Leash Mates is a calming and reliable experience when it comes to looking for someone to help get your dog out for their necessary time outside. The ease of use interface as well as the uncomplicated design helps dog owners put their energy into finding a reliable and qualified dog walker rather than navigating through a busy an clunky app.

Problem

A key concern with dog/pet owners is finding someone trustworthy and dependable to help with walking their dogs. Sometimes it is an issue with finding a dog walker and other times it is the app or website used that can be presented in a way that doesn't reassure the dog owner right away.

Research

Through questionnaires, face to face and phone calls it was asked of current and future dog owners what they are looking for in a dog walker. It was also important to find out what their experience has been with dog walkers and the resources they used in finding one.

Persona

Through the research from one of the participants a persona was created. Detailing all the influential information that would help shape the way the app is constructed so that it matches the goals the designers have set to provide a reliable service to dog owners.

User flow

The direction of this user flow was for the process of finding a dog walker through location input and/or GPS.

Wire Frame

Combining the user flow created as well as the usual onboarding interface user flow you would find logging in or signing up for a typical app, wire frames were put together. 

Adjustments and Revisions

There was constant progression and revisions throughout the project. The beginning started off cluttered and busy and no consistent color palette. Towards the end of the project a color palette had been established and a more simplified design came into perspective.

The first revision had images in the background but ended up being to busy. There was also not a strong established color palette.

With the rest of the onboarding simplified, the next step was to work on the color palette by focusing on the 60-30-10 rule and working on strengthening the contrasting colors.

Now that the background wasn't so busy the viewer's focus doesn't have to compete with the information they are looking for. The color palette being brought to the 60-30-10 layout and having a stronger contrast, it was now easier for the viewer to scan over the pages without being overwhelmed with a multitude of colors.

Visual Design

A color palette was created to connect with the outdoors and to portray a calming environment to help pet owners feel comfortable and reassured the app would be a suitable fit for them and their pets.