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• What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

Published on May 8, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023.

A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research.

A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods , but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing , comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem .

Table of contents

When to do a case study, step 1: select a case, step 2: build a theoretical framework, step 3: collect your data, step 4: describe and analyze the case, other interesting articles.

A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.

Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation . They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research.

You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and illuminate different aspects of your research problem.

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Once you have developed your problem statement and research questions , you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to:

• Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject
• Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories
• Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem
• Open up new directions for future research

TipIf your research is more practical in nature and aims to simultaneously investigate an issue as you solve it, consider conducting action research instead.

Unlike quantitative or experimental research , a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample. In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem.

Example of an outlying case studyIn the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average. It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease.

However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience or phenomenon.

Example of a representative case studyIn the 1920s, two sociologists used Muncie, Indiana as a case study of a typical American city that supposedly exemplified the changing culture of the US at the time.

While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field. This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to:

• Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation
• Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated
• Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that doesn’t fit with established assumptions

To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework . This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation.

There are many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews , observations , and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data.

Example of a mixed methods case studyFor a case study of a wind farm development in a rural area, you could collect quantitative data on employment rates and business revenue, collect qualitative data on local people’s perceptions and experiences, and analyze local and national media coverage of the development.

The aim is to gain as thorough an understanding as possible of the case and its context.

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In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject.

How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis , with separate sections or chapters for the methods , results and discussion .

Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyze its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis ).

In all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Normal distribution
• Degrees of freedom
• Null hypothesis
• Discourse analysis
• Control groups
• Mixed methods research
• Non-probability sampling
• Quantitative research
• Ecological validity

Research bias

• Rosenthal effect
• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Selection bias
• Negativity bias
• Status quo bias

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Case study 6.1- adapting to a changing world.

This activity was selected for the On the Cutting Edge Reviewed Teaching Collection

This activity has received positive reviews in a peer review process involving five review categories. The five categories included in the process are

For more information about the peer review process itself, please see https://serc.carleton.edu/teachearth/activity_review.html .

• First Publication: June 24, 2014
• Reviewed: July 17, 2017 -- Reviewed by the On the Cutting Edge Activity Review Process

In this activity, students consider how several communities are adapting to climate change-related problems including drought's impacts on agriculture, loss of assets due to climate-related hazards, freshwater availability, and extreme heat waves. They will read brief case studies about agro-forestry, insurance strategies, the "Room for the River" program in the Netherlands, water storage from retreating glaciers, and city planning for heat waves. Based on these examples and knowledge of their own community, they will suggest possible adaptation strategies that will be most beneficial to their area.

Expand for more detail and links to related resources

Activity Classification and Connections to Related Resources Collapse

Grade level.

View Standards Details »

Science and Engineering Practices

Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Analyze and interpret data to determine similarities and differences in findings. MS-P4.7:

Engaging in Argument from Evidence: Evaluate competing design solutions to a real-world problem based on scientific ideas and principles, empirical evidence, and/or logical arguments regarding relevant factors (e.g. economic, societal, environmental, ethical considerations). HS-P7.6:

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions: Design, evaluate, and/or refine a solution to a complex real-world problem, based on scientific knowledge, student-generated sources of evidence, prioritized criteria, and tradeoff considerations. HS-P6.5:

Disciplinary Core Ideas

Global Climate Change: Though the magnitudes of human impacts are greater than they have ever been, so too are human abilities to model, predict, and manage current and future impacts. HS-ESS3.D1:

Performance Expectations

Engineering Design: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts. HS-ETS1-3:

Earth and Human Activity: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems. HS-ESS3-4:

Learning Goals

During this activity, your students will:

• Identify to which climate change opinion group they belong (alarmed, concerned, cautious, disengaged, doubtful, or dismissive) using a climate change survey instrument.
• Compare the class distribution of climate change opinions to the national distribution.
• Determine their own and their community's social vulnerability to climate change based on demographic factors.
• Distinguish between climate change mitigation and adaptation and the potential pros and cons of each strategy.
• Summarize several methods of 21st-century adaptations to climate change, including agroforestry, floodplain reclamation, insurance policy changes, and response to extreme heat waves.

My goals in creating this activity were to:

• Provide an understanding of current national attitudes about climate change.
• Illustrate the difference between climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation strategies.
• Provide structured opportunities to identify effective 21st-century climate change adaptation efforts.
• Encourage reflection about one's own beliefs about the existence of climate change, humans' contribution to climate change, and the potential impacts of climate change on society.
• Provide opportunities for reflection about the inequity of climate change and the need for climate resilience in industrialized and developing countries.

Context for Use

Educational level: introductory geology, meteorology, oceanography, or other geoscience-related course

Class size: can be adapted to serve a variety of class sizes.

Class format: This activity is suitable for use in a lecture or lab setting but can also be done outside of class as a homework assignment. If this activity is done in class, the desired format is a gallery walk , during which groups of two to four students read several examples of climate change adaptation case studies, followed by a compilation of ideas about personal and local adaptations to climate change in the future. Alternatively, students may read the case studies individually outside of class and write a response to personal and local adaptations to climate change in the future.

Time required: approximately 50 minutes, including a discussion on public opinion about climate change, climate change adaptation vs. mitigation, and the adaptation case studies.

Special equipment: Each student should receive a copy of the preparation exercise (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 135kB Sep9 12) . Each student should have access to the climate change adaptation case studies. If the activity is done during class, the instructor should provide copies of the case studies. If the activity is done as a homework assignment, students can access the case studies online.

Skills or concepts that students should have already mastered before encountering the activity: Students should have an awareness of the concept of anthropogenic climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as measured trends in greenhouse gas emissions (as studied in case study 5.2 of the Climate of Change module. Before coming to class, each student should have taken the "6 Americas" online survey and completed the social vulnerability survey.

• as an in-class activity on its own or in conjunction with Case Study 6.2, depending on time constraints;
• as a lab on human responses to climate change when combined with Unit 1 and Case Study 6.2;
• as part of the complete Climate of Change InTeGrate module.

Description and Teaching Materials

• Preparation Exercise: What's your Climate Change Personality? (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 135kB Sep9 12) (student handout)
• Adapting to a Changing World: Climate Change and the Insurance Industry (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 428kB Sep15 12) (student handout)
• Adapting to a Changing World: Heat Waves (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 2.9MB Sep15 12) (student handout)
• Adapting to a Changing World: Flooding (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 791kB Jun24 14) (student handout)

Climate Adaptation and the Insurance Industry

• In these case studies, how is the response of the US insurance industry (Alfa and State Farm Florida) different from the HARITA partners?
• Why do you think that HARITA has responded so differently to weather and climate-related insurance issues than Alfa and State Farm Florida have responded?
• How, if at all, is the Alfa and State Farm Florida response an effective climate change adaptation strategy?
• How, if at all, is the HARITA response an effective climate change adaptation strategy?
• Which response—Alfa and State Farm Florida OR HARITA—do you believe is a more effective climate change adaptation strategy?

Adaptation to Extreme Heat Waves

• Name one benefit of installing a cool roof.
• Uncertainty related to climate change means that many cities may need to adapt to increased climate variability. How do projects like the Green Streets Initiative have the potential to help cities adapt to both heat waves and flooding?
• What are some of the differences between adapting to heat waves in a major metropolitan area like New York City vs. a smaller city like Wangaratta? In which type of settlement do you think that adaptation to heat waves would be more challenging? Why?
• Which, if any, of these adaptations to heat waves would be feasible where you live?

Adaptation to Flooding

• How does the Dutch strategy for adapting to climate change-related flooding differ from flood adaptation strategies in the United States? Which country's strategy do you believe is more effective?
• How has the Dutch government differed in its approach to adaptation in rural areas compared to adaptation in urban areas?
• How do you feel about the Dutch government relocating individuals like Jacques Broekmans, whose land lies in a designated flood zone, and widening areas along the Rhine River, allowing some communities to flood?
• The Netherlands is a wealthy, industrialized country. Which of their adaptations would be feasible in poorer, developing countries? Which of their adaptations would not?

Teaching Notes and Tips

• Potential procedure for comparing the class "Six Americas" data to the national data: instructor has alarmed, concerned, cautious, disengaged, doubtful, and dismissive written on the board. As students enter the classroom, they are instructed to put a mark under their climate personality from the survey. Instructor tallies the totals for each climate personality and writes the totals on the board, then asks students to calculate the percentages of each climate personality. When finished, the class data can be compared to the national data. Reasons for any observed differences may be speculated upon by the class.
• In getting students to differentiate between mitigation vs. adaptation, there are many geologic and nongeologic analogies that may be utilized other than "the aging starlet" story provided in the PowerPoint slides. For example, faculty using this case study in an environmental geology or natural hazards course could discuss public response to debris flow hazards in Southern California. The instructor could present two debris flow response scenarios and ask students to consider which is an adaptation strategy, which is a mitigation strategy, and pros and cons of each. An interesting adaptation strategy is described in John McPhee's The Control of Nature : "At least one family has experienced so many debris flows coming into their backyard that they long ago installed overhead doors in the rear end of their built-in garage. Now when the boulders come they open both ends of their garage, and the debris goes through to the street" (189).
• There are several methods that may be used in implementing the climate change adaptation examples activity:
• Gallery walk #1:
• Each student is given a handout with all of the climate change adaptation examples.
• Questions about each set of examples are displayed on large pieces of paper, whiteboards, etc., around the classroom.
• In groups, students visit each station, read the climate change adaptation examples from their handout, and write their responses to the questions directly on the large pieces of paper/whiteboards.
• If the instructor chooses/if time allows, a group discussion summarizing the answers to the questions may follow.
• Gallery walk #2:
• Enlarge the font for the climate change adaptation examples and display the examples on large pieces of paper, whiteboards, etc. around the classroom.
• Each group is given a handout with questions for each climate change adaptation strategy.
• In groups, students rotate around the classroom and read the climate change adaptation examples.
• In groups, students answer the questions (on their handout) for each set of examples.
• Virtual gallery walk: if students have computer access, they may read the climate change adaptation examples online on the climate change adaptations page .
• Seated, small-group discussion: same procedure as gallery walk #1, only rather than students answering the questions on large pieces of paper/whiteboards around the classroom, they answer the questions on their handout in small groups.
• If possible, the audio clips on flood adaptation in the Netherlands would be an excellent addition to this activity during class. In a gallery walk setting, students could be prompted to listen to the audio clips before their group answers the flood adaptation questions. Alternatively, the clip could be played for the entire class at once.

