I named the app DogBer. This name was inspired after Uber. While Uber links drivers with passengers, DogBer links dog walkers with dog owners. Join me as we explore the problems, solutions, impacts/results, process, and learnings of DogBer. Let's begin shall we?

User Research (Problem/Solution)

The users are the main concern of this project. Every user is important. From the research, it was however discovered that there are three categories of users of DogBer; the dog owner, the dog walker and the dog. Each user was put into consideration whilst designing the DogBer experience and interface.

First of all, it was discovered from the interviews conducted that there are two categories of dog owners; owners that will not want their dogs taken for walks but would want some tips for their dogs, and owners that would love their dogs taken for walks especially when they are busy. Lets talk briefly on how we considered these users.

From the first persona above (this persona is generalized because, the users I interviewed basically gave the same feedback),it was discovered that if DogBer was designed for just booking dog walks, users in some locations (Nigeria, West Africa) would not use the app. However, it was discovered that if DogBer had more features like feeding and training tips, these category of users would have an amazing experience.

From the second persona, it was discovered that users in other locations (London, UK) where dog walking services exists would greatly require DogBer not just for the tips but for the main action, which is to link dog owners with dog walkers in a trust worthy environment.

Secondly, the dog walkers need a vast network that can link them with dog owners as they cannot just go about knocking at doors to ask if their services are needed. This process is tasking and might be seen as bad business because the dog owners might think its for other motives (dognapping, etc). In order to reduce this task for the dog walkers, a network was built to link dog walkers with dog owners easily, and also make dog tips available for dog owners.

Lastly, the dogs. They are also users of the app, as they are the ones going on the walk, and using the tips as well. Dog owners can create dog profiles to include their name, age, breed, special needs and photos.

Market Research

Business/Competitive research was also conducted. I discovered that DogBer will be good for business because other existing apps (in London, UK) do not include some features for users in other locations; feeding tips, training tips, ability to send and receive messages, make video calls, like posts, follow and get followed, and finally boost their DogBer ranks. These extra features are good for business.

User Flow

User flow is the path taken by the user to achieve a task.

This user flow focuses on the dog owners. They can download the DogBer from apple or play store, install and open it. The user can now decide whether to sign up, login or skip. This process leads to another decision; create their dog profile or skip? The user is then taken to the home screen where they can book dog walkers, get feeding and training tips, send and receive messages. After accomplishing this task, the user can now exit the app.

Wireframes

Low Fidelity Wireframes

I drew 5 paper wireframes for the userflow. Then I took the features I liked in each paper wireframe and combined it to one wireframe. It took me 6 minutes to draw 1 paper wireframe. I believe it was a fast process to get my DogBer ideas out.

High Fidelity Wireframe.

I designed a Hi-Fi wireframe in figma. Some of my ideas for DogBer changed, but that is a normal experience. This gave me a clearer picture on how DogBer would look like. This process took longer than the paper wireframe.

Visual Design

I designed both Light Mode and Dark Mode to suit the users choice.

Features of the app include.

1. Onboarding;

2. Booking Dog walker;

3. Social Media;

4. Tips; and

5. Profile

Onboarding

5 screens were designed with cute dog images as an onboarding screen, just to welcome the user to the app and tell the user what to expect. Users can swipe or press the next button, sign up, login or skip.

Booking a Dog Walker

Booking a dog walker is an easy process with DogBer. All you have to do is tap "Dog walkers" button with a calendar icon, search the name of the dog walker you want, or scroll vertically, select, view their profile (watch videos, pics, see their ratings and review, and their tips. see their ranks), select duration, summary and pay. DogBer has its ranking system. This ranking system helps to ensure hard work, build trust and make the app fun to use as every one want to be on the highest rank. Ranking would encourage consistent usage of the app. The ranking system was inspired by the karate belt system. Dog walkers and Dog owners both have their ranks and badges. They have to complete certain tasks to move to the next rank. For instance, Jane Cooper above currently has the orange verification badge, this means that she has completed 1000+ dog walks and has received at least 100+ 5 star ratings. Cool!

Social Media

Users can send and receive messages, make and receive calls, and also get notified when the dog walker has arrived, or when they get followed. This helps to built trust between owners and walkers.

Tips screen

The tips navigation button is quite different from the other buttons. This is because it would be the main action for users in other locations ( e.g Nigeria, Westafrica). Users can select which tip they want; training tips or feeding tips. They can now scroll vertically or horizontally. They can also search for the tips they want or select from the horizontal chip. Nice!

Prototype/Testing

I went ahead to prototype my visual designs, just so users can have a feel of how the app works, I made it really interactive. I sent the link to my friends on dribbble, and also to my followers on twitter.

You can test the prototype, just click the link below:

1. Dark Mode

2. Light Mode

Note: Once the link to the prototype has loaded, press "Z" on your keyboard to fit screen.

 Or you can watch me as I do a live demo.

Usability Testing

A remote usability testing was conducted.

with 5 users

They were asked to perform the following tasks:

1. Sign Up/ Create a Dog profile

2. Liking a Picture in the home screen

3. Book a dog walker named Jane Cooper.

4. Make a video call to Jane Cooper

5. Make a post

Usability Feedback

1. All users found it easy to sign up and create a dog profile

2. Liking a picture was also an easy task

3. Booking a dog walker took a while for them to discover, but they eventually discovered it

4. Making a video call was also easy

5. Making a post was a feature you can only do in "My profile" button. and it took them time to discover it.

Future Features

Some of the features that would be added in the future include:

1. Ability to track Dog walker

2. The process of making a post would be less complicated.

My First App Design Experience

I really learnt a lot, oh yes it was time consuming, this app took 7 weeks to design. And I'd say it was a well spent 7 weeks. Other apps I designed did not take me so long, because I was now vast with the Product Design Technique. All I can say is thank you Dribble for this opportunity.

Thank you!