Pet App Research
This research challenge aims to gain insights and data on existing search engines that reside on pet sitting apps to better understand strengths and areas for improvement.
Role: Designer/Researcher
Platforms: iOS
Areas: Research/Design/Strategy
Overview
Research will be conducted to determine the needed functionality and best design for a search component on a pet-sitting app.
Problem
Search components are not always optimized with users best interests in mind, especially on pet apps, where keyword differences are important.
Goals
Cost
Analyze rating and pricing systems. Determine what is most effective at finding a sitter that meets users needs and stays within their budget.
Ease of Care
Suggest methods, based on findings, that will alleviate obstacles caused by issues like client/provider distance or the varying needs of different animals.
Usability
Evaluate different design models and conclude which one(s) seem most intuitive to use.
Research Methods
Surveys
Interviews
Desk Research
Initial Discoveries
Distance
Distance is not always a significant factor for users when the pet sitter is coming to the user.
Animal Type
The type of animal you are looking to board greatly impacts the type of care and boarding needed.
Experience
Many survey respondents cited fears for their pet’s safety with a stranger. As a result, positive past experiences and reviews were important to build trust.
Design Pocess
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Wireframes
Created Lo-Fi layouts to help ideate and determine the best solutions.
Conclusions
Search I
Keyword search is less relevant when searching for providers, instead, a filter and sort function is suggested for this platform.
Search II
The type of animal you are looking to board greatly impacts the type of care and boarding needed.
Competition
Although there is a large amount of competition in the sector, the companies seem to be making money and thriving, showing there may be enough space for healthy competition in the field.