(1) There are several methods that may be used to assess the climate adaptation gallery walk. General suggestions for formal and informal assessment of gallery walks are on the SERC website . Ultimately, students should be able to describe how the insurance industry is adapting to weather and climate-related policy claims; the flood adaptation steps being taken by the Netherlands; strategies used by cities of various sizes (Chicago, New York City, Wangaratta) to adapt to heat waves; and adaptive agricultural responses to drought. This could be assessed orally (for example, at the end of the class meeting as students summarize the answers to the posted gallery walk questions), as a short answer question on an exam, or as a written homework assignment.

(2) The following items represent hypothetical strategies to address climate change. Classify each as either a climate change mitigation strategy or a climate change adaptation strategy by placing an X in the appropriate box.

(3) short answer question: adaptation in Providence, RI (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 380kB Sep15 12)

References and Resources

« Previous Page       Next Page »

• Instructor Materials: Module Overview
• Unit 1: Forecasting Climate Variability and Change: A matter of survival
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
• Student Materials

Teaching Themes

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What Is a Case Study? How to Write, Examples, and Template

In this post

How to write a case study

Case study template, case study examples, types of case studies, what are the benefits of case studies , what are the limitations of case studies , case study vs. testimonial.

In today's marketplace, conveying your product's value through a compelling narrative is crucial to genuinely connecting with your customers.

Your business can use marketing analytics tools to understand what customers want to know about your product. Once you have this information, the next step is to showcase your product and its benefits to your target audience. This strategy involves a mix of data, analysis, and storytelling. Combining these elements allows you to create a narrative that engages your audience. So, how can you do this effectively?

What is a case study? 

A case study is a powerful tool for showcasing a business's success in helping clients achieve their goals. It's a form of storytelling that details real-world scenarios where a business implemented its solutions to deliver positive results for a client.

In this article, we explore the concept of a case study , including its writing process, benefits, various types, challenges, and more.

Understanding how to write a case study is an invaluable skill. You'll need to embrace decision-making – from deciding which customers to feature to designing the best format to make them as engaging as possible.  This can feel overwhelming in a hurry, so let's break it down.

Step 1: Reach out to the target persona

If you've been in business for a while, you have no shortage of happy customers. But w ith limited time and resources, you can't choose everyone.  So, take some time beforehand to flesh out your target buyer personas. 

Once you know precisely who you're targeting, go through your stable of happy customers to find a buyer representative of the audience you're trying to reach. The closer their problems, goals, and industries align, the more your case study will resonate.

What if you have more than one buyer persona? No problem. This is a common situation for companies because buyers comprise an entire committee. You might be marketing to procurement experts, executives, engineers, etc. Try to develop a case study tailored to each key persona. This might be a long-term goal, and that's fine. The better you can personalize the experience for each stakeholder, the easier it is to keep their attention.  

Here are a few considerations to think about before research:

• Products/services of yours the customer uses (and how familiar they are with them)
• The customer's brand recognition in the industry
• Whether the results they've achieved are specific and remarkable
• Whether they've switched from a competitor's product/service
• How closely aligned they are with your target audience

These items are just a jumping-off point as you develop your criteria.  Once you have a list, run each customer through it to determine your top targets. Approach the ones on the top (your "dream" case study subjects) and work your way down as needed.

Who to interview

You should consider interviewing top-level managers or executives because those are high-profile positions. But consider how close they are to your product and its results.

Focusing on an office manager or engineer who uses your product daily would be better. Look for someone with a courtside view of the effects.

The ways to request customer participation in case studies can vary, but certain principles can improve your chances:

• Make it easy for customers to work with you, respecting their valuable time. Be well-prepared and minimize their involvement.
• Emphasize how customers will benefit through increased publicity, revenue opportunities, or recognition for their success. 
• Acknowledge their contributions and showcase their achievements.
• Standardizing the request process with a script incorporating these principles can help your team consistently secure case study approvals and track performance.

Step 2: Prepare for the interview

Case study interviews are like school exams. The more prepared you are for them, the better they turn out. Preparing thoroughly also shows participants that you value their time. You don't waste precious minutes rehashing things you should have already known. You focus on getting the information you need as efficiently as possible.

You can conduct your case study interview in multiple formats, from exchanging emails to in-person interviews. This isn't a trivial decision.  As you'll see in the chart below, each format has its unique advantages and disadvantages. 

You'll also have to consider who will ask and answer the questions during your case study interview. It's wise to consider this while considering the case study format.  The number of participants factors into which format will work best. Pulling off an in-person interview becomes much harder if you're trying to juggle four or five people's busy schedules. Try a video conference instead.

Before interviewing your case study participant, it is crucial to identify the specific questions that need to be asked.  It's essential to thoroughly evaluate your collaboration with the client and understand how your product's contributions impact the company. 

Remember that structuring your case study is akin to crafting a compelling narrative. To achieve this, follow a structured approach:

• Beginning of your story. Delve into the customer's challenge that ultimately led them to do business with you. What were their problems like? What drove them to make a decision finally? Why did they choose you?
• The middle of the case study.  Your audience also wants to know about the experience of working with you. Your customer has taken action to address their problems. What happened once you got on board?
• An ending that makes you the hero.  Describe the specific results your company produced for the customer. How has the customer's business (and life) changed once they implemented your solution?

Sample questions for the case study interview

If you're preparing for a case study interview, here are some sample case study research questions to help you get started:

• What challenges led you to seek a solution?
• When did you realize the need for immediate action? Was there a tipping point?
• How did you decide on the criteria for choosing a B2B solution, and who was involved?
• What set our product or service apart from others you considered?
• How was your experience working with us post-purchase?
• Were there any pleasant surprises or exceeded expectations during our collaboration?
• How smoothly did your team integrate our solution into their workflows?
• How long before you started seeing positive results?
• How have you benefited from our products or services?
• How do you measure the value our product or service provides?

Step 3: Conduct the interview

Preparing for case study interviews can be different from everyday conversations. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Create a comfortable atmosphere.  Before diving into the discussion, talk about their business and personal interests. Ensure everyone is at ease, and address any questions or concerns.
• Prioritize key questions.  Lead with your most crucial questions to respect your customer's time. Interview lengths can vary, so starting with the essentials ensures you get the vital information.
• Be flexible.  Case study interviews don't have to be rigid. If your interviewee goes "off script," embrace it. Their spontaneous responses often provide valuable insights.
• Record the interview.  If not conducted via email, ask for permission to record the interview. This lets you focus on the conversation and capture valuable quotes without distractions.

Step 4: Figure out who will create the case study

When creating written case studies for your business, deciding who should handle the writing depends on cost, perspective, and revisions.

Outsourcing might be pricier, but it ensures a professionally crafted outcome. On the other hand, in-house writing has its considerations, including understanding your customers and products. 

Technical expertise and equipment are needed for video case studies, which often leads companies to consider outsourcing due to production and editing costs. 

Tip: When outsourcing work, it's essential to clearly understand pricing details to avoid surprises and unexpected charges during payment.

Step 5: Utilize storytelling

Understanding and applying storytelling elements can make your case studies unforgettable, offering a competitive edge. 

Source: The Framework Bank

Every great study follows a narrative arc (also called a "story arc"). This arc represents how a character faces challenges, struggles against raising stakes, and encounters a formidable obstacle before the tension resolves.

In a case study narrative, consider:

• Exposition. Provide background information about the company, revealing their "old life" before becoming your customer.
• Inciting incident. Highlight the problem that drove the customer to seek a solution, creating a sense of urgency.
• Obstacles (rising action). Describe the customer's journey in researching and evaluating solutions, building tension as they explore options.
• Midpoint. Explain what made the business choose your product or service and what set you apart.
• Climax. Showcase the success achieved with your product.
• Denouement. Describe the customer's transformed business and end with a call-to-action for the reader to take the next step.

Step 6: Design the case study

The adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" is familiar, but people tend to do just that quite often!

A poor layout can deter readers even if you have an outstanding case study. To create an engaging case study, follow these steps:

• Craft a compelling title. Just like you wouldn't read a newspaper article without an eye-catching headline, the same goes for case studies. Start with a title that grabs attention.
• Organize your content. Break down your content into different sections, such as challenges, results, etc. Each section can also include subsections. This case study approach divides the content into manageable portions, preventing readers from feeling overwhelmed by lengthy blocks of text.
• Conciseness is key. Keep your case study as concise as possible. The most compelling case studies are precisely long enough to introduce the customer's challenge, experience with your solution, and outstanding results. Prioritize clarity and omit any sections that may detract from the main storyline.
• Utilize visual elements. To break up text and maintain reader interest, incorporate visual elements like callout boxes, bulleted lists, and sidebars.
• Include charts and images. Summarize results and simplify complex topics by including pictures and charts. Visual aids enhance the overall appeal of your case study.
• Embrace white space. Avoid overwhelming walls of text to prevent reader fatigue. Opt for plenty of white space, use shorter paragraphs, and employ subsections to ensure easy readability and navigation.
• Enhance video case studies. In video case studies, elements like music, fonts, and color grading are pivotal in setting the right tone. Choose music that complements your message and use it strategically throughout your story. Carefully select fonts to convey the desired style, and consider how lighting and color grading can influence the mood. These elements collectively help create the desired tone for your video case study.

