Branding & product design
October - November 2022
Mentor: Yisel Rosario Chang
The brief
The initial objective was to develop a platform that connects dog owners with a range of services designed to enhance their dogs' well-being and their own peace of mind.
Goal
My objective was to develop a user-friendly mobile app catering to dog owners, facilitating seamless connections with suitable services. I targeted three key components: training, dog sitting, and playdates.
Research
Upon commencing my research, which involved personal interviews with fellow dog owners, an intriguing revelation came to light. Contrary to my expectations, the emphasis wasn't solely on finding dog-walking services. Instead, these conversations highlighted a genuine desire to establish connections that encompassed a broader spectrum of dog-related care, including training, dog sitting, and fostering a network of like-minded dog enthusiasts.
User flow
Recognizing the significance of enticing potential users, I prioritised the inclusion of a feature that enables browsing through services without necessitating the creation of an account. This approach aimed to offer a seamless and hassle-free introduction to the app's offerings, fostering a user-friendly and inviting experience from the very start.
Wireframes
Following the completion of the user flow, the next step was to embark on the wireframing phase. I initiated this process by sketching initial concepts on paper, a flexible approach that allowed for easy iterations and adjustments. Once I achieved a level of satisfaction with the paper sketches, I transitioned to utilising Figma to craft low-fidelity wireframes. This progression ensured a structured representation of the app's layout and functionality, setting the groundwork for the subsequent stages of development.
Branding
Guided by the core attributes of trustworthiness, simplicity, playfulness and modernity, I established a foundation for the app's visual design. To bring these concepts to life, I curated a mood board that encapsulated these qualities. This mood board assumed the role of a compass, steering the development of the overall design style.
Styles & components
To streamline the design process, I constructed a concise design library. This repository encompasses essential components such as color palettes, typography selections, a well-defined design grid, and a collection of fundamental UI elements. This design library serves as a structured toolkit, enabling consistent and efficient design implementation throughout the app's interface.
The result
Charlie is a mobile application designed with an intuitive and delightful interface. Its primary purpose is to seamlessly connect dog owners with skilled trainers, dependable dog sitters, and like-minded fellow dog enthusiasts. This platform empowers users to establish their own network, fostering convenience and enhancing the overall well-being of both themselves and their beloved dogs.
