Pooches: An intuitive booking platform for pet owners.
OVERVIEW
The Pooches project was driven by the goal of transforming the booking platform into a more intuitive, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing online space for dog owners. I focused on enhancing usability, streamlining the booking process, and integrating engaging visuals.
User Research
UX Design
Visual Design
Animation Prototyping
Solo Designer
Figma
Miro
Adobe Creative Suite
Adobe XD
Independent Project
3 weeks
TEAM
ROLE
TYPE & TIMELINE
TOOLS
The problem
Despite Pooches' commitment to providing high-quality dog grooming and daycare services, the current website fails to meet the needs of modern pet owners. Users encounter challenges with navigation, finding clear information on services, and a difficult booking process, leading to frustration and decreased engagement. Moreover, the website's outdated design and lack of community-building features do not reflect Pooches’ vibrant and inclusive ethos.
RESEARCH
Market research
Method : Competitive analysis, market trends observations.
GAPS & OPPORTUNITIES
Many existing websites lack personalized experiences for users, such as recommendations based on pet breed, size, or service history.
Few platforms offer integrated community features, leaving a gap for services that connect pet owners through forums, events, or shared content.
There's a shortage of websites that combine grooming and daycare booking with extensive pet care resources, advice, and tips.
There's a significant opportunity to stand out by offering an intuitive, easy-to-navigate website that simplifies the booking process.
With the increasing reliance on mobile devices, optimizing the booking experience for smartphones and tablets represents a critical area for improvement.
Target audience
Method : Contextual inquiry, user personas, user journey mapping.
DEFINING GOALS
Method : Empathy maps, user stories, information architecture.
Challenges & Solutions
Streamline the overwhelming booking process.
1
Streamline the process by introducing a more intuitive, step-by-step booking interface. This included simplifying form fields, using more visual cues for available services and times, and implementing tooltips that explain each step, making the process less intimidating and more user-friendly.
Enhance the clarity and accessibility of pet care information.
2
Enhance the website's content strategy to offer detailed descriptions of each service, including what to expect and how each service benefits their pet. We also added a FAQ section that addresses common concerns
Improve user engagement and retention on the platform.
3
Introduction of a customizable user dashboard where pet owners can not only manage bookings and view upcoming appointments but also receive personalized recommendations for services. Integration of a loyalty program to reward users for regular bookings and encourage continued use of the platform.
IDEATION & CONCEPTUALIZATION
Method : Crazy eights, sketching, wireframing.
FINAL DESIGNS
Improving user engagement on the Pooches platform begins with a thoughtful redesign that harnesses the power of color and modern design elements to create a welcoming and intuitive user experience.
AN ENGAGING PLATFORM
Starting with the login page, we can set the tone for the entire site. By implementing a color palette that reflects warmth and trust.
The login page itself will be simplified to ensure ease of use, removing unnecessary fields and focusing on a clean, minimalistic layout. Large, clear fonts and spacious buttons enhance usability, especially for users who may not be as tech-savvy.
Previously existing design
From a Cluttered navigation bar to an intuitive experience
The previous navigation system on the Pooches website was cluttered and confusing, featuring too many options that overwhelmed users. Recognizing this, we streamlined the navigation bar to enhance clarity and usability. The redesigned navigation now features just three distinct sections: a Pets page, where users can find their pets’ profile; a Reservation page for viewing past and upcoming reservations; and a Store, which offers a selection of top-quality pet products.
Previously existing design
Additionally, to enhance user convenience, an always-accessible "Book Now" button has been added, prominently displayed to encourage easy and immediate bookings. A direct link to users’ personal accounts is also available, ensuring that managing profiles is just a click away. This new, simplified navigation design significantly improves the site’s usability, making it more intuitive and user-friendly for all pet owners.
Detailed pet profile
The Pet Profile page on the Pooches website is a comprehensive resource designed to keep all essential information about your dog easily accessible and well-organized. This profile includes key details such as your dog’s size, birthday, and character traits, providing a quick snapshot of who your pet is.
Additionally, a crucial feature of the Pet Profile is the Health section. Here, owners can manage and upload vaccine certificates, list any medications, and note allergies. This section ensures that all vital health data is up-to-date and readily available to daycare staff, aligning with vaccination rules and helping them provide the best possible care tailored to each dog's specific needs.
An easy view of past and upcoming reservations
The Pooches website features a streamlined section for managing past and upcoming reservations. This user-friendly interface allows pet owners to quickly view, track, and manage their bookings all in one convenient location, ensuring they stay organized and informed about their dog's grooming and daycare schedule.
Detailed profile view
The invoice page on the Pooches website provides a clear and concise summary of all transactions. Users can easily view detailed breakdowns of past payments and charges for services, and download or print invoices for record-keeping, ensuring transparency and convenience in billing and payments.
The Payment Methods page on the Pooches website offers a secure and straightforward way to manage billing options. Users can easily add, edit, or remove payment methods, ensuring hassle-free transactions for their dog grooming and daycare services.
The Store Credit page on the Pooches website provides a convenient overview of your account's credits. Here, users can view their available cash store credit and check the remaining balance of daycare credits. For added convenience, there's also a direct link to purchase more credits, making it easy to manage and replenish resources as needed.
STREAMLINED RESERVATION FLOW
The Reservation Booking page on the Pooches website streamlines the process of scheduling grooming and daycare services. Users can easily select dates, services, and times, view availability in real-time, and confirm their bookings with just a few clicks. This page is designed to make arranging care for your pet quick, easy, and convenient.
Key take aways & future directions
User-Centric Design
The redesign of the Pooches website focused on simplifying the user interface to enhance accessibility and ease of use. This approach led to a more intuitive experience, particularly highlighted by the streamlined navigation and efficient reservation system.
Health and Safety Prioritization
Incorporating a dedicated health section within pet profiles has significantly improved the management of health records and compliance with daycare vaccination rules, ensuring a safer environment for all pets.
Engagement and Convenience
The always-accessible 'Book Now' button and streamlined pet profile pages have increased user engagement and convenience, making it easier for users to interact with the platform and maintain their pet’s care.
Looking ahead, the Pooches platform is set to further enhance the user experience by focusing on mobile optimization to cater to the increasing number of users accessing the site via smartphones. Community engagement features will be expanded to strengthen the sense of connection among pet owners, encouraging more interaction and sharing of experiences. The introduction of AI-driven personalization will tailor recommendations and services based on individual pet profiles, improving satisfaction and engagement.