6 ways to enhance your Value Proposition

I saw an article on SmartCompany discussing the merits of investing time and money developing a Value Proposition for a new product idea. I couldn’t help but think about how Design plays a pivotal role in developing one’s Value Proposition or USP for their new product, concept or invention.

So I brainstormed 6 ways you can use design to improve and communicate your Value Proposition. These ideas might be useful for those who want to pitch a new idea or concept to a prospective customer, venture capital partner or management colleagues. Even more basic than that – you might just want to deliver a more memorable and engaging presentation to support all the great stat’s, sales forecasts and business planning you’ve got together…

1. Build a visual model / mockup and put it in the hands of your audience
2. Visualise your product’s features, aesthetics, and construction – through sketches, drawings, illustrations and renderings
3. Animation – make it move, rotate, pan and zoom… create a fly-through experience (3D) or a schematic representation (2D) using Flash or similar presentation tool
4. Make it virtually real (photo-real imagery) – aim for comments like “Wow, it looks so realistic!” without actually making anything physical.
5. Get IP protection – add perceived value, commitment and credibility by having your innovation protected (seek professional IP advice on patents, designs and trademarks. Check this out too)
6. Be vivid, detailed and comprehensive – tell a story, give the audience context for your solution – not just the solution. Make it entertaining.
7. (Bonus extra!) Avoid Powerpoint – go tangible… hardcopies and physical models are always more engaging and exciting for your audience than watching a never-ending procession of slides in a darkened room…

Anything you’d like to add? Please leave your comments below.