Research and validation of a new app that will enable dog owners to connect with other locals and their dogs for social activities.
Also allowing members to offer services such as dogwalking and daycare.
4 weeks
Paul Harvey
Research
Surveys
Competitive analysis
Journey mapping
Interviews
Prototyping
Usability testing
Following the double diamond design thinking process, I started the project with the research to discover and gain insights into the problem before synthesising my findings. From there, I ideated my solution and finished with my MVP prototype deliverable.
I decided to focus on locals within my suburb- Alexandria.
Alexandria is a large suburb and in the 2016 census there were a
recorded 8,262 people living in the suburb.
Alexandria is known for having two large dog-friendly parks: Alexandria Park and Sydney
Park, making it a great area for dog owners to enjoy the social
aspects for their dogs, and themselves.
I wanted to find out what apps like this existed, what they were doing and whether this is an app that locals would be interested in.
With the recent pandemic making it more difficult for socialisation for both people abnd their dogs I felt that the app could be a potential help to any feeling isolated.
69% of all Australian households now own a pet, with almost 50% owning at least one dog. These numbers speak for themselves- one of the many things which have gotten a lot of people through lockdowns & other pandemic stresses is their pets.- says an AMA media spokesperson.
When asked if users had ever engaged in social activity with other locals and their dogs-
40% said that they had never had the
opportunity.
When it came to finding help with dog-sitting-
80% said that the most important concern was finding someone that they could trust.
What needs to be considered-
40% said that the temperament of the other dog is very important.
I would only leave my dog with someone I knew and trusted.
When you're new to an area it can be hard to find reliable trustworthy dog-sitters.
I actually like to walk alone but it's good for the dog to be social.
When asked if they had ever used an app for finding fellow dog
owners to interact / connect with-
58.3% stated that
they had never thought of it.
69.9% said that location would be important.
70.8% said that they
possibly would use it if there was one made available to them.
I actually like to walk alone but it's good for the dog to be social.
I didn't even know there was such a thing as an app for that.
From my research I identified 2 key personas.
Those that have lived in the area for a long time and might occasionally need some help with dog-sitting or care.
Those new to the area and are looking for new connections for themselves and socialisation for their dog.
Although there are some dog care apps that offer services such as
dog-walking, grooming, dog training and day care services, there are
no direct competitor apps that offer the social interaction that
Poochy Pals will offer.
Some may be similar but none are currently available within
Australia.
My research findings highlighted the 5 key opportunities that needed to be considered for the sake of the users.
I started the design process by creating the MVP.
I wanted to design
more towards mid fidelity as I feel that when it comes to testing,
users tend to understand the intention of the product more if they can
see what they are interacting with.
Throughout the design
process,consideration was given to contrast checks and accessibility
to ensure adherence to WCAG standards.
The app is currently being tested with users.
Throughout the
design process, consideration was given to contrast checks and
accessibility to ensure adherence to WCAG standards.
