CityPups

For this sprint, I designed a website called CityPups, a platform for prospective dog owners to find the perfect dog that will fit their lifestyle and needs.

Role
UX/UI designer

Tools
Figma

Duration
3 months

Understanding the Problem

The problem is that people in cities have a desire to adopt dogs, but don’t know how to search for the perfect dog. Additionally, the user:

  • might not be familiar with local adoption agencies or shelters​

  • may have specific preferences for dogs, such as age, breed, and size.

  • can be limited in their living space areas, varying commutes schedules and transportation methods, and access to dog friendly outdoor spaces.

Constraints

Solution must be designed as a website (laptop and desktop screens)

  • CityPups aggregates adoption dogs from local organizations and shelters, and so the solution must be geared towards searching for dogs.

My Role

I was tasked to synthesize UX research, sketch wireframes, build a prototype, conduct usability tests and create the final solution using Figma.

Research

Some findings:

  • Important factors include breed, size, age, gender and location​

  • Small and medium sized dogs are preferred for those living in smaller spaces in the city

  • Convenient Location is important to accessing the dog.

I performed a lightning demo and looked at solutions competitors have created for inspiration, looking at filters, subject profile pages, and map layout.

Crazy 8 Sketching

The sketching session allowed me to brainstorm 8 versions of this screen in 8 minutes, and created the following:

  • "Browse" (Critical Screen) - look through available dogs based on their criteria 

  • “Profile” - showing an in depth look at an individual dog

  • “Redirection” -directing the user to the shelter or rescue’s website

User Journey

I created a 6 panel storyboard, mapping out the full user journey. I illustrated how a user might use this website:

  • Being sent to the “Browse” page, scrolling through filters

  • Referring to the map for nearby shelter/rescue centers

  • Selecting a dog of interest, and being redirected to it's “Profile”

  • Ultimately, choosing to adopt and transferring to “Redirection” page instruction.

Prototype

I created a medium fidelity prototype based on the plot of the storyboard, adding graphics and colors to help create a brand image around CityPups.

Iterations

I interviewed 5 users, all of whom live in big cities. Here are my findings:

  • Users were able to browse and get to adoption page of interesting dogs.

    • However, 3 of the 5 users expressed a desire for a more personalized dog adoption process.

    • One user felt that “this app didn’t account for how much time and energy I can put in taking care of a pet.”

  • The “Search” bar went unused by 4 participants, as they did not know elements to search (eg. name, breed, etc.)​

  • Users liked the volume of information on "Profile" pages, such as vaccinations

​Iterating, I added a personality quiz of 2 pages superseding the “Browse” page, for:

  • User’s living space and location.

  • Requirements for their prospective dog.