PupUs 🐶
An app that connects dog owners to professional trainers and sets a training schedule
Project Overview 🗒️
Background
Nearly 40% of California households own at least one dog and they are convinced it's good for their health. While having a dog can provide comfort and support, it also comes with responsibilities. Especially for dog owners who are also working, it can be difficult to take care of both the individual and the dog.
Goal
PupUs will empower dog owners so that they are confident in training their dogs.
Role
Researcher, UX/UI Designer (Team Project)
Time
5 weeks, February-March 2023
Skills
Brainstorming, Research, Survey, Interview, Storyboard, UX/UI, Usability Testing
Research Questions
1. Do dog owners have a hard time balancing their schedules?
Because of COVID, many people stay at home so this might not even be an issue or a problem that we have to solve. Instead, there might be another concern that dog owners have.
Research Topic
To understand my target user, I created some research questions to help guide me in learning about their experience.
2. Do dog owners have a difference in their relationship with their dogs after COVID?
COVID has changed a lot of working environments and so people could have a different schedule compared to before. This difference can bring new needs and goals for dog owners.
3. Do dog owners know how to improve their relationship with their dogs?
Some people who just adopted a dog might not even know how to get along with their dog. In other cases, adopted dogs are afraid of people and the dog owner needs to learn how to establish a friendly relationship with their dog.
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Background/Secondary Research
To find some answers to these questions, I first searched online. During the pandemic, more than 23 million American households have adopted a pet as a way of having more support and comfort in their home. As they spend more time inside the house, they wish to have a companion to spend time with. Dog owners during the pandemic have had fewer depressive symptoms during the pandemic and overall felt as if they had more social support. However, having a dog also comes with more costs as well. New dog owners now realize how much time and effort it takes to take care of their dogs and are becoming overwhelmed. Dog owners now spend more to get help with taking care of their dogs as Wag states, “the newest customers are about 20% more active than customers pre-pandemic”.
Source: EverydayHealth and The Washington Post
🏠 🐶
Research Objective
Based on this information, I was able to close down on the problem area for my target users. I realized that there might be more difficulties for dog owners who are working because it is hard for them to balance their schedules. As a result, it is harder to take care of their dogs. With this in mind, I wanted to find out what working dog owners struggle with the most so that I can help improve their relationship with their dogs.
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Interview
I then conducted four interviews with dog owners to learn about the relationships dog owners have with their dogs and understand the struggles that they face.
Interview stages
Learn about dog owner’s relationship with their dog
For this stage, I had the dog owner participate in an activity. I asked the dog owners if they could draw themselves with their dogs. This activity would loosen up the dog owners for the interview and get them thinking about their relationship.Learn the struggles dog owners face with their dog
This stage was focused on really learning and understanding the pain points of dog owners. I wanted to know what kinds of issues they struggled with, how they dealt with them if the issue was solved, and possibly why it was not solved. From this, I would be able to know the focus points of this research.
This visualizes some of the information that I got through the interviews
Data Synthesis
I then organized the data so that I could see if dog owners share some similarities. Through this organization, I found out that dog owners do in fact face similar struggles. Many interviewees felt that training dogs are difficult, requires a lot of treats, and is hard to find the right and long-lasting way. Barking is a problem faced by most of the interviewees. The dog will bark suddenly in any situation, which affects not only the dog owner but also the neighbors. As a result, many interviewees are afraid to leave their dog at home alone or were constantly worried when the dog owner leaves the house because they didn't know what the dog is doing.
Since dog owners also work from home, barking is a big issue because it disturbs their work meetings along with being a public disturbance. It is hard to solve this issue as dog owners struggle to have the correct training method and find it hard to train their dogs to stop barking. This leads dog owners to be more nervous when they leave the dog at home because they are concerned about the dog’s behavior.
User Persona
Through these interviews, I was able to understand my users. To illustrate these findings, I then created a user persona. This persona would be used so that I know exactly who I am designing for.
“I love my dog but I find it really hard to train him not to bark all the time so I get stressed a lot”
Audry
A graphic designer who works from home
26 years old
Lives alone in SF Lives in an apartment complex
Recently adopted 2 years old Beagle
Behavior
Does training with her dog after work
Takes her dog out for a walk three times a day
Tries to meet her friends outside on the weekends
Night-owl person
Pain Points
The dog barks when she is in work meetings and at night so it disturbs her work and neighbors
Wanted to do dog training but couldn’t do it because it was too expensive
Tries to train at home but it is hard to be consistent
It is stressful when she leaves her dog at home because she is concerned about the dog’s behaviors
Needs/Goals
Be able to take care of her dog even through her work life
Find useful and effective dog training methods (specifically to stop barking)
Enjoy personal time outside without worrying about her dog
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User Journey Map
With this persona in mind, I created a user journey map so that I could see the process that the user goes through for their problem. This journey map begins at the dog owner’s home. While the user is trying to work at home, their dog will bark and it disturbs their meeting or work. Because of this struggle, the dog owner decides to look for dog trainers. However, it is hard to find a dog trainer as they need to do their own research to see if the trainer is reliable. Dog trainers are also expensive and so owners are not sure if they want to commit. As a result, they decide to train the dog at home. Even though they have decided this, owners struggle to train the dog by themselves because they can not find a good training method and be consistent. Because of this, the barking problem does not get solved.