Step 7: Edits and revisions

Once you've finished the interview and created your case study, the hardest part is over. Now's the time for editing and revision. This might feel frustrating for impatient B2B marketers, but it can turn good stories into great ones.

Ideally, you'll want to submit your case study through two different rounds of editing and revisions:

• Internal review. Seek feedback from various team members to ensure your case study is captivating and error-free. Gather perspectives from marketing, sales, and those in close contact with customers for well-rounded insights. Use patterns from this feedback to guide revisions and apply lessons to future case studies.
• Customer feedback. Share the case study with customers to make them feel valued and ensure accuracy. Let them review quotes and data points, as they are the "heroes" of the story, and their logos will be prominently featured. This step maintains positive customer relationships.

Case study mistakes to avoid

• Ensure easy access to case studies on your website.
• Spotlight the customer, not just your business.
• Tailor each case study to a specific audience.
• Avoid excessive industry jargon in your content.

Step 8: Publishing

Take a moment to proofread your case study one more time carefully. Even if you're reasonably confident you've caught all the errors, it's always a good idea to check. Your case study will be a valuable marketing tool for years, so it's worth the investment to ensure it's flawless. Once done, your case study is all set to go!

Consider sharing a copy of the completed case study with your customer as a thoughtful gesture. They'll likely appreciate it; some may want to keep it for their records. After all, your case study wouldn't have been possible without their help, and they deserve to see the final product.

Where you publish your case study depends on its role in your overall marketing strategy. If you want to reach as many people as possible with your case study, consider publishing it on your website and social media platforms. 

Tip: Some companies prefer to keep their case studies exclusive, making them available only to those who request them. This approach is often taken to control access to valuable information and to engage more deeply with potential customers who express specific interests. It can create a sense of exclusivity and encourage interested parties to engage directly with the company.

Step 9: Case study distribution

When sharing individual case studies, concentrate on reaching the audience with the most influence on purchasing decisions

Here are some common distribution channels to consider:

• Sales teams. Share case studies to enhance customer interactions, retention , and upselling among your sales and customer success teams. Keep them updated on new studies and offer easily accessible formats like PDFs or landing page links.
• Company website. Feature case studies on your website to establish authority and provide valuable information to potential buyers. Organize them by categories such as location, size, industry, challenges, and products or services used for effective presentation.
• Events. Use live events like conferences and webinars to distribute printed case study copies, showcase video case studies at trade show booths, and conclude webinars with links to your case study library. This creative approach blends personal interactions with compelling content.
• Industry journalists. Engage relevant industry journalists to gain media coverage by identifying suitable publications and journalists covering related topics. Building relationships is vital, and platforms like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) can facilitate connections, especially if your competitors have received coverage before.

Want to learn more about Marketing Analytics Software? Explore Marketing Analytics products.

It can seem daunting to transform the information you've gathered into a cohesive narrative.  We’ve created a versatile case study template that can serve as a solid starting point for your case study.

With this template, your business can explore any solutions offered to satisfied customers, covering their background, the factors that led them to choose your services, and their outcomes.

The template boasts a straightforward design, featuring distinct sections that guide you in effectively narrating your and your customer's story. However, remember that limitless ways to showcase your business's accomplishments exist.

To assist you in this process, here's a breakdown of the recommended sections to include in a case study:

• Title.  Keep it concise. Create a brief yet engaging project title summarizing your work with your subject. Consider your title like a newspaper headline; do it well, and readers will want to learn more. 
• Subtitle . Use this section to elaborate on the achievement briefly. Make it creative and catchy to engage your audience.
• Executive summary.  Use this as an overview of the story, followed by 2-3 bullet points highlighting key success metrics.
• Challenges and objectives. This section describes the customer's challenges before adopting your product or service, along with the goals or objectives they sought to achieve.
• How product/service helped.  A paragraph explaining how your product or service addressed their problem.
• Testimonials.  Incorporate short quotes or statements from the individuals involved in the case study, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
• Supporting visuals.  Include one or two impactful visuals, such as graphs, infographics, or highlighted metrics, that reinforce the narrative.
• Call to action (CTA).  If you do your job well, your audience will read (or watch) your case studies from beginning to end. They are interested in everything you've said. Now, what's the next step they should take to continue their relationship with you? Give people a simple action they can complete. 

Case studies are proven marketing strategies in a wide variety of B2B industries. Here are just a few examples of a case study:

• Amazon Web Services, Inc.  provides companies with cloud computing platforms and APIs on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis. This case study example illustrates the benefits Thomson Reuters experienced using AWS.
• LinkedIn Marketing Solutions combines captivating visuals with measurable results in the case study created for BlackRock. This case study illustrates how LinkedIn has contributed to the growth of BlackRock's brand awareness over the years. 
• Salesforce , a sales and marketing automation SaaS solutions provider, seamlessly integrates written and visual elements to convey its success stories with Pepe Jeans. This case study effectively demonstrates how Pepe Jeans is captivating online shoppers with immersive and context-driven e-commerce experiences through Salesforce.
• HubSpot offers a combination of sales and marketing tools. Their case study demonstrates the effectiveness of its all-in-one solutions. These typically focus on a particular client's journey and how HubSpot helped them achieve significant results.

There are two different types of case studies that businesses might utilize:

Written case studies 

Written case studies offer readers a clear visual representation of data, which helps them quickly identify and focus on the information that matters most. 

Printed versions of case studies find their place at events like trade shows, where they serve as valuable sales collateral to engage prospective clients.  Even in the digital age, many businesses provide case studies in PDF format or as web-based landing pages, improving accessibility for their audience. 

Note: Landing pages , in particular, offer the flexibility to incorporate rich multimedia content, including images, charts, and videos. This flexibility in design makes landing pages an attractive choice for presenting detailed content to the audience.

Written case study advantages

Here are several significant advantages to leveraging case studies for your company:

• Hyperlink accessibility.  Whether in PDF or landing page format, written case studies allow for embedded hyperlinks, offering prospects easy access to additional information and contact forms.
• Flexible engagement.  Unlike video case studies, which may demand in-person arrangements, written case studies can be conducted via phone or video streaming, reducing customer commitment and simplifying scheduling.
• Efficient scanning . Well-structured written case studies with a scannable format cater to time-strapped professionals. Charts and callout boxes with key statistics enhance the ease of information retrieval.
• Printable for offline use.  Written case studies can be effortlessly printed and distributed at trade shows, sales meetings, and live events. This tangible format accommodates those who prefer physical materials and provides versatility in outreach, unlike video content, which is less portable.

Written case study disadvantages

Here are some drawbacks associated with the use of case studies:

• Reduced emotional impact.  Written content lacks the emotional punch of live video testimonials, which engage more senses and emotions, making a stronger connection.
• Consider time investment.  Creating a compelling case study involves editing, proofreading, and design collaboration, with multiple revisions commonly required before publication.
• Challenges in maintaining attention.  Attention spans are short in today's ad-saturated world. Using graphics, infographics, and videos more often is more powerful to incite the right emotions in customers.

Video case studies

Video case studies are the latest marketing trend. Unlike in the past, when video production was costly, today's tools make it more accessible for users to create and edit their videos. However, specific technical requirements still apply.

Like written case studies, video case studies delve into a specific customer's challenges and how your business provides solutions. Yet, the video offers a more profound connection by showcasing the person who faced and conquered the problem.

Video case studies can boost brand exposure when shared on platforms like YouTube. For example, Slack's engaging case study video with Sandwich Video illustrates how Slack transformed its workflow and adds humor, which can be challenging in written case studies focused on factual evidence.

Source : YouTube

This video case study has garnered nearly a million views on YouTube.

Video case study advantages

Here are some of the top advantages of video case studies. While video testimonials take more time, the payoff can be worth it. 

• Humanization and authenticity.  Video case studies connect viewers with real people, adding authenticity and fostering a stronger emotional connection.
• Engaging multiple senses.  They engage both auditory and visual senses, enhancing credibility and emotional impact. Charts, statistics, and images can also be incorporated.
• Broad distribution.  Videos can be shared on websites, YouTube, social media, and more, reaching diverse audiences and boosting engagement, especially on social platforms.

Video case study disadvantages

Before fully committing to video testimonials, consider the following:

• Technical expertise and equipment.  Video production requires technical know-how and equipment, which can be costly. Skilled video editing is essential to maintain a professional image. While technology advances, producing amateurish videos may harm your brand's perception.
• Viewer convenience.  Some prospects prefer written formats due to faster reading and ease of navigation. Video typically requires sound, which can be inconvenient for viewers in specific settings. Many people may not have headphones readily available to watch your content.
• Demand on case study participants.  On-camera interviews can be time-consuming and location-dependent, making scheduling challenging for case study participants. Additionally, being on screen for a global audience may create insecurities and performance pressure.
• Comfort on camera.  Not everyone feels at ease on camera. Nervousness or a different on-screen persona can impact the effectiveness of the testimonial, and discovering this late in the process can be problematic.

Written or video case studies: Which is right for you?

Now that you know the pros and cons of each, how do you choose which is right for you?

One of the most significant factors in doing video case studies can be the technical expertise and equipment required for a high level of production quality. Whether you have the budget to do this in-house or hire a production company can be one of the major deciding factors.

Still, written or video doesn't have to be an either-or decision. Some B2B companies are using both formats. They can complement each other nicely, minimizing the downsides mentioned above and reaching your potential customers where they prefer.

Let's say you're selling IT network security. What you offer is invaluable but complicated. You could create a short (three- or four-minute) video case study to get attention and touch on the significant benefits of your services. This whets the viewer's appetite for more information, which they could find in a written case study that supplements the video.

