Packpup
A BUSINESS-SHARING COMMUNITY FOR DOG OWNERS
Packpup is an application that promotes dog-friendly businesses through community ratings and discovery features. This app makes it easier than ever to find & share services for beloved furry friends.
How can a service provide dog owners with resources for their dog to encourage more socialization and time spent with their pets?
User Research
To understand the needs of dog owners, I observed and conducted 8 interviews and collected 28 survey responses.
Takeaways
- Dog owners love their dogs and love spending time with them
- Happy emotion related to bringing dogs out, but can be stressful if the status of a pet policy is unclear
- Treats/options for dogs are appreciated (banks, restaurants, etc.)
- People won’t bring their dog unless the policy is clear
Pain Points
- Some websites provide outdated information
- New dog owners don’t know where to bring dogs / how their dog will react
- Dog-owners need to prepare by bringing supplies like food, water, harnesses, bags, etc.
- Stressful encounters when dogs are not welcome
User Personas
User personas were identified to understand my audience and create an experience that caters to the target user. These personas were based on user interviews and research findings.
Ned the New Dog Owner
24 years old • ambitious remote employee
"I just adopted a new dog, and he needs lots of time and attention to adapt. I don't know many places to take him other than the veterinarian and pet stores."
This type of user would benefit from:
• Building a community with other new dog owners
• Access to local dog parks for socialization
Amanda the Apartment Owner
21 years old • senior in college who lives alone
"I'm finishing up my last year of college, and it's really important to me that I get to live with my dog. My schedule revolves around taking care of my dog, which can sometimes mean saying no to going out with friends."
This type of user would benefit from:
• Finding events and bars that allow dogs
• Keeping track of her favorite dog-friendly places
Harrison the Hiker
33 years old • lives with family and two dogs
"My family enjoys bringing our two dogs on outings and vacations, but it's always a hassle finding places that allow pets. We have a few local spots that give our dogs so much love and attention. My kids always love when companies offer treats! "
This type of user would benefit from:
• Leaving reviews for other dog owners
• Access to businesses that allow dogs and offer treats
• Filtering for dog-friendly hotels and vacation sights
Principles
I identified four main goals to work towards and consider in each design process. These were made so that I could always direct the functionality and tone of the product to the principles of the company.
PRINCIPLE 01: INCLUSIVITY
Accessibility
This application aims to provide service options for all types of dog owners. Inclusivity means creating an experience that can be enjoyed by all users.
PRINCIPLE 02: COMMUNITY
Respect & Trust
Community is such a big part of pet ownership. This app will build off of the sense of belonging that friends and neighbors create.
PRINCIPLE 03: CONVENIENCE
Curated For You
Spending time searching for dog-friendly hotels or coffee shops is not how users want to spend their morning. Convenience means a quick search & answer.
PRINCIPLE 03: ACCURACY
Up-To-Date Information
No one loves false information, especially when it means your dog can’t join a shopping trip or walk in the park. Providing true information is an important consideration in this application. Packpup provides recent and verified reviews from real customers and dog-owners.
Competitive Analysis
An analysis of applications with similar interactions was conducted to understand where they were successful and unsuccessful. This step in the research process helped point out features that users encountered, which I asked them about in their interviews.
Bringfido
- Doesn’t provide clear information related to what businesses offer/provide
- Provides filters with different categories for events, restaurants, businesses
- Sort by rating, price, distance
Yelp
- “Dogs Allowed” filter under features to narrow results
- Doesn’t provide additional information regarding if that only includes outdoor seating, food options, water available
- Displays on map for reference
Highlighted Features
These features allow Packpup to stand out amongst other pet-friendly location applications.
Specific Dog Services
Bring your dog without any unwanted surprises! Find clear business guidelines on services, limitations, and complimentary food/water.
Search by Location
Finding a dog-friendly beach is just a search away! Use the filtering features to find various businesses - including any fees, services, or complimentary snacks!
Sitemap
Every good project needs direction. Here is the sitemap for this platform!
Wireframes
No project is complete without trial and error. Wireframes were used to provide direction and test out new UX/UI designs. Here are a couple, but check out the process document for other unused variations.
Final Prototype
Mobile
Behind the Scenes
Thanks for scrolling all the way to the end of my project! I've included my design process deck below.
Like what you see?
Let's get in touch!
sarahrosesaboori@gmail.com