Designing a Prototype for Investment Pitching
TYLE: a social media app for fashion lovers
Project Overview
TYLE is a fashion-focused social app concept where users swipe through styled lookboards or "TYLES" for inspiration, similar to Tinder or TikTok. It also integrates ecommerce by linking looks to online stores.
Problem
The client needed a polished UI to bring their app concept to life and showcase it to potential investors.
Solution
A Figma prototype translating the client’s vision into an investor-ready interface that highlighted the app’s core features.
Client
Entrepreneur with multiple projects launched.
Users
Influencers, fashion lovers, social media natives.
Team
Me
Senior UX Designer
Timeline
2 months
Tools
Figma
Impact
Investment secured
It was a proud moment when the client confirmed that the prototype had contributed to successful funding of the app concept.
Client approval and future development
We received positive client feedback on the prototype and approval of our final designs. The project will now proceed to MVP and development.
Project start
The brief
To create a working Figma prototype ready for client use in investor pitching. It had to be aligned with brand guidelines and clearly communicate the key features of the app.
Required features
News feed
Explore page
Profile page
Messaging
Notifications
Create a post
My role
To design and iterate the notifications, follower activity, chat, and create a TYLE screens.
Approach
Our design process
Strong visual hierarchy
By prioritizing simplicity and strong visual communication, we turned the client’s detailed requirements into a clean, investor-ready prototype.
Established conventions
Following familiar UI patterns, we created an intuitive experience bringing key features like swiping through styled lookboards and creating TYLES to life.
Design system
We built an on-brand design system, while I applied atomic design to create consistent, scalable components and streamline the UI workflow.
Outcome
Deliverables
Working Figma prototype
With all briefed features, ready for investor pitching and securing funding for app development.
Design system
Allowing for scalability and consistency as app evolves.
Exploration archive
With plenty of options for further exploration of new features and sections.
Final screens
Prototype link
You can find a YouTube short of our TYLE prototype here.
First iterations
Originally, the TYLE AI Stylist, follower activity, and notifications were grouped under the Messages section, as shown in the first screen below.
After user testing and client feedback revealed confusion and friction, we redesigned the layout by moving these features to a new menu under the Profile section. This improved navigation clarity and streamlined the Messages screen.
Initial Notifications Menu Iteration
AI stylist, follower activity & notifications
all together in messages section.
Final Version
Each section is seperately listed under profile section
to improve navigation and avoid confusion.
Impact
Investment secured
It was a proud moment when the client confirmed that the prototype had contributed to successful funding of the app concept.
Client approval and future development
We received positive client feedback on the prototype and approval of our final designs. The project will now proceed to MVP and development.
Reflection
Learnings
Navigating strict design briefs
The client required us to follow their brand guidelines closely, so I balanced the constraints with UX principles to create a usable, on-brand solution.
Visual storytelling
I learned how strong visual design can bring a concept to life and engage users or in this case, potential investors, by clearly communicating core features and value through layout, flow, and polish.
Design team collaboration
I gained experience in team workflows, especially the value of design reviews and constructive feedback to improve the overall quality of my work.
Improving client and stakeholder collaboration
I strengthened communication and collaboration with clients & stakeholders by actioning feedback, aligning design decisions with business goals, and adapting quickly to evolving requirements
Thanks for reading
Let's connect!
© Conor Walls 2025
Designing
a Prototype for
Investment Pitching
TYLE: a social media app for fashion lovers
Project Overview
TYLE is a fashion-focused social app concept where users swipe through styled lookboards or "TYLES" for inspiration, similar to Tinder or TikTok.
It also integrates ecommerce by linking looks to online stores.
Problem
The client needed a polished UI to bring their app concept to life and showcase it to potential investors.
Solution
A Figma prototype translating the client’s vision into an investor-ready interface that highlighted the app’s core features.
Client
Entrepreneur with multiple projects launched.
Users
Influencers, fashion lovers, social media natives.
Impact
Investment secured
It was a proud moment when the client confirmed that the prototype had contributed to successful funding of the app concept.
Future development
We received positive client feedback on the prototype and approval of our final designs. The project will now proceed to MVP and development.
Team
Me
Senior UX Designer
Timeline
2 months
Tools
Figma
Constraints & Context
The brief
To create a working Figma prototype ready for client use in investor pitching. It had to be aligned with brand guidelines and clearly communicate the key features of the app.
Required features
News feed
Explore page
Profile page
Messaging
Notifications
Create a post
My role
To design and iterate the notifications, follower activity, chat, and create a TYLE screens.
Approach
Our design process
Strong visual hierarchy
By prioritizing simplicity and strong visual communication, we turned the client’s detailed requirements into a clean, investor-ready prototype.
Established conventions
Following familiar UI patterns, we created an intuitive experience bringing key features like swiping through styled lookboards and creating TYLES to life.
Design system
We built an on-brand design system, while I applied atomic design to create consistent, scalable components and streamline the UI workflow.
Outcome
Deliverables
Working Figma prototype
With all briefed features, ready for investor pitching and securing funding for app development.
Design system
Allowing for scalability and consistency as app evolves.
Exploration archive
With plenty of options for further exploration of new features and sections.
First iterations
Originally, the TYLE AI Stylist, follower activity, and notifications were grouped under the Messages section, as shown in the first screen below.
After user testing and client feedback revealed confusion and friction, we redesigned the layout by moving these features to a new menu under the Profile section. This improved navigation clarity and streamlined the Messages screen.
Final screens
Initial Follower Activity Iterations
AI stylist, follower activity & notifications
all together in messages section.
Final Version
Each section is
seperately listed under profile section
to improve navigation and avoid confusion.
Impact
Investment secured
It was a proud moment when the client confirmed that the prototype had contributed to successful funding of the app concept.
Future development
We received positive client feedback on the prototype and approval of our final designs. The project will now proceed to MVP and development.
Prototype link
You can find a YouTube short of our TYLE prototype here.
Reflection
Learnings
Navigating strict briefs
The client required us to follow their brand guidelines closely, so I balanced the constraints with UX principles to create a usable, on-brand solution.
Visual storytelling
I learned how strong visual design can bring a concept to life and engage users or in this case, potential investors, by clearly communicating core features and value through layout, flow, and polish.
Design team collaboration
I gained experience in team workflows, especially the value of design reviews and constructive feedback to improve the overall quality of my work.
Stakeholder collaboration
I strengthened communication and collaboration with clients & stakeholders by actioning feedback, aligning design decisions with business goals, and adapting quickly to evolving requirements
Thanks for reading
Let's connect!
© Conor Walls 2025