Course Project Part 3: Prototype, Testing Plan, and Final Pitch

You will also record a 3–5 minute pitch presentation, where you walk through your full project presentation and explain your product concept from start to finish—just like you would to an investor, mentor, or accelerator. Your pitch presentation should include the following.

1. Prototype Overview (2-4 slides)
   • Over the last several weeks, you’ve discovered your users, defined their problems, crafted your value proposition, and mapped out your MVP. Now it’s time to show how that solution comes to life through a prototype, and how you plan to validate your riskiest assumptions before building further.
   • You’re not expected to test your prototype yet. Instead, your job is to clearly design it, select the best prototyping method, and propose a testing plan. This section should visually and clearly show the prototype you’ve created to simulate or demonstrate your MVP. Whether it’s a clickable wireframe, interactive demo, or low-fidelity mockup, make sure your prototype highlights the core features from your MVP feature set. Include:
     • Screenshots or visuals from your prototype
     • Short explanation of what it demonstrates
     • Label the key features you chose to prototype
     • Describe the user interaction flow (what happens first, next, and last?)

2. Assumption Testing Plan (1-2 slides)
   • Outline how you plan to test your riskiest assumptions using this prototype. Your plan should show that you know whatyou’re trying to validate, why it matters, and how you’ll get answers. Include:
     • 2–3 of your riskiest assumptions (e.g., that users care about the problem, will use a specific feature, will trust your solution)
     • For each assumption:
       • What are you testing?
       • How will you test it? (user interviews, usability tests, fake landing page, etc.)
       • What would a validating or invalidating result look like?

3. Final Pitch Recording (3–5 minutes)– [Note: You can skip the recording if you do it live in the Week 8 Live session.]
   • Wrap up your project presentation with a polished venture pitch that captures the full story of your startup and what you’ve learned through this project. This should feel cohesive and confident, like the summary you’d present to an advisor, mentor, or accelerator program.
   • Record a video where you walk through your project presentation or document and deliver a startup-style pitch. You can screen-share or narrate with slides—but focus on clarity, energy, and insight.
   • This is not a slide-by-slide reading. It’s your chance to tell the story of your startup: what you’ve learned, what you’re building, and why it matters. Your pitch should include:
     • Customer + problem (Week 3)
     • Key insights from customer discovery
     • Your value proposition and MVP features (Week 5)
     • Prototype visuals and what they demonstrate (Week 8)
     • What assumptions you plan to test next—and why

 

Tips for Success

• Keep the project presentation clean and visual—avoid cramming too much on one slide.
• Update your slides from previous weeks if needed! You do not have to use the same slides you submitted in previous weeks.
• Make sure your assumptions are specific and testable.
• Practice your pitch so it feels natural, not rushed.
• Treat your recording like your first real investor or mentor conversation.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step-by-Step Guide for Structuring and Writing Your Project Presentation

Step 1: Review Your Project Journey

• Gather all work from previous weeks: customer discovery notes, problem definitions, value propositions, and MVP maps.

• Identify the key insights that will guide your prototype and pitch.

Step 2: Design Your Prototype (2–4 slides)

• Select Prototyping Method: Decide whether your prototype will be a clickable wireframe, interactive demo, or low-fidelity mockup.

• Include Visuals: Add screenshots or visuals that demonstrate your MVP features.

• Explain the Prototype: Write a short caption explaining what each screen or element shows.

• Label Key Features: Clearly highlight the main features you are showcasing.

• Describe User Flow: Explain the sequence of interactions: what happens first, next, and last.

Step 3: Develop an Assumption Testing Plan (1–2 slides)

• Identify Riskiest Assumptions: Choose 2–3 key assumptions that could make or break your product (e.g., users care about the problem, will use a specific feature, or trust your solution).

• Plan Tests for Each Assumption:

  • Define exactly what you are testing.

  • Choose your testing method: user interviews, usability tests, fake landing pages, etc.

  • Describe what results would validate or invalidate each assumption.

Step 4: Prepare Your Final Pitch Recording (3–5 minutes)

• Structure Your Story:

  1. Customer + problem (from Week 3)

  2. Key insights from customer discovery

  3. Your value proposition and MVP features (Week 5)

  4. Prototype visuals and their demonstration (Week 8)

  5. Assumptions to test next and why they matter

• Tips for Delivery:

  • Keep slides clean and visual; avoid clutter.

  • Update previous slides as needed.

  • Practice so your pitch is smooth, confident, and natural.

  • Treat the recording like a real conversation with investors or mentors.

Step 5: Review and Refine

• Rehearse your pitch multiple times, focusing on clarity, energy, and flow.

• Ensure all visuals are clearly labeled and support your story.

• Ask peers or mentors for feedback before final submission.

Resource Links:

1. IDEO Design Kit – Prototyping

2. Nielsen Norman Group – Prototyping & Usability Testing

3. Harvard Business Review – How to Pitch Your Startup

4. Interaction Design Foundation – User Testing

5. Lean Startup – Build, Measure, Learn

 

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