Should you decide to test the water in video case studies, test their effectiveness among your target audience. See how well they work for your company and sales team. And, just like a written case study, you can always find ways to improve your process as you continue exploring video case studies.

Case studies offer several distinctive advantages, making them an ideal tool for businesses to market their products to customers. However, their benefits extend beyond these qualities. 

Here's an overview of all the advantages of case studies:

Valuable sales support

Case studies serve as a valuable resource for your sales endeavors. Buyers frequently require additional information before finalizing a purchase decision. These studies provide concrete evidence of your product or service's effectiveness, assisting your sales representatives in closing deals more efficiently, especially with customers with lingering uncertainties.

Validating your value

Case studies serve as evidence of your product or service's worth or value proposition , playing a role in building trust with potential customers. By showcasing successful partnerships, you make it easier for prospects to place trust in your offerings. This effect is particularly notable when the featured customer holds a reputable status.

Unique and engaging content

By working closely with your customer success teams, you can uncover various customer stories that resonate with different prospects. Case studies allow marketers to shape product features and benefits into compelling narratives. 

Each case study's distinctiveness, mirroring the uniqueness of every customer's journey, makes them a valuable source of relatable and engaging content. Storytelling possesses the unique ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, a dimension that statistics alone often cannot achieve. 

Spotlighting valuable customers

Case studies provide a valuable platform for showcasing your esteemed customers. Featuring them in these studies offers a chance to give them visibility and express your gratitude for the partnership, which can enhance customer loyalty . Depending on the company you are writing about, it can also demonstrate the caliber of your business.

Now is the time to get SaaS-y news and entertainment with our 5-minute newsletter,   G2 Tea , featuring inspiring leaders, hot takes, and bold predictions. Subscribe below!

It's important to consider limitations when designing and interpreting the results of case studies. Here's an overview of the limitations of case studies:

Challenges in replication

Case studies often focus on specific individuals, organizations, or situations, making generalizing their findings to broader populations or contexts challenging. 

Time-intensive process

Case studies require a significant time investment. The extensive data collection process and the need for comprehensive analysis can be demanding, especially for researchers who are new to this method.

Potential for errors

Case studies can be influenced by memory and judgment, potentially leading to inaccuracies. Depending on human memory to reconstruct a case's history may result in variations and potential inconsistencies in how individuals recall past events. Additionally, bias may emerge, as individuals tend to prioritize what they consider most significant, which could limit their consideration of alternative perspectives.

Challenges in verification

Confirming results through additional research can present difficulties. This complexity arises from the need for detailed and extensive data in the initial creation of a case study. Consequently, this process requires significant effort and a substantial amount of time.

While looking at case studies, you may have noticed a quote. This type of quote is considered a testimonial, a key element of case studies.

If a customer's quote proves that your brand does what it says it will or performs as expected, you may wonder: 'Aren't customer testimonials and case studies the same thing?' Not exactly.

Testimonials are brief endorsements designed to establish trust on a broad scale. In contrast, case studies are detailed narratives that offer a comprehensive understanding of how a product or service addresses a specific problem, targeting a more focused audience. 

Crafting case studies requires more resources and a structured approach than testimonials. Your selection between the two depends on your marketing objectives and the complexity of your product or service.

Case in point!

Case studies are among a company's most effective tools. You're  well on your way to mastering them.

Today's buyers are tackling much of the case study research methodology independently. Many are understandably skeptical before making a buying decision. By connecting them with multiple case studies, you can prove you've gotten the results you say you can. There's hardly a better way to boost your credibility and persuade them to consider your solution.

Case study formats and distribution methods might change as technology evolves. However, the fundamentals that make them effective—knowing how to choose subjects, conduct interviews, and structure everything to get attention—will serve you for as long as you're in business. 

We covered a ton of concepts and resources, so go ahead and bookmark this page. You can refer to it whenever you have questions or need a refresher.

Dive into market research to uncover customer preferences and spending habits.

Kristen McCabe

Kristen’s is a former senior content marketing specialist at G2. Her global marketing experience extends from Australia to Chicago, with expertise in B2B and B2C industries. Specializing in content, conversions, and events, Kristen spends her time outside of work time acting, learning nature photography, and joining in the #instadog fun with her Pug/Jack Russell, Bella. (she/her/hers)

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What Is a Case Study?

Weighing the pros and cons of this method of research

Verywell / Colleen Tighe

• Pros and Cons

What Types of Case Studies Are Out There?

Where do you find data for a case study, how do i write a psychology case study.

A case study is an in-depth study of one person, group, or event. In a case study, nearly every aspect of the subject's life and history is analyzed to seek patterns and causes of behavior. Case studies can be used in many different fields, including psychology, medicine, education, anthropology, political science, and social work.

The point of a case study is to learn as much as possible about an individual or group so that the information can be generalized to many others. Unfortunately, case studies tend to be highly subjective, and it is sometimes difficult to generalize results to a larger population.

While case studies focus on a single individual or group, they follow a format similar to other types of psychology writing. If you are writing a case study, we got you—here are some rules of APA format to reference.  

At a Glance

A case study, or an in-depth study of a person, group, or event, can be a useful research tool when used wisely. In many cases, case studies are best used in situations where it would be difficult or impossible for you to conduct an experiment. They are helpful for looking at unique situations and allow researchers to gather a lot of˜ information about a specific individual or group of people. However, it's important to be cautious of any bias we draw from them as they are highly subjective.

What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Case Studies?

A case study can have its strengths and weaknesses. Researchers must consider these pros and cons before deciding if this type of study is appropriate for their needs.

One of the greatest advantages of a case study is that it allows researchers to investigate things that are often difficult or impossible to replicate in a lab. Some other benefits of a case study:

• Allows researchers to capture information on the 'how,' 'what,' and 'why,' of something that's implemented
• Gives researchers the chance to collect information on why one strategy might be chosen over another
• Permits researchers to develop hypotheses that can be explored in experimental research

On the other hand, a case study can have some drawbacks:

• It cannot necessarily be generalized to the larger population
• Cannot demonstrate cause and effect
• It may not be scientifically rigorous
• It can lead to bias

Researchers may choose to perform a case study if they want to explore a unique or recently discovered phenomenon. Through their insights, researchers develop additional ideas and study questions that might be explored in future studies.

It's important to remember that the insights from case studies cannot be used to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. However, case studies may be used to develop hypotheses that can then be addressed in experimental research.

Case Study Examples

There have been a number of notable case studies in the history of psychology. Much of  Freud's work and theories were developed through individual case studies. Some great examples of case studies in psychology include:

• Anna O : Anna O. was a pseudonym of a woman named Bertha Pappenheim, a patient of a physician named Josef Breuer. While she was never a patient of Freud's, Freud and Breuer discussed her case extensively. The woman was experiencing symptoms of a condition that was then known as hysteria and found that talking about her problems helped relieve her symptoms. Her case played an important part in the development of talk therapy as an approach to mental health treatment.
• Phineas Gage : Phineas Gage was a railroad employee who experienced a terrible accident in which an explosion sent a metal rod through his skull, damaging important portions of his brain. Gage recovered from his accident but was left with serious changes in both personality and behavior.
• Genie : Genie was a young girl subjected to horrific abuse and isolation. The case study of Genie allowed researchers to study whether language learning was possible, even after missing critical periods for language development. Her case also served as an example of how scientific research may interfere with treatment and lead to further abuse of vulnerable individuals.

Such cases demonstrate how case research can be used to study things that researchers could not replicate in experimental settings. In Genie's case, her horrific abuse denied her the opportunity to learn a language at critical points in her development.

This is clearly not something researchers could ethically replicate, but conducting a case study on Genie allowed researchers to study phenomena that are otherwise impossible to reproduce.

There are a few different types of case studies that psychologists and other researchers might use:

• Collective case studies : These involve studying a group of individuals. Researchers might study a group of people in a certain setting or look at an entire community. For example, psychologists might explore how access to resources in a community has affected the collective mental well-being of those who live there.
• Descriptive case studies : These involve starting with a descriptive theory. The subjects are then observed, and the information gathered is compared to the pre-existing theory.
• Explanatory case studies : These   are often used to do causal investigations. In other words, researchers are interested in looking at factors that may have caused certain things to occur.
• Exploratory case studies : These are sometimes used as a prelude to further, more in-depth research. This allows researchers to gather more information before developing their research questions and hypotheses .
• Instrumental case studies : These occur when the individual or group allows researchers to understand more than what is initially obvious to observers.
• Intrinsic case studies : This type of case study is when the researcher has a personal interest in the case. Jean Piaget's observations of his own children are good examples of how an intrinsic case study can contribute to the development of a psychological theory.

The three main case study types often used are intrinsic, instrumental, and collective. Intrinsic case studies are useful for learning about unique cases. Instrumental case studies help look at an individual to learn more about a broader issue. A collective case study can be useful for looking at several cases simultaneously.

The type of case study that psychology researchers use depends on the unique characteristics of the situation and the case itself.

There are a number of different sources and methods that researchers can use to gather information about an individual or group. Six major sources that have been identified by researchers are:

• Archival records : Census records, survey records, and name lists are examples of archival records.
• Direct observation : This strategy involves observing the subject, often in a natural setting . While an individual observer is sometimes used, it is more common to utilize a group of observers.
• Documents : Letters, newspaper articles, administrative records, etc., are the types of documents often used as sources.
• Interviews : Interviews are one of the most important methods for gathering information in case studies. An interview can involve structured survey questions or more open-ended questions.
• Participant observation : When the researcher serves as a participant in events and observes the actions and outcomes, it is called participant observation.
• Physical artifacts : Tools, objects, instruments, and other artifacts are often observed during a direct observation of the subject.

