Yes, currently the only way to try it out is by creating an account. A live demo with data could help us demonstrate the platform without the need of creating an account, but that is not yet implemented.
I wanted to post the same thing. Demo with static data would be fine to browse around in but I don't create an account unless I plan to use it.
On the positive side: Creating an account via Google is fast and easy. Had that not been available I'd have walked away too.
If the author so desires, create a temp account with temp-data