Loop Dog Walking App
Overview
Loop is a mobile app that helps to connect dog owners with local pet service entrepreneurs. The challenge was to design an app that was simple and user-friendly while still giving dog owners the information needed to ensure their pets are in the right hands.
Problem Statement
Dog walking apps today are treated like an Uber service where anyone can become a dog walker. Owners are hesitant to use a service when there is little to no credibility or accountability. Legitimate pet service entrepreneurs need a platform to expand their network while building trust.
Research
I interviewed three dog owners and I discovered that they were reluctant to use dog services due to trust issues and specific care needs.
I also analyzed three competitors (two direct and one indirect) and found that although the competitors have claimed their walkers’ credibility and certification, many reviews revealed it was not enough.
Onboarding User Flow
The main onboarding goal was to provide a way for users to view the app before inputting information. I created a guest login experience to give users a chance to see what services are available to them.
New users are able to check whether their location is serviceable before proceeding any further into the app. Any billing and pet information can be completed at any time after signup or guest login.
This would allow users to feel trust and engage with the app.
Wireframing
After the initial low-fidelity wireframes were drafted, I iterated through several versions of the search screens and walker profiles.
I received feedback about the screens feeling too busy and messy so, I surveyed more dog owners about what information was most important to them. I took the feedback and iterated on it several more times before moving on to visual design style.
Visual Design
I initially started with four visual designs. I envisioned a playful and comforting theme for the app so, I created a mood board to get more inspiration. Once I was able to define the color scheme and tone for the app I was able to move forward with branding for Loop.
Embark was the original brand concept for the app but, I found existing dog services using the same name. With the app goal in mind, I explored several name choices before choosing the name Loop. Once the brand name was established I was able to set the styles for my overall app.
Prototype & Testing
I conducted prototype testing with the same dog owners I previously interviewed for my user research. With the feedback I received from the test, I iterated and designed several different views for the search screens. I additionally conducted A/B testing to help finalize the screen selection.
I also refined my visual design by researching the average reading speed of an adult and adjusted my welcome message animation delay to be more of a natural pace.
View Figma Prototype here
Reflection
As I continue to work on Loop, I would dive deeper into testing the search screens' usability using heatmaps. I also plan to implement how users would book other pet services as well as design the dog walkers' onboarding experience.
I enjoyed building the information architecture of the app, especially creating user flows and wireframes. I will continue to learn more about visual design and prototype animations.