If you have been directed to write a case study for a psychology course, be sure to check with your instructor for any specific guidelines you need to follow. If you are writing your case study for a professional publication, check with the publisher for their specific guidelines for submitting a case study.

Here is a general outline of what should be included in a case study.

Section 1: A Case History

This section will have the following structure and content:

Background information : The first section of your paper will present your client's background. Include factors such as age, gender, work, health status, family mental health history, family and social relationships, drug and alcohol history, life difficulties, goals, and coping skills and weaknesses.

Description of the presenting problem : In the next section of your case study, you will describe the problem or symptoms that the client presented with.

Describe any physical, emotional, or sensory symptoms reported by the client. Thoughts, feelings, and perceptions related to the symptoms should also be noted. Any screening or diagnostic assessments that are used should also be described in detail and all scores reported.

Your diagnosis : Provide your diagnosis and give the appropriate Diagnostic and Statistical Manual code. Explain how you reached your diagnosis, how the client's symptoms fit the diagnostic criteria for the disorder(s), or any possible difficulties in reaching a diagnosis.

Section 2: Treatment Plan

This portion of the paper will address the chosen treatment for the condition. This might also include the theoretical basis for the chosen treatment or any other evidence that might exist to support why this approach was chosen.

• Cognitive behavioral approach : Explain how a cognitive behavioral therapist would approach treatment. Offer background information on cognitive behavioral therapy and describe the treatment sessions, client response, and outcome of this type of treatment. Make note of any difficulties or successes encountered by your client during treatment.
• Humanistic approach : Describe a humanistic approach that could be used to treat your client, such as client-centered therapy . Provide information on the type of treatment you chose, the client's reaction to the treatment, and the end result of this approach. Explain why the treatment was successful or unsuccessful.
• Psychoanalytic approach : Describe how a psychoanalytic therapist would view the client's problem. Provide some background on the psychoanalytic approach and cite relevant references. Explain how psychoanalytic therapy would be used to treat the client, how the client would respond to therapy, and the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
• Pharmacological approach : If treatment primarily involves the use of medications, explain which medications were used and why. Provide background on the effectiveness of these medications and how monotherapy may compare with an approach that combines medications with therapy or other treatments.

This section of a case study should also include information about the treatment goals, process, and outcomes.

When you are writing a case study, you should also include a section where you discuss the case study itself, including the strengths and limitiations of the study. You should note how the findings of your case study might support previous research. 

In your discussion section, you should also describe some of the implications of your case study. What ideas or findings might require further exploration? How might researchers go about exploring some of these questions in additional studies?

Need More Tips?

Here are a few additional pointers to keep in mind when formatting your case study:

• Never refer to the subject of your case study as "the client." Instead, use their name or a pseudonym.
• Read examples of case studies to gain an idea about the style and format.
• Remember to use APA format when citing references .

Crowe S, Cresswell K, Robertson A, Huby G, Avery A, Sheikh A. The case study approach .  BMC Med Res Methodol . 2011;11:100.

Crowe S, Cresswell K, Robertson A, Huby G, Avery A, Sheikh A. The case study approach . BMC Med Res Methodol . 2011 Jun 27;11:100. doi:10.1186/1471-2288-11-100

Gagnon, Yves-Chantal.  The Case Study as Research Method: A Practical Handbook . Canada, Chicago Review Press Incorporated DBA Independent Pub Group, 2010.

Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . United States, SAGE Publications, 2017.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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15 Real-Life Case Study Examples & Best Practices

Written by: Oghale Olori

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.

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%

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.

2. WeightWatchers Completely Revamped their Enterprise Sales Process with HubSpot

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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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Can VLMs Play Action Role-Playing Games? Take Black Myth Wukong as a Study Case

Recently, large language model (LLM)-based agents have made significant advances across various fields. One of the most popular research areas involves applying these agents to video games. Traditionally, these methods have relied on game APIs to access in-game environmental and action data. However, this approach is limited by the availability of APIs and does not reflect how humans play games. With the advent of vision language models (VLMs), agents now have enhanced visual understanding capabilities, enabling them to interact with games using only visual inputs. Despite these advances, current approaches still face challenges in action-oriented tasks, particularly in action role-playing games (ARPGs), where reinforcement learning methods are prevalent but suffer from poor generalization and require extensive training. To address these limitations, we select an ARPG, “ Black Myth: Wukong ”, as a research platform to explore the capability boundaries of existing VLMs in scenarios requiring visual-only input and complex action output. We define 12 tasks within the game, with 75% focusing on combat, and incorporate several state-of-the-art VLMs into this benchmark. Additionally, we will release a human operation dataset containing recorded gameplay videos and operation logs, including mouse and keyboard actions. Moreover, we propose a novel VARP ( V ision A ction R ole- P laying) agent framework, consisting of an action planning system and a visual trajectory system. Our framework demonstrates the ability to perform basic tasks and succeed in 90% of easy and medium-level combat scenarios. This research aims to provide new insights and directions for applying multimodal agents in complex action game environments. The code and datasets will be made available at https://varp-agent.github.io/ .

1 Introduction

In recent years, LLM-based agents have achieved significant breakthroughs across various fields [ 5 , 9 , 10 , 25 , 34 ] , particularly with the integration of tools and memory modules [ 35 ] , as seen in AutoGPT and Reflection [ 30 , 20 ] . Among these, applying LLM-based agents in video games has become one of the most popular areas of research. [ 18 , 16 , 13 , 27 , 26 ] These methods input information from video games into LLMs, which then undergo complex reasoning and integration through agent frameworks, ultimately producing keyboard and mouse commands that can directly interact with the game to complete tasks. Previous works have mostly focused on accessing video game APIs to read in-game environmental and action information. For instance, the framework proposed by Wang et al. [ 24 ] has been successfully applied in the game Minecraft. Agents can achieve autonomous mining, building, and attacking enemies in the game. However, this approach does not align with how humans play games, and most games do not offer open APIs, which limits the widespread application of this method. Recently, the emergence of vision language models (VLMs) like GPT-4o has further enhanced the visual understanding capabilities of these agents, showcasing broader potential in mobile apps and games. For example, the Cradle framework [ 22 ] has been implemented in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2). It directly uses game screenshots from RDR2 as input, rather than using an API to read game memory information. However, Cradle relies heavily on text-based guiding information in the game screenshots to create new skills. For tasks or games with weak textual guidance, such as some action role-playing games(ARPG), Cradle is unable to leverage the effective performance of VLMs. For ARPGs, many researchers employ reinforcement learning methods, where penalties and rewards are predefined for specific tasks. After extensive training periods and numerous iterations, the trained agents can complete the given specific tasks. However, RL-based agents can only accomplish tasks within the environment they were trained in and find it challenging to transfer to other tasks. ARPGs contain a large number of specialized tasks, which pose a significant challenge for RL-based agents with poor generalization capabilities. We conducted a comparison of some representative methods in Tab.  1 .

Thus, most of the existing research focuses on relatively simplified settings. This simplification arises primarily from two significant challenges: 1) Immediate visual input. Since environmental data is not always accessible through game APIs, learning from visual input becomes a more straightforward strategy, especially in AAA games (characterized by A lot of time, A lot of resources, A lot of money), where understanding the immediate visual input is crucial. 2) Action-oriented tasks. Action games are immensely popular among players; however, in this domain, RL-based agents still dominate, which require extensive training time and have poor generalization ability. For VLM-based agents, the game interfaces of ARPGs provide very few textual hints, and most of the actions need to be learned through experience and self-innovation. As a result, previous agents have found it challenging to extract effective guidance information from visual inputs.

In this paper, we will select the “ Black Myth: Wukong ,” abbreviated as BMW, an AAA ARPG, as our research platform for extensive experimentation. We are dedicated to establishing a VLM-based agent framework to thoroughly investigate the capability boundaries of existing models (e.g. GPT-4o, Gemini) in scenarios requiring visual-only input and complex action output. Among them, visual-only input refers to the model making decisions solely by understanding and analyzing the game screenshot, while complex action output necessitates the model to perform intricate and continuous actions, such as precise operations in combat scenarios.

To achieve this goal, we define 12 tasks in the game “ Black Myth: Wukong ,” with 75% of these tasks being combat-related. Several state-of-the-art VLM models, including GPT-4o, will be incorporated into this benckmark to comprehensively explore their performance boundaries. Subsequently, to advance the development of VLM-based agents in AAA action games, we will open-source a human operation dataset, which includes records of mouse and keyboard commands as well as gameplay recordings. Lastly, we innovatively propose a VARP(Vision Action Role-Playing) agent framework, consisting of an action planning system and a human-guided trajectory system. Specifically, the action planning system is responsible for generating action combos that are suitable for combat scenarios, while the human-guided trajectory system learns from human data via retrieval. Through extensive evaluations, our proposed framework demonstrates the capability to accomplish basic tasks such as picking up items and opening treasure chests, while also succeeding in 90% of esay and medium battles. We hope this research will provide new insights and directions for the application of multi-modal agents in complex action game environments. The main contributions of this paper are summarized as follows:

Benchmark . We define 12 tasks based on the game “ Black Myth: Wukong ,” with 75% of these tasks focused on combat. Several state-of-the-art VLM models, including GPT-4o, will be incorporated into this benckmark to thoroughly explore their capability boundaries.

Dataset . We release a dataset containing recorded gameplay videos along with relevant operation logs, including mouse movements, clicks, and keyboard actions, which includes 1000 records.

Framework . We propose a VARP agent framework, which comprises an action planning system and a human-guided trajectory system. Through these systems, the agent can execute complex action combos and learn from human operation.

