Citypups
App that helps people living in cities find the perfect dog to adopt.
Introduction
“Citypups” is a five day Design Sprint exercise scenario created by Bitesize UX. While this modified version follows most of the critical steps of the original GV Design Sprint, Bitesize UX has provided a kickstart kit including the project brief, initial research highlights, persona, and an interview video with users trying to adopt a pet.
My Role
User Experience Designer
The Problem
Finding a dog that fits the owner's lifestyle, living space, and personality can be challenging. Adopting a pet is a big step and user’s want to find an easier way to find the perfect dog that will fit into their lifestyle.
Tools Used
Pen and paper, Sketch, InVision
Timeline
5 Days
Day 1- Understand The Problem
Users Persona
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HMW Problem Statements
These are the How Might We problem statement that I wanted to focus
How might we show all of the information?
How might we help the user find a specific need to find a doG?
How might we make the adoption process easier?
How might we make it easier for users to contact the agency or shelter?
User Map
Below is the user map of a possible scenario.
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Day 2- Sketching
Competitor analysis and Sketch out competing solutions
Lightning demos
Lightning demos is a method to research inspiring products and services: Each participant researches individually and comes up with 2-3 examples that they think the team can use as inspiration. I reviewed different existing apps to see how competitors addressed similar problem.
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Crazy 8s
Once I narrowed down my ideas, I sketched 8 different variations of my most critical screens- Pet search screen and Application screen.
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Solution Sketch
I decided on the one screen from “crazy 8s” to sketch out a solution sketch. I picked the screen that best addresses the problem and conveys the solution- application screen.
Day 3- Storyboard
I focused on a solution sketch to create a storyboard. I made a few changes from the solution sketch and added an additional sketch so that it's easier for users to ask questions to the shelter to apply.
Day 4- Prototype
I tried different iterations on splash screen and the color. I decided to go with bright purple so that the pop color will stand out more. I used different typography depending on where it is used.
Mood Page
High Fidelity Screens
Main Screen
Search Screen
Pet Details Screen
Message Sent Screen
Day 5- Test
I put together an InVision prototype and asked the participants to test the app's usability.
They were given the task: Find a dog that you want to adopt. (For this test i asked the users to find Kush)
Feedbacks
All participants completed the task
All participants stated that it's easy to use even for first-time users.
Many participants responded that the design was clean and simple.
However, there were some areas that needed improvement.
I created a table to show what I needed to improve.
1.
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3.
2.
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Day 6- Iterate
After the 5-day Design Sprint was over, I came back to it on day 6 and updated the design based on the feedback that I got from usability tests.
The changes I made include:
Changed some of the font style and size
Changed our mission description font color darker
Added more information on about Kush page
Click here for new prototype
Reflections
The Google Ventures Design Sprint problem-solving methodology helped me to find new solutions quickly. I also learned new tools like Lightning Demo and storyboard. It was fun to see the progress that I made during these 5 days of creating this website. And I enjoyed talking with pet owners and adopters about how they adopted their pets. My next goal is to participate in a group design sprint and see how it's different from a solo one.