How to Design a Product Prototype to be Presented to Investors?

How to design the product to be presented to investors? First, show the problem that the product solves with a single user scenario. Then turn this scenario into understandable screens and a followable prototype. The task of visual quality is to explain the product idea; It is not intended to present software that has not yet been built or customer results that have not been achieved.

An investor presentation and product demo complement each other. The presentation explains the business's market, model and available data; The prototype shows what the user will do. As Selçuk Aker, I can attribute the interface design and the visual flow of the presentation to the same story. Financial data and business claims must be based on verified information from the founding team.

Select a single product flow for presentation

For example, consider a product where teams plan field missions. The way to create a task, assign it to a person, and track completion status in the demo may be a sufficient start. Cramming the reports, all settings, and possible integrations just discussed into the same display weakens the main idea.

• Start demo with user role.
• Describe the problem facing the user in one sentence.
• Proceed until the moment the mission is completed.
• Show with what information the result can be understood.
• Clearly indicate areas that are not working or are only represented.

Once you draw this flow it becomes clearer which screens are required. Product design for startups must ensure that initial use makes sense before demonstrating every possible feature.

Use realistic content in prototype

Short sample names and precise data hide situations where the interface is struggling. Include examples such as long company name, empty listing, or incomplete profile. If the data is fictional, indicate this in the presentation. Work with permissioned or sample content rather than moving actual personal data into the design file.

For SaaS product design, the manager and team member may have different authorities. Decisions such as one-handed use and returning between screens become important for mobile application interface design. Even if you do not play all the situations in the investor demo, these distinctions of the product should be considered in the design file.

Prepare demo and user test separately

A demo narrated by the founder does not prove that the product can be used unaided by the target user. When handing the prototype to a target user, describe the task without saying where the button is. Record where you stand and what you expect. If you include the findings in the presentation, also explain the participant scope and the limitations of the observation.

You can examine the difference between the prototype and the working product in the First product and MVP guide. It is not a substitute for purchasing, integrating, or performance testing a prototype; These issues are addressed separately in the development plan.

File transfer and demo rehearsal

The screen sequence, links and backup images to be used during the presentation should be in a single folder. Prepare a visual flow that can be used if the network connection or prototype link fails. Keep it clear whether the backup display is video or static screen. For developer transfer, components, statuses and decision notes should be kept in a separate order.

You can review Selçuk Aker's UI/UX works and share the scope of your product. In the first meeting, we start by determining whether we need a working application, an investor prototype, or a flow for user testing.