2 Methodology

2.1 Overview

We propose a novel framework named the VARP agent, which directly takes game screenshots as input. Through inference by a group of Vision-Language Models (VLMs), it ultimately generates actions in the form of Python code, which can directly operate the game character. Each action is a sequence that consists of various combinations of atomic commands. These atomic commands include light attack, dodge, heavy attack, restore health, and others. Meanwhile, the VARP agent maintains three libraries: a situation library, an action library, and a human-guided library. These libraries can be retrieved and updated to store intensive knowledge for self-learning and human guidance. Overall, the VARP agent is divided into two systems: the action planning system and the human-guided trajectory system, as shown in Fig.  1 . In the action library, “def new_func_a()” represents the new action generated by the action planning system, while “def new_func_h()” represents the new action generated by the human-guided trajectory system. “def pre_func()” represents the predefined actions. The following sections will elaborate on each system in detail.

2.2 Action Planning System

The action planning system is primarily used for action reasoning and generation. This system utilizes a situation library and an updatable action library as knowledge retrieval bases. Guided by input game screenshots, the system employs a group of VLMs to select or generate actions appropriate for the current situation. The generated situations and actions are stored or updated in the two libraries. Additionally, We propose decomposable task-specific auxiliary modules to break down large tasks into smaller subtasks, which are then distributed across multiple VLMs to reduce the occurrence of model forgetting and hallucinations. We also introduce a self-optimizable action generation module to encourage VLMs to generate new actions specific to some hard tasks, thereby completing complex tasks more efficiently and with higher quality.

2.2.1 Basic VLMs Group

Inspired by Cradle [ 22 ] , our main pipeline continues to adopt the five basic modules from Cradle, with some of these basic modules calling the VLM for reasoning, forming a basic group of VLMs. During initialization, we manually predefined some actions and placed them into the action library as the prior knowledge. Each action is a Python function with detailed textual annotations, and we computed the embeddings of these annotations for storage. Information Gathering is responsible for gathering information from sampled game screenshots, including textual and visual information related to situations and actions. The textual information primarily includes text guides, text labels, and notifications; the visual information mainly covers environmental positions, character actions, and interface icons. The former is assisted by OCR tools for text recognition, while the latter uses the object detection tools for visual localization. Self Reflection takes a few game screenshots from the last video in the situation library as input to assess whether the last executed action successfully produced the correct effect and whether the current task has been completed. If execution fails, the module needs to provide a reason for the failure to guide the next step in action generation. Task Inference infers the current task to be executed based on the results of previous modules, and generates the task description. Skill Curation calculates the similarity between the task description’s embedding and the embeddings of the textual annotations in the action library to find some matching actions, which form the candidate action set. Decision Making utilizes the Chain of Thought (CoT) [ 28 ] approach to reason through and deeply analyze multiple sequential questions (such as whether to enable combat mode, restore health, or select from available spell skills, etc.). Finally, the module infers the most suitable action from the candidate action set, executes the Python code, and operates the keyboard and mouse to control the player character to complete the corresponding task. These five basic modules will record each intermediate product into the situation library.

2.2.2 Self-Optimizable Action Generation Module

The basic VLMs group can only acquire actions from a predefined action library or from game screenshots with clear textual prompts. For certain tasks in ARPGs that have weak textual guidance, such as real-time combat, this method is unable to learn new actions. Therefore, we propose a self-optimizable action generation module (SOAG) that allow the VARP agent to summarize the enemy’s actions during combat, thereby optimizing existing actions and generating new ones to counter enemy attacks. The new actions are combinations of the two atomic commands: dodging and light strikes. The optimization goal is to maximize the evasion of enemy attacks and the ability to strike the enemy while minimizing the player character’s health loss.

Specifically, in SOAG, we introduce a component responsible for action function generation. This component takes the information gathering and self reflection results, along with the current and last game screenshots, as input. It analyzes the characteristics of the enemy under the current task, such as name, appearance, weapon, etc. Most importantly, it needs to analyze the enemy’s current and previous actions. For example, for the hard enemy named Bullguard, its attack actions can be roughly categorized as: “charging forward with the axe”, and “chopping the axe downwards three times consecutively”, etc. Therefore, this component needs to inference new actions for dodging and counterattacking based on the current enemy actions. For instance, for “charging forward with the axe,” the new action should be to dodge once and then attack continuously; for “chopping the axe downwards three times consecutively,” the new action should be to dodge three more times before counterattacking. The generated new actions are permutations of the atomic operations “dodge” and “light attack.” The generated actions are stored in the action library with detailed textual annotations.

2.2.3 Decomposable Task-Specific Auxiliary Modules

In ARPGs, especially in BMW game, the VLM’s inference involves a large number of tokens, including multiple images and long texts. The attention mechanism used by VLMs allocates attention to all tokens in long texts. As the input length increases, the attention distribution becomes increasingly diluted. In the basic VLMs group, due to the excessive number of input tokens for each module, the model may fail to effectively focus on key information, leading to errors such as forgetting and hallucination. This issue is particularly evident in the decision-making module, where the VLM frequently makes mistakes when answering multiple questions.

To address this problem, we decomposed the basic modules and added multiple parallel auxiliary sub-modules for specific tasks, which are then integrated by the VLM. The structure is similar to an MLP. Specifically, as shown in the workflow of action planning in Fig.   1 , we decomposed the original decision-making module that handled multiple tasks into 5 sub-modules. 1) Enemy Sub-module is used to analyze the enemy’s status (such as its health, position, etc.) and action description, which assists the agent in obtaining detailed information of the enemy. 2) Combat Sub-module determines which combat method to use, including light attack or heavy attack, by observing the heavy-attack status in the bottom right corner of the game screen. 3) Health Sub-module is responsible for constantly monitoring the player’s health bar. If the health is consumed excessively, it assists the agent by prioritizing the action of recovering health. 4) Spell-skill Sub-module monitors the status of the player’s spell skills while simultaneously analyzing the situation in the combat state to determine the appropriate time to use available spell skills. 5) The integration sub-module is responsible for integrating the outputs of all sub-modules and reasoning to determine the best action from the candidate action set for the current specific task. The decomposable task-specific auxiliary modules decompose long tokens and focus on each individual question, significantly improving the accuracy of the decision-making module.

2.3 Human-Guided Trajectory System

Human actions are seen as valuable data, implicitly rich in knowledge of the physics and game world, which can lead to advanced action combinations for very complex tasks, such as way-finding tasks and high-difficulty combat tasks. To learn the human experience from this implicit data, we first collected a human dataset and then used it to improve the performance of our VARP agent. The collection process of human operation data and dataset analysis will be detailed in Sec. 3.1, which consists of mouse keyboard logs, and recording game screenshots. In this section, we focus on how to use it to implement a human-guided trajectory system. In this section, we refer to our annotated dataset as the human-guided library. It is a collection of pairs consisting of game screenshots and human operations, with each pair having a unique timestamp.

For very hard tasks in the game, we first take a screenshot of the current game interface. Based on this game screenshot, we query the human-guided library for the screenshot with the highest similarity. We then input this screenshot along with the subsequent n-frame screenshots and their corresponding operations into the human-guided trajectory system. This system will utilize a VLM to analyze and summarize the input images and operations, ultimately outputting a new human-guided action, which is then stored in the action library for the action planning system to choose and execute.

3 Experiments

3.1 dataset collection.

We collected a human operation dataset that includes mouse and keyboard logs, as well as recordings of game screenshots. Specifically, we recruited 200 volunteers to play the BMW game and record their operations, with approximately 70% of them experiencing this game for the first time. To ensure the dataset’s quality, we eliminated invalid data from volunteers who did not complete the tasks. Over the course of two weeks, we ultimately gathered a total of 1,000 valid data entries. Specifically, over 90% of Task 11 (i.e. Defeat Wandering Wight) was discarded, indicating that it is challenging for players to defeat the boss in a single attempt. Moreover, we observed that volunteers exhibited redundant actions during the annotation process, such as excessive mouse clicks and scrolling. Therefore, some volunteers will be asked to play the game again to identify the optimal actions, and this refined data will be labeled as “clean” in our released dataset. Please refer to the supplementary material for more details about our dataset.

3.2 Benchmark and Task Definition

To investigate the capabilities of existing VLMs in playing action games, we define 10 basic tasks and 2 challenging tasks aligned with the game’s narrative, with 75% of these tasks occurring in combat scenes. As illustrated in Tab. 2 and Fig. 2 , all tasks are concentrated in the first chapter of the game, due to the limited understanding and reasoning abilities of VLMs. In terms of benchmarking, we allow the agent to test each task 5 times and calculate the success rate for each task. For combat tasks, a task is deemed successful if the player’s character defeats the enemy, while a task is considered a failure if the player’s character is defeated and killed by the enemy. We have manually assessed the difficulty of 12 tasks, categorizing them as easy, medium, hard, and very hard. Due to the absence of maps and guidance, and the presence of numerous “invisible walls” in the BMW game, we classify task 12, autonomous navigation (i.e., moving from the spawn point to the Bullguard’s location within five minutes), as a very hard task. This is a challenging task even for human novices. We utilize the success rates from this benchmark to evaluate the performance of the VARP agent and various VLMs.

3.3 Implementation Details

All evaluations are performed on a machine equipped with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU running the Windows operating system. We use three of the most popular VLMs to drive our agent: GPT-4o-2024-05-13 [ 15 ] , Claude 3.5 Sonnet [ 2 ] , and Gemini 1.5 pro [ 8 ] . We also utilize OpenAI’s text-embedding-ada-002 [ 21 ] model to generate embeddings for each action. The size of game interface for the BMW game is set to 1920 × 1080 1920 1080 1920\times 1080 1920 × 1080 . During the inference of VLMs, we pause the game using the photo mode. We employ Grounding DINO [ 14 ] for object detection of people and objects in game screenshots to assist the VLMs in better extracting useful information.

