Wuff: Dog Walking App Case Study
Wuff is a mobile app that connects pet owners with professional dog walkers.
Wuff was created as a project for the Dribbble Product Design 2023 course. With Wuff, they can rest easy knowing that their beloved furry friend are in the best hands and will receive quality care, exercise, and socialization while their owners are at work or away on a trip.
Problem Statement
Most dog owners want to spend the most time with their pets, but due to their work, the need to go to places that are not pet-friendly or health, they need a pet sitter/dog walker. However, they are hesitant to hire a pet care service because they don't have the confidence that their pets will be safe and well taken care of by the hired caregiver. They also have doubts about whether to use companies or go with independents due to the costs or reliability of one option or the other.
User Research
During the interviews , I noticed that Pet Owners often feel uneasy about leaving their beloved pets with strangers. They expressed a desire for a way to communicate with their dog walkers and ensure that they are trustworthy.
"When you hire someone you know, you have the confidence
of knowing who you're leaving your pet with. If I were to use an app for pet care, I would like to be able to see a bio of the person and know the opinions
of those who have hired them before."
Market Research
To conduct effective market research, I analyzed some similar apps and their reviews. This allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the market and identify areas where I could improve my own app's features and user experience.
User Persona
Tania represents the collective voice of our interviewees - working Dog Owners who loves her pets and seek reliable dog walkers to provide them with the best possible care.
User Flow
With this user flow, I represent a quick onboarding process that allowed users to preview the app before registering. This way, they could see who would be taking care of their pets and read reviews from other users, which would give them more confidence in hiring a dog walker.
Wireframes
During the wireframe crafting process, we were able to identify what was necessary and what was not for the application and what was needed to be prioritized. It was determined that providing the users with an easy and quick registration process and a reliable way to find dog walkers was the right direction to take.
Visual Design & Components
I wanted the color palette to evoke a feeling of trust and tranquility from the start, so I initially focused on a monochromatic scheme. However, as the design evolved, I realized the importance of incorporating additional colors to create better contrast and enhance the overall user experience.
By carefully selecting and integrating complementary colors, I was able to create an more attractive interface that makes the user feel confident and calm.
Prototype & Test
During user testing, I noticed the significance of maintaining consistency in the design and observed the different user responses to various tasks. All the rounds of user testing enabled me to identify and address several issues in our UI design. By making several improvements, I was able to create a better user experience.
It became evident that simplifying each step and ensuring clarity in user interactions were vital elements for an effective and user-friendly design.
Take a look at the Prototype in action.
Next Steps
Design and craft:
Intuitive in-app tracking system.
Task list specifically tailored for dog walkers.
Payment screen.
Results
As my first time designing an app, this course has provided me with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of creating something truly
human-centric. It has taught me the importance of crafting a simple and accessible experience for all users, iterating and improving week after week, and ultimately creating something that I never thought possible. With the knowledge I have acquired, I aspire to continue growing and applying these newfound skills to various aspects of my design career.
It has been an incredible experience, and I can't wait for what lies ahead.