The Pack
Empowering NYC dog owners with a comprehensive, personalized, and safety-focused app that connects them to dog-friendly spaces, events, and a thriving pet-loving community.
Tools Used :
Over View
Problem
Finding dog-friendly spaces in NYC is a challenge due to information across multiple sources. Current solutions lack comprehensive, updated details and personalized advice, leading to time-consuming searches and uncertainty about suitability. Safety concerns and varying needs based on dog size, breed, and temperament further complicate the process. Existing platforms, like Lev, have faced criticism for limited and outdated information, underscoring the need for a reliable, user-friendly app.
The Solution
The app centralizes all essential information, offering customized filters where users can search by dog size, temperament, and social preferences. As well as location-based listings, giving detail on leash policies, fenced areas, and safety measures are provided. This app will also provide user review & ratings which give real-time feedback from fellow dog owners enhancing reliability and trust. Also this app will have communication features such as direct messaging and public posts to foster community engagement and allow users to connect with privacy preferences.
Target Audience
The primary users are NYC dog owners seeking socialization opportunities for their pets. These include young professionals, families, and dog enthusiasts who prioritize safety, convenience, and community. The app also appeals to secondary users like dog walkers and pet businesses, broadening its reach and enhancing its value to the local dog community.
This app aims to transform the way NYC dog owners connect and explore the city, offering a seamless, personalized experience for both dogs and their humans.
User Research: Simplifying Decisions
Users often feel overwhelmed when presented with too many options, making streamlined decision-making essential. Hick's Law emphasized the need to organize information effectively and reduce visible choices to minimize cognitive load.
Solution: Reducing Overload
The Pack uses progressive disclosure to limit visible options and group information into meaningful categories like “Amenities” or “Leash Policy.” This ensures users can focus on relevant details without feeling overwhelmed.
Wireframes: Practical Design
Interactive filters and tailored profiles are the search process by presenting users with only relevant options, reducing decision time. Search results are essential details, such as location features and user ratings, ensuring that users can quickly access the information they need.
This principle states that the time it takes for a person to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices presented to them.
Initial Ideas
Our initial wireframe demonstrates how users enter the app by creating a detailed profile for their dog. We initially designed the location discovery process to prioritize user-defined filters, but after user testing, we refined it to include personalized recommendations based on previous searches and user reviews.
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Prototype Functionality
Custom Dog Profiles:
Users can create profiles with details like breed, size, temperament, and social preferences.
Directory of Dog-Friendly Places:
The app offers a comprehensive list of venues with leash policies, fenced areas, and safety features.
Interactive Filters:
Users can refine searches by size restrictions, amenities, and travel distance.
Verified Reviews and Ratings:
Safety, cleanliness, and suitability are highlighted through user-generated reviews.
Communication Tools
Features include direct messaging for meetups and public boards for sharing recommendations or event invites.