Proof of concept: Bark is a proof of concept app that brings together local dog owners, promoting dog socialization and human friendships based on a shared love for their furry friends.

Project Type: Mobile App, iOS

Role: Product Designer

Background

After adopting my puppy, I noticed that some dog park days were great while others weren't as fun. It made me wonder: Could we take doggy matchmaking online to help maintain existing dog friendships and create new ones? That's how Bark came to life!

User Interviews

I began with user interviews to gauge interest. I aimed to understand users' opinions, exploring their likes, dislikes, and general sentiments on the topic.

Insights from User Interviews

• 100% of participants emphasized the significance of their dogs socializing with other dogs.

• Users recognized Bark's dual benefit: fostering connections not just for their dogs, but for themselves too, bonding over a shared love.

• Knowledge is power. Detailed profiles of dogs and their owners are essential, allowing users to feel at ease when arranging meet-ups.

• Above all, trust emerged as the paramount concern. It's imperative for Bark to cultivate a space where dog owners feel both safe and accountable while using the app

Market Research

I then conducted a market analysis to understand the current landscape, identifying key competitors and understanding potential gaps in the market.

Insights from Market Research

• Universal Concern Across Apps: A prevalent concern in many apps was the issue of fake accounts and spam. To foster a sense of safety and comfort, it's vital that users undergo a thorough authentication process. This ensures they are genuine and have sincere intentions on the platform.

• Tinder Insights:

  • Revenue Model: Features vary based on subscription levels, serving as enticing incentives for users to consider upgrading.

  • Engagement Strategy: The app capitalizes on our cognitive biases by randomly dispersing potential matches, motivating users to keep swiping right in hopes of a match.

User Persona

Next on the agenda was to achieve a deeper understanding of our users and their in-app experiences.

Task Flow

Then, I developed a task flow to map out the user's journey, highlighting the key actions and decision points they encounter within the app.

Design

Thank you for reading!

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