As we approach the end of 2024, it's clear that artificial intelligence (ai) has evolved from being a mere hype to a pivotal force that has been the backbone of major innovations driving businesses across multiple industries. among the many ai technologies, neural networks stand out due to their ability to mirror the complex network….

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The future of business is here and has been redefined by artificial intelligence (ai). ai has been a buzzword in the modern business world, and this is nowhere more evident than in artificial intelligence as a service or ai saas products. ai has a revolutionary impact on saas platforms, making traditional applications more efficient and….

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  • September 9, 2024

P2P Trading-enabled Local Energy Market Supplemented with Blockchain Technology: An Australian Case Study

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the electricity market, and a new study suggests that it could be used to create a more efficient and equitable system. The study, which was conducted in Australia, proposes a framework for integrating peer-to-peer (P2P) trading with blockchain technology.

Under this model, prosumers and consumers would be able to trade electricity directly with each other, without the need for a middleman. This would allow them to get a better price for their energy, and it would also help to reduce the strain on the electricity grid.

The study found that the proposed model could provide significant benefits to both prosumers and consumers. It could also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and it could make the electricity market more resilient to shocks.

This study is just one example of the many ways that blockchain technology could be used to improve the electricity market. As technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the future.

Read the full case study here

IEEE Members read here

Authors: Dr. Liaqat Ali, Dr. M. Imran Azim, Jan Peters, Nabin B. Ojha, Dr. Vivek Bhandari, Anand Menon, Vinod Tiwari, Dr. Jemma Green, Professor S. M. Muyeen, Professor M. G. Simoes

© 2022 IEEE.  Personal use of this material is permitted.  Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.

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Is Pyrolysis Treatment a Viable Solution to Detoxify Metal(loid)s in Sewage Sludge toward Land Application? Case Studies of Chromium and Zinc Click to copy article link Article link copied!

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  • Jiawen Wang Jiawen Wang Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China College of Grassland, Resources, and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, P. R. China More by Jiawen Wang
  • Aichu Yan Aichu Yan Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China More by Aichu Yan
  • Jiaxiao Wang Jiaxiao Wang Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China More by Jiaxiao Wang
  • Xuehui Xu Xuehui Xu College of Grassland, Resources, and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, P. R. China More by Xuehui Xu

Environmental Science & Technology

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Metal(loid)s in sewage sludge (SS) are effectively immobilized after pyrolysis. However, the bioavailability and fate of the immobilized metal(loid)s in SS-derived biochar (SSB) following land application remain largely unknown. Here, the speciation and bioavailability evolution of SSB-borne Cr and Zn in soil were systematically investigated by combining pot and field trials and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that approximately 58% of Cr existing as Cr(III)-humic complex in SS were transformed into Fe (hydr)oxide-bound Cr(III), while nano-ZnS in SS was transformed into stable ZnS and ferrihydrite-bound species (accounting for over 90% of Zn in SSB) during pyrolysis. All immobilized metal(loid)s, including Cr and Zn, in SSB tended to be slowly remobilized during aging in soil. This study highlighted that SSB acted as a dual role of source and sink of metal(loid)s in soil and posed potential risks by serving a greater role of a metal(loid) source than a sink when applied to uncontaminated soils. Nevertheless, SSB could impede the translocation of metal(loid)s from soil to crop compared to SS, where coexisting elements, including Fe, P, and Zn, played critical roles. These findings provide new insights for understanding the fate of SSB-borne metal(loid)s in soil and assessing the viability of pyrolyzing SS for land application.

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  • Plant derived food

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  • sewage sludge biochar
  • heavy metal
  • immobilization
  • bioavailability
  • X-ray absorption spectroscopy

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Supporting Information

Detailed description of pyrolysis of SSB, pot, and field trials; bacterial community analyses; sequential chemical extraction; XAS analyses; mass balance of OC in soil; root extraction procedure; soil and SSB properties; XAS fitting results; metal(loid) contents in crop grains and roots; microbial diversity and abundance indices; C 1s NEXAFS peak assignments; XAS of reference compounds; crop biomass and BCFs of metal(loid)s; C 1s NEXAFS and N 1s XPS data; transformation schematic of metal(loid)s in biochar-soil-plant systems; soil pH changes affected by SSB application; Pearson correlation analysis; sequential chemical extraction results; metal(loid) distribution on root surfaces; and bacterial community analyses ( PDF )

  • es4c04266_si_001.pdf (5.48 MB)

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  25. Is Pyrolysis Treatment a Viable Solution to Detoxify Metal(loid)s in

    Products & Services; Get Access; Manage My Account; support. Website Demos & Tutorials ... (loid)s in Sewage Sludge toward Land Application? Case Studies of Chromium and Zinc. Click to copy article link Article link copied! Lei Luo * Lei Luo. ... School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, P. R ...