Woof pawsitively transforms pet wellness for their furry friends, one wag at a time.
In a post-COVID-19 society, people are dedicating more time to home life, prompting many animal enthusiasts to consider the addition of a new pet to their households. This decision can be marked by excitement and anticipation, yet it comes with a substantial dose of responsibility. Embracing a canine companion can offer a gratifying experience, brimming with moments of joy and unwavering affection. However, it's essential to recognize that it isn't all playfulness and love. After all, dogs are known to be boisterous and energetic, and learning new habits and special needs a pet requires can be a long and stressful process that every pet owner embarks upon.
CONTRIBUTIONS
UX Research
Product Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Branding
TOOLS
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
TIMELINE
10 weeks
INITIAL PROBLEM DISCOVERY
Myths, Misconceptions, and Misinformation about dog wellness
Addressing the misinformation surrounding dog care, where inaccurate advice and myths threaten the well-being of our canine companions. The prevalence of false information challenges pet owners in making informed decisions, potentially leading to suboptimal care practices.
PROBLEM VALIDATION
The abundance of misinformation makes it challenging to identify reliable sources that genuinely address the pet owners’ concerns
Addressing the misinformation surrounding dog care, where inaccurate advice and myths threaten the well-being of our canine companions. The prevalence of false information challenges pet owners in making informed decisions, potentially leading to suboptimal care practices. Within the community of dog owners, a notable proportion faces the challenge of fulfilling the comprehensive needs of their beloved pets in a manner that is both efficient and consistent.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
How might we provide pet owners with a reliable and effective tool to ensure their dogs' optimal care and well-being?
INITIAL RESEARCH
What are the main challenges pet owners commonly encounter?
Being a pet owner comes with numerous joys and rewards, as dogs bring unconditional love and companionship into many people lives. However, alongside the joys, there are also various challenges to encounter. The research was emphasize in understanding the main pain points such as:
USER INTERVIEW
Inquiring pawrents for their valuable insights
In my quest to understand the diverse dynamics of pet ownership, I engaged in insightful conversations with 26 dog owners. These interviews provided a deep dive into the unique bonds shared between individuals and their furry companions. From tales of heartwarming moments to discussions on wellness practices.
INTERVIEW TAKE AWAYS
Identifying the opportunities through dog owners insights
Being a dog owner entails significant responsibility, requiring awareness of associated challenges and potential issues. Through diligent care, attention, and training, many of these challenges can be successfully addressed. Following 12 interviews and 14 surveys involving dog owners in various scenarios, the gathered insights were organized into three distinct categories.
PERSONA CREATION
Transforming ideas into pawrents
BACKGROUND RESEARCH - COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
What dog apps are currently on the market? Comparing and evaluating their pros and cons through a feature matrix
DESIGN GOALS
Woof is a mobile app dedicated to enhancing every doggie's life. It enables users to monitor their pets by displaying and collecting accurate information. Beyond mere management, the interface educates owners about their pets tailored needs and connects them with specialized veterinaries.
DEISGN OPPORTUNITIES
A versatile array of tools designed to pinpoint and formulate strategic solutions.
INITIAL IDEATION
Conceptualization of all prospective features through sketches
I utilize low-fidelity sketches to provide a simplified and early-stage representation of the product interface. It serves as a tangible visualization of ideas, focusing on essential elements and core functionalities without delving into intricate details.
USER FLOW
Initial prototype and constructing the userflow
Once the structure is set up, the sketches are plotted initially in Adobe XD and eventually transition to Figma. These simple prototypes were valuable in identifying design system components and obtaining initial feedback on the interface.
USER TESTING
Conducting a comprehensive assessment of interface and usability to gauge the user experience
I rigorously tested the prototype through heuristic evaluation and extensive usability testing. This multifaceted approach allowed us to gather valuable insights into user interactions, preferences, and overall experiences. By carefully analyzing user feedback and conducting in-depth behavior analysis
DESIGN CHALLENGES
Reassessment of Key Elements
Based on the user testing, I encountered many problems with the design. All users prefer the task to be more detailed. Most wish to build a more detailed profile for their pets rather than have a type of social media account for them. Subsequently, a strategic approach involves revisiting the design elements, analyzing user feedback, and making informed adjustments to rectify identified shortcomings. This iterative process was essential for refining the design and ultimately contributing to improving the user experience.
FINAL DESIGN
Unleash the joy of pawfectness
After establishing a more robust design framework, I incorporated the feedback from multiple testing sessions to craft the ultimate design. I modified the hole structure throughout the product to help communicate a more cohesive app.
CALENDAR
Capture every aspect of your furry friend routine
TRACK
Users can track and document key aspects of their dogs' lives, including diet, health metrics, training milestones, and associated expenses. Each entry includes a detailed description and visual representation through charts, offering an intuitive and analytical view of their dog's well-being and development.
Effortless quest for the perfect veterinary care
VETERINARY ASSISTANCE
The app transcends the conventional search process for specialized vet care. The feature facilitates the identification of specialists whose expertise aligns with their pup's specific necessities. Beyond a mere list of professionals, the platform adds an extra layer of confidence by providing a comprehensive review system. "Pawrents" can delve into previous ratings and detailed vet outlines, unraveling information beyond surface-level recommendations.
CUSTOM PROFILE
Profiles for Every Furry Family Member
Pawrents can set reminders for vital events like vaccinations and grooming in the Woof calendar. The feature includes a detailed classification system for precise categorization, titles, categories, specific times, and designated locations. This ensures a well-organized and detailed schedule for every aspect of their dog's care
Crafting a Pawsome Moment in the Woof Calendar
Manage all your pets in one account, capturing their individuality with details like name, breed, age, and adoption date. Dive deeper with info on weight, height, coloration, neutering, and microchip status. It's a comprehensive approach for a truly personalized and detailed pet care experience
REFLECTION
Looking back on the journey
The project was a delightful mix of challenge and fulfillment. It resonated closely with my interest in design for dog care. Creating a project where I was a designer and prospective user presented unique challenges at one point. One potential difficulty was maintaining objectivity and avoiding biases in the design process. This can result in overlooking design flaws or potential usability issues that a third-party user might notice. It was helpful to step back and view the project with a fresh perspective that was concentrated on the users.
Moving forward with Woof, I will focus on developing the forum feature to foster connections among pet owners, creating a vibrant community centered around teaching and learning. The idea is to share their experiences and learn from one another, such as what kind of food or vitamins pets consume, what insurance they recommend, or where to go for grooming. Together, pet owners can tap into the collective wisdom and insights gained through real-life experiences, enabling them to become even better caregivers and enrich the lives of their beloved pets.
