Participatory Methods
Elevator Pitch
Elevator Pitch gives teams a repeatable qualitative research practice. It keeps everyone aligned around visualization & communication by helping you quickly approaching potential investors and capturing their interest. Grounded in participatory methods, the method turns insight into tangible next steps.
Goal
Visualization & Communication
Group
Qualitative Research
Users
No User Involvement
Overview
An Elevator Pitch is a concise and persuasive speech that explains a product, service, or idea in the time it takes to ride an elevator (usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes). It's designed to grab attention, convey essential information, and spark interest. Elevator Pitches are valuable in sales, networking, and entrepreneurship, where making a strong first impression is key. By focusing on core benefits and unique selling points, an Elevator Pitch can open doors, attract investment, and engage potential customers.
Step-by-Step Procedure
7 steps to complete
1
Introduction
The Elevator Pitch method is a brief and persuasive presentation that succinctly outlines a concept, product, or service in a time frame of 30 seconds to two minutes. The purpose of an elevator pitch is to quickly catch the attention of your audience and generate interest. This method is commonly used to communicate with potential clients, partners, and investors.
2
Identify Key Points
List the most significant features and benefits of your concept, product, or service. Focus on defining the target audience, highlighting the problem it solves, and detailing your unique selling proposition (USP). Discard any irrelevant information and prioritize what matters most.
3
Create an Engaging Narrative
Craft a compelling story around the key points previously identified. Make it relatable, engaging, and easy for your audience to understand. The narrative should emphasize the benefits and address the target audience's pain points.
4
Ensure Clarity and Conciseness
Keep your pitch concise and straightforward, avoiding unnecessary jargon and technical terms. Your choice of words should communicate value while also leaving room for questions and further discussions.
5
Incorporate a Call-to-Action
End your pitch with a clear call-to-action (CTA) that motivates your audience to take the next step. This could be scheduling a follow-up meeting, connecting on social media, or providing contact information for future correspondence.
6
Practice and Refine
Rehearse your pitch to become comfortable and confident in delivering it. Time yourself and make necessary adjustments to ensure that you stay within the 30 seconds to two minutes timeframe. As you practice, seek feedback from others to refine your pitch.
7
Adapt for Different Audiences
Tailor your pitch to fit different audiences and situations by adjusting the focus and tone. Understanding your audience's background, interests, and preferences will allow you to present your concept, product, or service in a way that resonates with them.
Method Complete
Real-World Examples
See how this method is applied in practice
Understanding Deal Discovery Behavior
Research conducted with Groupon users to understand how they discover and evaluate local deals. Participants included frequent buyers in the Food & Drink and Health & Beauty categories, as well as occasional users. The study revealed that users rely heavily on personalized recommendations and location-based filtering, with visual imagery and merchant ratings being key decision factors. Users also expressed interest in occasion-based browsing like "date night deals" or "weekend activities."
Local Merchant Experience Research
Study with restaurant, spa, and fitness business owners to understand their experience with Groupon's merchant platform. Participants included both new merchants in onboarding and experienced merchants running multiple campaigns. Findings showed merchants struggled with understanding optimal pricing strategies, setting deal capacity, and interpreting performance analytics. Many requested competitive benchmarking and seasonal promotion guidance.
Deal Redemption Experience Study
Research with Groupon customers who recently redeemed deals at local businesses. The study focused on the in-person redemption experience, including showing vouchers to merchants, handling booking requirements, and resolving issues. Insights revealed that users felt anxious about merchant acceptance and wanted clearer communication about what to expect during redemption.
Deliverables
What you'll produce from this method
Elevator Pitch Statement
A brief and persuasive statement that summarizes the value proposition of the product or service, targeting the intended audience and addressing their specific needs.
Key Features and Benefits
A list of the top features of the product or service along with their unique benefits for the target user group, highlighting how these features address user needs and contribute to their experience.
Problem Statement
A clear and concise description of the main problem or pain point the product or service is solving for the target user group, helping to build empathy and understanding of user needs.
Target Audience
A detailed profile of the specific user group the product or service is intended for, including demographics, preferences, and needs, helping to ensure that the solution is relevant and appealing to this audience.
Competitive Advantage
An analysis of the key differentiators that set the product or service apart from competitors, demonstrating its unique value and positioning in the market.
Testimonials and Case Studies
A collection of genuine user feedback, testimonials, or case studies that provide social proof and reinforce the value proposition of the product or service to potential users or stakeholders.
Visual Aids
Images, videos, or other visual elements that help illustrate the product or service, its features and benefits, and the overall user experience it delivers, supporting the elevator pitch message.
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