Design Sprint - CityPups

I participated in a design sprint, following the Google Ventures Design Sprint method, to create a mobile app for puppy adoption.

Day 1

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Problems

People living in cities struggle to find the right dog to adopt due to their unique needs.

Consider the following factors when finding the right dog for city living:

- Living Space: Opt for breeds suited to limited living spaces, such as apartments or small houses.

- Schedule & Transportation: Choose dogs that can handle being alone and are comfortable with public transportation or travel.

- Outdoor Space: Consider breeds that don't require extensive exercise and are content with moderate walks.

- Other City-Specific Criteria: Look for adaptable, social, and well-socialized dogs that can thrive in urban environments.

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CityPups recognizes a promising opportunity to increase adoption rates, create happier owners, and find better "forever" homes for dogs by addressing the unique needs of city-dwellers.

By matching potential adopters with dogs that fit their living space, schedule, transportation, and outdoor requirements, CityPups aims to facilitate more successful adoptions.

This personalized approach ensures that city residents can find the perfect canine companion who will thrive in their urban environment. The result is not only an increased adoption rate but also happier owners and dogs experiencing a better quality of life in their forever homes.

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Persona:

Ellie  / 27-Years-0ld  / NYC 

Behavior: 

- Ellie lives alone in a studio apartment in NYC. Now that she does not have roommates, she finally feels "ready" for the responsibility and companionship of a dog.

- She follows some adoption agencies on Instagram, and even "saves" some dogs she wants to adopt.

- Ellie has spoken to adoption agency representatives to ask questions. This has been helpful, but is very time-consuming to find the right contact or make an appointment.

- She asks friends, and people in her building who have dogs for advice, so she can get some info from people that are closer to her situation.

Frustrations:

- Ellie hasn't taken action because she doesn't feel 100% confident that a dog will be a good fit for her AND the dog.

- Most adoption sites focus on making a connection between people and dogs. This is great for browsing, but it often leads to her falling in love with a dog that needs more space, attention, or activity than she can provide. This leads to disappointment and more indecision.

- Descriptions of dogs on sites are too general - for example, it may say "this dog doesn't require a lot of space" - but how small is too small?

‍Goals:

- Ellie wants to find a dog to adopt. 

- She wants to feel confident that they will be a great fit for each other - both in emotional connection and practical factors related to her lifestyle. 

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User Mapping 

The landing page helps user start their puppy adoption journey. Browse puppies, explore profiles, and learn about the adoption process. Get in touch with the shelter for questions and prepare to welcome the new furry friend home.

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Day 2

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Lightning Demos

Airbnb

Airbnb shares the same feature of where to find the place (puppies) and gives information about the house and views. And also you need to contact the owner for the rental, just like the puppies adoption process.

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Puppyspot

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Petfinder

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Crazy 8s Method

I selected this particular screen because, during the interview conducted by CityPups, it became evident that there are certain issues with the puppy profile page that require attention and improvement. By choosing this screen, I aim to address and rectify those problems effectively.

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Solution Sketch

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Day 3

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After carefully considering the issues with the puppy profile page during the CityPups interview, I am determined to find an effective and creative solution. I understand the importance of improving the user experience and want to make the interface more engaging and visually appealing.

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Storyboard

Upon landing on the page, users are greeted with a heartwarming display of adorable puppies. To begin the adoption process, users can easily filter and sort puppies based on their preferences, such as breed, age, and size.

Once they find a potential match, they can click on the puppy's profile to access comprehensive information, including temperament, medical history, and compatibility with other pets and children. An intuitive "Contact" button is provided to streamline the adoption process, guiding users to a secure and straightforward contact form.

Throughout the process, the website maintains a supportive and reassuring tone, encouraging users to take their time and make an informed decision in welcoming a new furry family member into their lives.

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Day 4

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Prototype

The homepage offers intuitive navigation, allowing users to easily filter and sort puppies based on their preferences, such as breed, age, and size.

Clicking on a puppy's profile reveals a comprehensive overview, including adorable photos, a detailed temperament description, medical history, and compatibility with other pets and children. This wealth of information empowers users to make well-informed decisions, finding the perfect match for their lifestyle.

For a streamlined adoption process, an intuitive "Contact" button is prominently displayed on each puppy's profile, guiding users to a secure and straightforward contact form. This efficient communication channel facilitates seamless interactions between potential adopters and the adoption team, making the entire process more enjoyable and accessible.

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Prototyping Video

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Day 5

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Interview

The interview focused on improving the "Adopt a Puppy" section on the CityPups website. The interviewee was eager to contribute and create a better user experience for potential adopters. The panel emphasized the importance of a visually appealing and user-friendly interface, making it easier for users to find their ideal puppy companion. The interview conducted with five users, each bringing their unique perspectives and preferences to the table.

The experience during the interviewing and testing phase was enlightening and enriching. Each interview offered a unique perspective, allowing me to delve into the users' emotions and motivations behind their adoption preferences.

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From the interviews, several key findings emerged that significantly influenced the design improvements for the "Adopt a Puppy" process:

a) Personal Preferences: Users had diverse preferences, from the type of puppy they are looking for to the adoption process they preferred. Customizable filtering options are deemed essential to allow users to find puppies that best suited their individual lifestyles.

b) Emotional Connection: The importance of establishing an emotional connection with the puppies is evident across all users. Endearing photos and detailed profiles that showcased the puppies' personalities and histories played a significant role in fostering this connection.

c) Comprehensive Information: Users expressed the need for comprehensive information, particularly regarding a puppy's health and compatibility with other pets or children. Transparent and detailed profiles built trust and helped users make informed decisions.

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The interviews and testing process provided valuable insights into user preferences and expectations when adopting a puppy. The findings informed the creation of a more intuitive and delightful "Adopt a Puppy" process, aiming to connect potential adopters with their perfect furry companions in the most meaningful and efficient manner possible.

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What i Learned...

The experience of interviewing and testing for the "Adopt a Puppy" section has deepened my appreciation for user-centered design and its potential to positively impact users' lives. I am excited to apply these insights and lessons in future design endeavors, ensuring that my work continues to prioritize users' needs and aspirations.

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