Finding a Companion
In this exercise I created a website that would help users find a pet. I decided to create a way that would help them find a breed that best suited their lifestyle. In asking just a few questions they could find matches that were compatible. I conducted several interviews to determine what people felt were the most important traits when considering a pet. When creating this questionnaire I found that this could also be implemented into the filtering in the search functionality.
Too Lazy; Didn't Read
The Task
Millions of animals are currently in shelters and foster homes awaiting adoption. Design an experience that will help connect people looking for a new pet with the right companion for them.
The Research
Three different forms of research in order to better understand the task at hand.
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Competitor analysis in order to explore existing websites and improve on existing ideas.
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Survey question to find what people love most about their pets and understand the potential customers.
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Field interview in order to find what the experts use to determine compatibility between a pet and its potential new family.
Competitor Analysis
What are the pain points from existing websites?
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There are a lot of different adoption websites from which people can find a pet. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I researched existing websites to gather ideas and identify pain points. I did a design exercise that requires understanding the problem and the challenge. Marking up the areas with these colors helps identify areas that I want to include and areas that I want to make sure to avoid.
Rose = Strengths
Thorn = Problems
Bud = Opportunity
Competitor 1
Competitor 2
Competitor 3
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Competitor 4
Survey Question
What are the characteristics that make your pet the ideal addition to your home? Your best friend? A member of the family?
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Interviewed existing pet owners to determine what makes their companion ideal. This helped determine the audience and find people are looking for in their pets to be.
Kodi Wade​
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I would say my dogs are the ideal pet, and they fill the role of best friend and part of the family.
While I love my parrots and I think they’re cool, they tend to not be the best for everyone in the house. They tend to want to bond with one person and not care for everyone else.
Oscar Rodriguez
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When you realize they have favorite shows and they sit to watch tv with you and leave when the show is over.
Elizabeth Thomas
My dog entertains the kids by playing and making them run. He is protective of them. He is like another kid sometimes.
Ludmila Jacobo
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Our oldest dog after 14 years with us is absolutely part of the family, grateful, playful, and needy sometimes. I've had dogs all my life, they're part of the family.
Kristen Seversky
Seeing as I left for barely 2 hours and came home to a suuuuper pumped pupper? Yeah -- I love having a dog :) He's got all the fun dog tricks, challenges my own stubborn tendencies, and yet is super sweet when I feel like crap. He tends to know when I'm off and will hang with me to nudge me back into good shape. Just amazing to see an animal become so alive and excited at the sight of his people :) Totally a family member...
Meghan McKenzie
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They give you a sense of purpose!
Aaron Miller
Our little Leo needs us and we need him. It would be silly to call a house a home without him. He’s the essence of the trust, joy and loves that we (and he) require. Such a good boy!
Field Interview
What are important factors in considering compatibility between a pet and its new home?
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In order to maximize retention and satisfaction. Visited the Humane Society to find the main compatibility factors facilitators look for when placing a pet in a new home.
Process:
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Browse for new companion in the shelter
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Fill out application
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Meet with adoption counselor
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They will help make sure you are placed with a good fit
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Spend some time with your potential new companion
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Fill out final paperwork
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Take your new buddy home!
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Q: What is the most important thing when considering placing a pet?
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A: "You want to make sure the dog fits the lifestyle of the family. We don't want to place an over stimulated dog with a family that will not be willing to take it on walks or give it the enough playtime."
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A: "The chemistry when they meet the pet is very important. Although most of these pets are craving attention there are some that are very timid and require people that know how to approach them."
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A: " It is important to be upfront about the imperfections of the pet. Although we want to make sure they get adopted and soon, we want them to be adopted by the right person. We find it important to be transparent about any issues (health or behavioral) the dog or cat might have."
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Q: What are the most common restrictions when placing a pet?
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A: "The family components are very important. Will there be other pets? Are there children in the house hold? A lot of these animals come with previous traumatic experiences. Some of them don't get along with other dogs or children."
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Q: What is your favorite part about volunteering?
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A: "I love all the cuddles. The dogs are always excited to see you. It gets difficult because you develop bonds and then some lucky family gets to take them home. I always want to take them all home."
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Q: What is your favorite part about your pet?
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A: "Joey is the cuddliest dog I have ever met. He had been in the shelter for quite some time. He is not the "prettiest" dog but he is definitely the sweetest "
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The Personas
The Opportunity
Adding a new member to your family is a big step. In my design I aimed to help families and individuals find a the right companion even if they don't know where to start. By asking a few simple questions we can help pair them with a breed that best suits their lifestyle.
The Goals
Gathered all the questions from the competitor comparison to determine themes that were important.
Help an adopter find a pet which matches their lifestyle
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home
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inhabitants
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activity level
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trainability
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grooming
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Allow users to search for pets that are compatible considering:
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breed
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gender
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age
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temperament
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health status
The Prototype
Features to include:
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Number of results
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number of pages
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clear all for filters
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compatibility percentage
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results
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dog breed
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short description
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search and drop down to find breed
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filters for:
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gender
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age
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shedding
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size
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breed
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health status
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temperament
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activity level
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barking
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Selection of characteristics applies filters for better compatibility
The High Fidelity Mock Up
Hindsight is 20/20
There are a lot of small decisions I made throughout the design process that I think would make this a great tool. Let's chat some more.
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I learned a lot from this exercise. Having finished, there are several things that I would have done differently. I came up with a different way to set up the filtering that would not look so overwhelming at the top of the page. I also think the information that described the dogs could be displayed in a more creative way to help the user match the characteristics they chose.