Defining the Product
How might we empower dog owners to feel confident in training their dogs not to bark?
Solution Brainstorming
I then did some brainstorming to think of different ways to solve this problem based on the “how might we” statement. These ideas were then grouped based on similarities. From these ideas, I picked three that had the best potential to solve the problem.
An app where you can set a training schedule and find videos to learn training methods
A toy that will distract the dog’s attention
An app where dog owners can share their daily life and problems to get advice from other dog owners and professional trainers
Solution Draft 1
1) An app where you can set a training schedule and find videos to learn training methods
This app will allow users to create a schedule that is specific to their dog's life. Users can set up their daily tasks in relation to the dog. Based on this schedule, the phone will send reminders to alert the user of the event. Users can also view various training videos that are in the video library. Users can also set a training schedule. When the time comes, the alarm will ring and users will be reminded to train their dogs. During the training, they can refer to videos.
2) A toy that will distract the dog’s attention
This ball toy will be both used as a snack toy and a distraction. Users can fill in the ball with treats. When the dog is barking, users can use this toy to distract the dog's attention. The ball will also move by itself so that the user does not need to continue playing with the dog.
3) An app where dog owners can share their daily life and problems to get advice from other dog owners and professional trainers
This app would be a social application where users can connect with other dog owners and even trainers. They can upload posts about their daily life with their dog which could include their struggles with the dog. By posting questions they have, other dog owners can reply and answer with their experience and knowledge. However, if the user pays money, they can also get answers from professional trainers.
Interview
With these ideas, I did another round of interviews to learn what dog owners thought of these solutions. For this interview session, I had 5 participants and a couple was the same participants we interviewed before. Below are the synthesized interview findings. I asked each participant what they thought of each solution and for some feedback.
From this interview, I got a lot of valuable information about each of our solution ideas
1) An app where you can set a training schedule and find videos to learn training methods
With this solution, users were not confident and could not trust that they would follow the schedule even though they would be reminded to do it
2) A toy that will distract the dog’s attention
Users mentioned how the toy only distracts the dog for a brief moment and does not provide a long-term solution
3) An app where dog owners can share their daily life and problems to get advice from other dog owners and professional trainers
I got the most positive reactions to this solution and learned that most dog owners really want/need the help of a professional trainer
Final Solution
I decided to combine the first and third ideas as they had the most positive responses. Users liked how they could find training videos and how they could connect to professional trainers. As a result, I combined these two elements to create my final solution.
Dog training app that will help dog owners connect with a trainer to gain help for going through a training program
User Flow
Task: Book a session with a trainer
For this project, one of the main tasks is to be able to connect with a trainer. To map out how this task will be done, I created a user flow. This diagram will help me to understand what screens I need to design.
Wireframe
Based on my task flows, I created a low-fidelity prototype on Figma. After designing the wireframes, I also included the wire flows based on the task flows that I created before.
Style Guide
I then designed a style guide to map out the branding and theme of this app. Since this app will allow users to find reliable trainers and efficiently train their dogs, I had to find a color scheme that matches these values. I decided to use a color scheme that holds blue and purple to emphasize this sense of relaxation and reliability. I also placed emphasis on accessibility, so I had to make sure the colors I chose passed the contrast ratio. For my general UI, I chose to go with a minimal and casual style.
Prototype
With the wireframe and style guide, I went onto Figma and designed my first prototype. This prototype goes through the task of booking a session with a trainer.
Book a session
From the homepage, users can tap on the “trainer” widget to find a trainer they want to connect with. In the “train” screen users can find trainers, training schedules, and specific skills. They can also use the search pills to specify the search results. By tapping on the trainer’s profile, users can also message the trainer and schedule a video-call session.
New Versus Registered Users
The screen on the left shares what users would see when they first start this app. After they connect with a trainer and select a training schedule, the home screen widgets will update. The screen on the right illustrates how users can easily view upcoming schedules, quickly message their trainer, and view their training schedule.
Usability Testing + Iterations
After I finalized the first prototype, I then tested the Figma prototype on 5 different individuals. I asked them to complete the task to see how they navigate and interact with the prototype. With the information I gained from the interview, I then understood the problems of the prototype and proceeded to make changes.
Problem ☝️: Trainer Profile
“This ‘connect’ button seems like I need to commit to a trainer already and I’m not sure what ‘subscribe’ means. I would also want to see more details about the trainer.”
