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DogAdopt: Your perfect dog is just a match away

My Role: This project was created as part of my Bachelor's final thesis and all work was carried out by me. The scope of the tasks included research, field visits, expert interviews, conception, design, prototyping and usability testing.

In Cooperation With: Tierschutzverein München e.V.

Used Tools: Adobe XD, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Balsamiq and Google Forms

Duration: 1 Semester

Picture of a shelter dog

Overview

In this project, an application was developed to facilitate the adoption of dogs from shelters by matching them with ideal owners based on the unique characteristics and needs of different dog breeds.

Through a collaboration with Tierschutzverein München e.V. and the application of a user-centered design process, the app aims to make the adoption process more successful and attractive. The application was designed for both the prospective adopters and the animal shelters.

Smartphone showing DogAdopt app and mood picture

Project goal

The main goal of the project is to develop an app that improves the adoption of shelter dogs by matching them with suitable owners. The app provides detailed information about different dog breeds so that future owners can make informed decisions.

It also aims to reduce the stigma attached to shelter dogs and promote responsible ownership. Overall, the app aims to ensure that more dogs find loving homes and raise awareness of the correct way to treat breeds.

Research

In order to develop a sophisticated app, extensive research was carried out at the beginning. This included analyzing competitors, recording user needs and preferences, conducting an expert interview and evaluating the latest scientific findings.

The following section provides insights into user preferences and conclusions from the expert interview.

Survey icon

Online survey

A comprehensive online survey was performed to gain a better understanding of user needs. Among various topics, different questions were analyzed. Do people have concerns about dogs from shelters? Why do they have these concerns and how could they be alleviated? What would people want from an app for the adoption of dogs from an animal shelter?
The following provides an inside into the desired functions.

Conducted with 465 participants

What features would you want in a digital app for adopting dogs from animal shelters?

Multiple selection was possible

72%

Education about breeds

67%

Direct application, appointment
and contact with the animal caretaker

67%

Information about costs

62%

Tips for dog training

58%

Individual dog recommendation

Plus icon
Expert icon

Expert interview & field visit



Tierschutzverein München e.V.

The expert interview showed that the animal shelter is facing more unserious adoption inquiries due to the pandemic 2022. This has made matching dogs with the right owners more difficult. The interview also explained the steps from dog intake to adoption, including health checks and training. It highlighted the need for better communication about the dogs and an easier way for adopters to share their living situations and dog experience . In addition, the wishes of an animal shelter with regard to the app were worked out in order to maximize the benefits for this site.

Personas

The findings from the online survey and the expert interview were used for developing realistic personas that reflect the true needs and preferences of potential users. Two primary personas were crafted and visualized to ensure that the product design was closely aligned with the real-life experiences and expectations of the target audience.

This led to the creation of two personas: Aron, someone who wants a dog for his family and Anna, a conscientious animal advocate who wants only the best for the animals in her care.

Persona Aron
Persona Anna

Wireframing

Based on all the findings, initial ideas were developed to ensure the proper placement of dogs in suitable homes. After creating the first sketches, these ideas were refined into wireframes. Using the software Balsamiq, a clickable wireframe was created, which was then used for usability testing.

Two initial concepts emerged: One for the animal shelter and one for potential adopters. The shelter application follows a desktop-first approach, while the app for adopters takes a mobile-first. This decision was made based on insights gathered from the surveys and the expert interview.

Desktop app for animal shelter

  • Login/Register Page
  • Login Page
  • Register Page
  • Home Page
  • Inseration Page
  • Add Picture or Video Page
  • Messages Overview Page
  • Message Page
  • Settings Page

Mobile app for potential adopters

  • Login/Register Page
  • Login Process Page
  • Login Process Page
  • Dog Overview Page
  • Chat Page
  • Chat Favorite Page
  • Breed Information Page
  • About Me Page

The wireframes provided an interactive view of user needs and were enhanced through user testing. Using an iterative approach, the concept was refined and improved over time to better align with user preferences and requirements, leading to a more polished and well-defined vision.

One example of a requirement is the desired cost summary. Potential adopters want to understand the expenses associated with adopting a dog and the developed cost breakdown addresses this need by providing clear insights into the costs involved.

Acquisition What are the costs for the acquisition?
Ongoing costs What recurring costs do I have to be prepared for?
Equipment costs Which equipment should I buy and how much does it cost?
Background Image

Moodboard

The next step was to create a moodboard which served as a visual guide for the app’s design process. This moodboard combined colors, images and forms to capture the essence of the planned design. It aimed to reflect the warmth and clarity that should be conveyed and also highlight the targeted user experience.

By bringing together these visual inspirations, the moodboard helped ensure that each design decision would align with the needs of both animal shelters and potential adopters, setting a cohesive and inviting tone for the app.

Moodboard

Final product

Mobile app for adopters

The final product is the result of a iterative process of research, design and feedback. It brings together all the ideas and improvements made along the way. This section shows how the final app looks like, highlighting its features and design.

If you're looking to adopt a dog and want to use the DogAdopt app, your journey starts with a initial registration process. At the beginning, some general information is collected.

Gallery of the app

Next, a crucial part of the process begins. The user needs to fill out a brief questionnaire about their current living conditions. Each question helps the app and the animal caregivers assess the user and provide an ideal recommendation. The questions were developed in collaboration with experts from the Tierschutzverein München e.V.

Persona Aron

Once the user has answered all the questions, they receive a personalized list of dog recommendations from the app. The best match appears at the top of the list, while dogs that aren’t a good fit are not suggested at all. This way, the user only sees dogs that are truly compatible with them and has a better chance of successful adoption.

When determining which dogs to suggest, both the animal caregiver's assessment and the dog's breed are considered. The user can then select listings and learn more about each dog.

Startscreen DogAdopt
Advert from DogAdopt
Footer from DogAdopt

When users inquire about a dog, they receive both shelter-provided information and breed-specific details. Shelter staff categorize the dog based on specific traits and provide a detailed description.

Users can then either contact the shelter directly or add the dog to their favorites. The entire interaction is designed to be as simple as possible, refined through multiple iterations and user surveys.

Desktop app for shelters

Startscreen DogAdopt shelter

Animal shelter employees have their own dedicated view within the application. They can showcase pets, respond to inquiries, and edit or remove listings as needed. The employee dashboard stands out with its clean, organized design, making it easy to navigate.

Screens DogAdopt for shelters

Once employees have listed a dog, they can receive inquiries from potential adopters. This allows them to view the adopter's profile and assess their living conditions. From there, they can respond directly to messages, send attachments and arrange meetings.

Screens DogAdopt for shelters

The application is designed to make it easy for animal shelters to advertise their pets while providing comprehensive information about potential adopters in advance. Employees have a high degree of flexibility in customizing their listings. The app focuses on the essentials, offering only the features that shelter staff need. This careful selection of features keeps complexity to a minimum.

DogAdopt showcase

Summary

This project aimed to support the responsible adoption of dogs from animal shelters through a digital application. Developed using a user-centered design process, the app effectively met user needs and was refined through multiple iterations and user testing. It includes a mobile app for potential adopters and a web interface for shelter staff.

Both tools were designed for simplicity and functionality.The project was a success and has been very well received by both shelter staff and potential adopters, with positive feedback highlighting its effectiveness in facilitating the adoption process.

Thank You
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