3.4 Performance Evaluation

To evaluate the performance of the VARP agent without human guidance, we conducted experiments on our proposed benchmark while disabling the human-guided trajectory system of the VARP agent. In this performance evaluation, we only tested the benchmark and compared the VARP agent with human novice players.

We calculated the success rates of the VARP agent driven by different VLMs and human novice players when completing each task. As shown in Fig.   3 , both the VARP agent and human novice players achieved high success rates on tasks 1 to 8, reaching nearly 100% on most tasks. In task 9, the VARP agent’s average success rate was 40%, which also confirms its “middle” difficulty. The enemy in task 10 is the first boss-level monster that the player encounters in the game. For human novice players, the success rate for this task was 15.63%, while the VARP agent’s average success rate was 20%. Task 11 is classified as “very hard,” so the success rates for both human novices and the VARP agent were very low. Specifically, the VARP agent is limited by the reasoning speed of VLMs, making it unable to input every game frame in real-time and only able to input keyframes at second-level intervals. In ARPGs, this can easily result in missing critical information about enemy attacks. Therefore, task 11 is particularly challenging for the agent. In terms of autonomous navigation, humans can easily find the final boss enemy of the level within five minutes, but for VLMs, this is an almost impossible task. Without human guidance, the success rate is 0%. Since the game provides no guidance or hints for navigation tasks and contains many “invisible walls,” VLMs lack the ability to perceive the correct path in the 3D scene without human assistance.

In summary, the VARP agent’s performance on tasks 1 through 11 is already close to that of novice human players. However, in terms of 3D scene perception and prior knowledge, the VARP agent is still far inferior to humans.

3.5 Ablation Study

To evaluate the effectiveness of the self-optimizable action generation module(SOAG) and the decomposable task-specific auxiliary module(DTSA) in the action planning system, we conducted experiments with each of these modules removed separately, calculating the success rate on the benchmark. The VLM used in this part of the experiment is GPT-4o-2024-05-13. As shown in Fig.  4 , without SOAG, the agent’s performance significantly declines in the middle and hard tasks. This is because the enemies in these tasks have high health points, resulting in prolonged battles. The function of SOAG is to continuously learn the enemies’ attack patterns, aiding players in dodging and counterattacking. Therefore, in long-duration tasks like middle and hard tasks, the effectiveness of SOAG becomes more apparent. On the other hand, DTSA aims to decompose large tasks into smaller ones, focusing more on precision. This approach helps prevent global errors caused by local issues such as the forgetting and hallucination of the VLM. Hence, without DTSA, the agent tends to fail in some easy tasks.

3.6 Case Studies

For the VARP agent, the newly generated actions originate from two sources: one is the human-guided trajectory system, and the other is the SOAG in the action planning system. Next, we will examine some cases of the newly generated actions.

To validate the effectiveness of the human-guided trajectory system, we introduced human guidance and conducted a case study on task 12, a task of very hard difficulty. The objective was for the VARP agent to control the player character to move from the “Earth Temple” spawn point to the location of the Bullguard enemy within 5 minutes. GPT-4o was chosen as the VLM. The experimental results showed a success rate of 40%. This indicates that human guidance can significantly enhance the decision-making accuracy of the agent. Fig.  5 shows the new action responsible for pathfinding generated by the human-guided trajectory system during the execution of task 12. Additionally, Fig.  5 depicts the new action generated by SOAG in response to the enemy, Bullguard, during task 10. The enemy’s current action indicates an impending attack: “swinging the axe downwards three times consecutively.” Therefore, the new action should be to dodge consecutively more than three times before counterattacking.

4 Conclusion

In this study, we have explored the boundaries of current Vision Language Models (VLMs) in the context of complex action role-playing games (ARPGs) using “ Black Myth: Wukong ” as our experimental platform. Our proposed framework, VARP, introduces a novel approach to game interaction by leveraging visual-only inputs for action planning in ARPG environments. The VARP framework demonstrates its potential by achieving an 90% success rate in basic and moderate combat scenarios, suggesting that VLMs can be effectively utilized in tasks traditionally dominated by reinforcement learning. Our proposed benchmark can effectively evaluate the performance of visual-only agents in the BMW game. Additionally, the human operation dataset we provide offers a valuable resource for future research, enabling the study of human-like gameplay and action decision-making in visually complex environments. Our findings underscore the promise of multimodal agents in enhancing generalization and performance in action-oriented tasks within video games. Moving forward, the insights gained from this research could pave the way for more sophisticated agent designs that can handle a broader range of challenges in ARPGs and beyond.

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Appendix A Appendix / supplemental material

A.1 overview.

Clarifications and Limitations (§ A.2 )

Related Work (§ A.3 )

Additional Dataset Collection (§ A.4 )

Additional Performance Evaluation (§ A.5 )

More Case Studies (§ A.6 )

Ethical Consideration (§ A.7 )

Demo Video (§ A.8 )

A.2 Clarifications and Limitations

Thank you for reading our paper. We would like to begin by clarifying and explaining some potential concerns that may arise due to the extreme popularity of the BMW game. We want to emphasize that our framework has broad applicability and will subsequently be generalized to include more games and other scenarios, not just limited to the BMW game. In this paper, we explored the potential of using VLMs to execute action combos in game tasks, particularly focusing on how it achieves victory against medium-powered monsters by leveraging the advantages of both action planning and visual trajectory modules. Additionally, we provided a human operation dataset, which presents possibilities for integrating technologies such as multi-modal retrieval-augmented generation, imitation learning, and reinforcement learning.

We must also candidly acknowledge some limitations in our research, specifically: 1) Task Definitions: As LLM- and VLM-based agents are still evolving, the current task definitions are somewhat simplistic. 2) Game Scenarios: Our research has only been tested within the BMW game and has not yet been extended to other scenarios. 3) Dataset Size: We have a limited amount of data, and in the future work, we plan to recruit more volunteers to collect higher quality data to enhance the depth of our research. 4) Model Capabilities: As shown in the performance evaluation section, there is still room for improvement in existing VLMs, including speed and accuracy. Therefore, it would be interesting to train an ARPG-specific VLM, such as VideoGameBunny * * * https://videogamebunny.github.io/ .

Finally, we sincerely welcome your new ideas and feedback regarding this work, or even contribute your game records. Please feel free to reach out to us, and we look forward to exploring together, ultimately making VLMs play games as well as humans.

A.3 Related Work

A.3.1 llm and vlm-driven agents.

In recent years, various intelligent agents driven by large language models (LLM) and multimodal language models (VLM) have gradually come to the forefront, demonstrating immense potential in multitasking and autonomous learning. For LLM, Reflexion [ 20 ] enhances the decision-making ability of language agents through a framework of linguistic feedback and self-reflection, allowing agents to autonomously reflect in the face of feedback signals and maintain contextual memory during task execution and decision-making processes. ReAct [ 31 ] , on the other hand, emphasizes real-time information retrieval and strategy adjustment. By combining reasoning with action and interacting with external knowledge sources (such as the Wikipedia API), it adds dynamic information retrieval capabilities, providing greater interpretability and controllability. Voyager [ 24 ] can explore and learn skills in an unsupervised manner within the Minecraft environment, continuously exploring the world, acquiring diverse skills, and making new discoveries without human intervention through a combination of automated courses, skill libraries, and iterative prompting mechanisms.

For VLM, CreativeAgent [ 33 ] focuses on creative tasks, employing multimodal generation to achieve the construction of complex structures. Its combination of an imagination module and controller enables efficient planning and execution based on free-form language instructions and the generated task details. Cradle [ 22 ] takes video images displayed on a screen as input, extracting text and visual information to make decisions through a workflow of “reflecting on the past, summarizing the present, and planning for the future,” outputting control signals for keyboard and mouse interaction, allowing AI agents to interact with software like humans without relying on any internal APIs.

A.3.2 RL-based Agents in ARPGs

Reinforcement learning (RL) has shown significant improvements in video games [ 32 , 3 , 12 , 4 , 6 , 19 , 11 , 17 , 29 ] especially action role-playing games (ARPG). DQN-play-sekiro [ 1 ] employs the deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm to train AI to automate gameplay in “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.” This project observes the game visuals and makes decisions based on the current state, gradually mastering the game strategy to defeat boss-level enemies. Additionally, AI achieves interactive learning based on reinforcement learning in “ Black Myth: Wukong ” by recognizing game images and scripting simulated keyboard input signals [ 23 , 7 ] . This method uses successful dodging as positive feedback while being attacked by monsters as negative feedback, prompting the AI to optimize its decision-making process.

These creative works not only showcase the potential of AI in complex gaming environments but also provide effective means for game testing and automated gameplay. However, agents trained solely using RL methods can only be applied to a limited range of specific tasks. For new tasks, the agent needs to be retrained. Therefore, agents based on this method have poor generalization capabilities.

A.4 Additional Dataset Collection

We collected a total of approximately 1,000 valid data samples, each representing a video segment of a human completing a task along with the corresponding mouse and keyboard operation records. Among these, 4.0% represent task 1, 12.5% represent task 2, and so on. The specific information is shown in Fig. 6 .

A.5 Additional Performance Evaluation

Based on Sec. 3.4 of the main text, we also recorded the average time and average inference count for the VARP agent without human guidance to complete each task. Each inference count represents the generation of an executable action, with each combat action containing an average of 8.6 atomic operations. Additionally, we recorded the number of atomic operations performed by human for each task. By dividing this number by 8.6, we estimated the inference count of human in combat tasks. As shown in Tab. 3 , compared to humans, the VARP agent has a much lower inference count in task 1, task 9, and task 10. This indicates that humans tend to perform a large number of redundant operations when completing more difficult or time-consuming tasks in ARPGs, which is not conducive to task completion. In contrast, the actions generated by the VARP agent in these tasks are relatively more refined and concise.