-J.O.
👱🏻♀️
Solution 🙌
I got rid of the call to action button in the trainer profile card. This way, users can press anywhere on that card to be brought to the detailed trainer’s profile. This also lets the user assume that this action will bring them to view more details about the trainer. I changed “subscribe” to “connect” so that users can clearly understand this action. I also added some space in the profile where trainers can write a short bio. This will allow users to understand the trainer a bit more.
Problem ✌️: Book Session
“I find it unhelpful to have a time that I can’t even pick. I would also want to have a section where I can write a note to the trainer so that they can know beforehand what I’m looking for and prepare.”
-C.Y.
👩🏻
Solution 🙌
I got rid of unavailable time slots so that users will only view the times that are available. I also added a section where users can leave notes. This is optional, so users can skip this action if they do not find it necessary. If the user taps on the note section, they will be brought to a separate screen where they can write a note for the trainer. Trainers will see this note when they are checking the session details. This will allow the trainers to know and prepare before the session with the user.
Final Usability Testing + Iterations
After I iterated my prototype based on the previous round of testing, I conducted another session of usability testing. I shared this new prototype on 5 new individuals. I asked them to complete the same task as before. With the new feedback from this session, I went on to design the final prototype.
Problem ☝️: To-do List
“The ‘in process’ message is not really helpful because if it’s already on my to-do list I know that I’m working on it. I would also like to know specifically what I need to do.”
-H.C.
🧑🏽
Solution 🙌
I decided to get rid of the “today’s tip” card to create more space for the “to-do list”. While the tips provided new information to users, I found that it is more important o focus on the training aspect as that is the user’s goal. I added a progress percentage so users can see how far they are in the schedule. I also changed the "to-do list” design into individual “task” cards. This will allow the user to focus on each of the training skills and easily find out what they need to do for the day.
Problem ✌️: Training Schedule
“I would like it if the dog trainer would set up a training schedule in what they specialize. It would be better if I follow along with their schedule instead of them having to follow random training schedules. This way I know I’m getting the right training based on what I need. ”
-R.K.
👩🏼🦰
Solution 🙌
While I still kept some of the personal training that users can follow by themselves, I also added trainer specialized training. This training includes the trainer’s name so that users know the difference between the two types of training. The trainer’s profile is also updated to include their specialized training. This will ensure that the trainer will teach a program that they specialize in that they find fits the best for the user.
Final Prototype
PupUs ⭐️
PupUs is an app that will allow users to connect to professional trainers. Users can view various trainers and connect with a personal trainer of their choice. They can even follow a personal training schedule or the trainer’s specialized training. Users can also message and video call their trainer to get help with the training.
🐶 💜
With PupUs, we wanted users to be able to trust the trainers and feel confident with training their dogs. The name "PupUs" includes the dog (pup) and users + trainers (us). Together, we all work in order to create a healthy relationship.
Sign Up
When new users first open this app, they will be brought to the login/register screen. First-time users can tap on the "sign up" button to register. As they are creating an account, users will need to provide some information about their dog.
Book a Dog Trainer
From the home screen, new users can tap on the “trainer” widget to quickly find different trainers. In the training menu, they can find trainers, training schedules, or specific skills. Users can also filter results to find trainers that are experts in specific dog behavior. If users are interested in a trainer, they can tap on the card to find more details about the trainer. Users can also message the trainer and book a meeting to talk to the trainer. They can schedule a time that works for them, and even leave a note for the trainer.
New Versus Registered Users
New Users
Registered Users
New users will start with an empty calendar and trainer widget. They will also have no tasks at the moment, so the app will suggest training based on what is popular. After the user connects with a trainer and is part of a training schedule, the home screen will update. Users can view any upcoming events with the calendar widget and quickly message their trainer through the trainer widget. They also view their tasks to see what skill to work on with their dog.
Reflection 💭
This project placed an emphasis on understanding our users and finding the core problem. I focused on design research to really build empathy for my user, learn what their goals/needs are, and why they can’t achieve them. Through research online and interviews, I Iearned to be user-focused which allowed me to be able to understand the situation from the perspective of the user. With this, I could break down the problem and design a solution that would fit their needs. It had to be the best solution, not just a solution. This was also emphasized when I conducted my user testings. Through my testings, I was able to ensure that my app addressed all the needs of the user.
Next Steps ➡️
For this project, I mainly focused on one task which was to book a session with a trainer. I would like to expand my task and also focus on the training aspect of this app as that is another feature. Currently, users can view the different training schedules that are available, but they do not have the option to view the actual training. I would plan out how this schedule will look like and how users will follow the training. To do this, I will conduct more research and user interviews on existing dog training programs so that I can figure out the pros and cons. With this understanding, I will design my own training schedule that will help users easily train their dogs.