A.6 More Case Studies

In this section, we will showcase some predefined actions and more newly generated actions with the corresponding game screenshots. The VLM is GPT-4o.

As shown in Fig. 7 , the actions in the first and second rows are predefined functions. The VARP agent automatically detects whether to use these actions based on the input visual information. For example, if the immobilization spell skill can be used, the agent executes the “fight_immobilization_spell_skill” action. Similarly, if the player’s health is low, it uses the “recover_health” action.

The actions in the third row are generated by the human-guided trajectory system. Human prior knowledge can effectively guide the agent to improve efficiency in navigation tasks.

The new actions in the fourth and fifth rows are summarized by SOAG after each combat interaction between the player character and the enemy and stored in the action library. These actions are specific to particular enemies and their attack patterns. For instance, in the fourth row, when the agent observes that an enemy named Bullguard is raising up his weapon, it indicates that the enemy is about to perform the action “chopping the axe downwards three times consecutively.” The agent can then find a specific counter-action in the action library. At the beginning of the combat, this “fight_new_action_bullguard_raise_weapon” action is defined as dodging four times consecutively, followed by attacking five times, as shown in Fig. 5 . As the combat progresses, this action is optimized to counterattack during the intervals between dodges, significantly increasing the success rate and efficiency in defeating the enemy, as illustrated in the fourth row of Fig. 7 . This demonstrates that SOAG can continuously optimize the actions it generated.

A.7 Ethical Consideration

Our method can automatically play ARPGs, which may lead to game cheating and false advertising. This can have a significant negative impact on society. Therefore, it is crucial to consider methods that can reliably distinguish between genuine and forged content. We strongly condemn the unauthorized and malicious use of this technology and emphasize the need to consider ethical issues when using our method.

A.8 Demo Video

We have provided a detailed demo video to demonstrate the effectiveness of our VARP agent. Please refer to https://varp-agent.github.io/ .

Redirect Notice

Case study for single institutional review board (sirb) policy.

This fictional case study is based on various real-life scenarios. The exercise includes three sections covering single institutional review board (sIRB) requirements, budgets and protocols, and exception requests—each with associated questions to consider. Review each section, answer the questions, and then check your answer by expanding the question. For background, refer to the NIH Single IRB (sIRB) Policy page where you can find sIRB Frequently Asked Questions , sIRB Determination Workflow , related NIH and Common Rule policy notices, and other resources.

Section 1. sIRB Requirements

In this fictional case study, a principal investigator (PI) submitted a competing R01 application for a due date of September 1, 2017. NIH awarded a grant to the PI's institution. The award supports one ongoing non-exempt human subjects research study that is being conducted at three U.S. sites. Each site relies on its own local IRB for review and approval for the ongoing study. NIH plans to fund the PI's competing renewal award next month. NIH asks the PI for Just-In-Time (JIT) information, including the name of the sIRB of record for the multi-site study.

Sections 1 Questions

1. is the study required to have a sirb why or why not, 2. if the initial irb approval date for the study was december 1, 2019, does this change your answer to question #1, section 2. justifications for an exception to the nih sirb policy.

The PI initially requested a budget for the renewal application without considering the cost associated with an sIRB. The PI now finds that sIRB costs will exceed the proposed budget and sends the Program Official (PO) an exception request to the sIRB requirement. In the request, the PI justifies the exception request by explaining that the original award budget would not cover the cost of an sIRB. Furthermore, because all the participating sites already have their own protocol documents, informed consent documents, and recruitment procedures, the PI believes that the sites are not conducting the same research protocol and therefore are not subject to the NIH sIRB Policy requirement.

Section 2 Questions

3. is lack of money in the award budget sufficient rationale for an sirb exception request, 4. the pi notes that each site has its own protocol which was approved by each site's local irb. the pi contends that each site's unique recruitment procedures and forms mean that each site is conducting a different protocol. are the three sites considered to be conducting different protocols under the nih sirb policy, 5. nih informs the pi that the justification in the exception request is not compelling and will not be considered for an exception. the pi modifies the justification and points out that the new award will be made in one month and it will take at least six to eight months to stand up an sirb for all three sites. the pi expresses concerns that this delay will halt the ongoing research study. is this a sufficient justification for an sirb exception to the nih sirb policy, section 3. next steps.

Ultimately, the PI's exception request is denied for the following reasons:

• NIH does not consider the cost associated with a sIRB as a compelling justification.
• NIH considers the sites to be conducting the same research protocol, even when there are variations in site procedures due to local context considerations. Thus, the NIH sIRB policy requirements apply to all sites in this study.

Section 3 Questions

6. without an exemption, what should the pi do.

The study described in this case is subject to the NIH single IRB Policy requirement.

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Seismic retrofit case study of shear-critical rc moment frame t-beams strengthened with full-wrap frp anchored strips in a high-rise building in los angeles.

1. Background

2. literature review, 2.1. externally-bonded frp (eb-frp), 2.2. eb-frp for shear strenghtening of t-beams, 2.3. frp anchors, 2.4. similar anchored eb-frp shear-strengthening applications, 2.5. research posterior to testing program, 3. experimental program, 3.1. geometry and internal reinforcement, 3.2. frp reinforcement, 3.2.1. specimen s1a, 3.2.2. specimen s1b, 3.2.3. specimen s5, 3.3. material properties, 3.4. test procedure, 3.5. instrumentation, 4. beam capacity estimates, 4.1. flexural capacities, 4.2. shear capacities, 5. design of frp strengthening, 5.1. frp laminate, 5.2. frp anchors, 6. experimental results and discussion, 6.1. experimental damage observations and crack patterns, 6.1.1. specimen s1a, 6.1.2. specimen s1b, 6.1.3. specimen s5, 6.2. hysteretic response, 6.3. strength and stiffness degradation, 6.4. energy dissipation, 6.5. displacement components, 6.6. effective stiffness, 7. adjustments to the frp scheme, 8. on-site frp installation, 9. discussion.

• FRP anchors were designed using the strength model by Kim and Smith (2010), the only available model at the time. Although those equations were calibrated using test data for CFRP anchors made from rolled carbon fiber sheets and are only strictly applicable to straight anchors, they constituted the best design model at the time and were considered appropriate for this project given the ample inclination angles adopted in both applications.
• FRP anchors were designed to develop the allowable design strain in the FRP laminates, that is, 0.004 for full-wrap and anchored U-wraps schemes per ACI 440.2R, as opposed to a design for FRP laminate rupture. The arguments supporting this specific design approach, which was also used by del Rey Castillo et al. [ 30 ], are twofold: first and foremost, FRP laminates used to strengthen the yielding region of an MRF beam in shear should not be designed to reach a strain level close to rupture, given the brittle nature of both FRP materials and shear failures and the catastrophic consequences of an MRF beam collapse. Second, anchors designed to fully develop the tensile strength of the FRP laminates are in many cases impractically large, with the drilling of large holes in RC members becoming a concern.
• The development of a full-wrap strengthening scheme for the end-yielding regions of the deficient MRF beams was justified by the following: (1) the ineffectiveness of the embedded FRP anchors added to S1B at the end-yielding region due to premature anchor pullout, resulting in S1A and S1B failing at a similar shear load and rotation demands, (2) the lack of intermediate vertical crossties affecting multiple MRF beams in the building, (3) the reversible nature of seismic demands, and (4) the consequent potential for buckling of the top flexural reinforcement if only a U-wrap were implemented.
• The saw-cut grooves on specimen S5 were intended to force the formation of an even distribution of thinner flexural cracks between the FRP strips to mitigate premature FRP debonding by minimizing concrete cracking behind the FRP reinforcement and, second, to enhance the ductility at the hinging region. Despite the limited data from only one specimen, the authors believe that the evenly spaced crack-control joints promoted a distribution of the plastic rotations across the hinging region that contributed to a more ductile behavior compared to a flexural failure with the plastic rotations concentrated at one dominant crack.
• Strains in the FRP reinforcement applied at the end-yielding regions were not monitored in any of the tests presented in this paper; thus, the adequacy of the prescriptive maximum allowable strain of 0.004 per ACI 440.2R cannot be discussed, and the shear contribution of the FRP (V f ) cannot be verified from the experimental data.
• Due to budget constraints and the high cost of each of these nearly full-scale tests, the performance of the retrofit concept on S5 had to be evaluated without a control specimen (i.e., identical to S5 but with no shear retrofit).

10. Conclusions and Results

Author contributions, data availability statement, acknowledgments, conflicts of interest.

Click here to enlarge figure

• Kim and Smith (2010) [ 24 ] (SI units):

• del Rey Castillo et al. (2019) [ 33 ] (SI units):

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Share and Cite

Anacleto-Lupianez, S.; Herrera, L.; Arnold, S.F.; Chai, W.; Erickson, T.; Lemnitzer, A. Seismic Retrofit Case Study of Shear-Critical RC Moment Frame T-Beams Strengthened with Full-Wrap FRP Anchored Strips in a High-Rise Building in Los Angeles. Appl. Sci. 2024 , 14 , 8654. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198654

Anacleto-Lupianez S, Herrera L, Arnold SF, Chai W, Erickson T, Lemnitzer A. Seismic Retrofit Case Study of Shear-Critical RC Moment Frame T-Beams Strengthened with Full-Wrap FRP Anchored Strips in a High-Rise Building in Los Angeles. Applied Sciences . 2024; 14(19):8654. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198654

Anacleto-Lupianez, Susana, Luis Herrera, Scott F. Arnold, Winston Chai, Todd Erickson, and Anne Lemnitzer. 2024. "Seismic Retrofit Case Study of Shear-Critical RC Moment Frame T-Beams Strengthened with Full-Wrap FRP Anchored Strips in a High-Rise Building in Los Angeles" Applied Sciences 14, no. 19: 8654. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198654

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