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This project was for a University of Arkansas class. We were tasked with creating a service which was then represented by a web page in order to create a solution to an unsolved consumer problem.
Timeline
Aug-Dec 2024
Team
1 Designer, 1 Social Media Manager, 1 Manager
Tools
Canva, Squarespace
Objectives
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Create a new product or service that is not currently available
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Interview early adopters
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Build a brand
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Create a persona
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Build a website
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Test website usability
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Monitor website analytics
First Steps
Our first steps in this process was to decide on a service idea. We wanted to center our idea around college students with dogs who may have problems with dog upkeep due to their busy schedules. Next we needed to develop interview questions for individuals who may be early adopters.
Interview Questions
These questions targeted the group we believed to be our early adopters which included college students, dog owners, and individuals with busy schedules.
1. What is the hardest part of being a dog owner in college?
2. When was the last time you experienced this problem?
3. How do you feel when you experience this problem?
4. Have you ever tried to solve this problem before? If so, what did you do?
5. When was the last time you tried to solve this problem? (If Applicable)
1. What is the hardest part of being a dog owner in college?
6. How much money would you be willing to spend on a solution for this problem?
2. When was the last time you experienced this problem?
7. What is not ideal about this solution you’ve tried? (If Applicable)
8. Do you know anyone else experiencing this problem?
3. How do you feel when you experience this problem?
4. Have you ever tried to solve this problem before? If so, what did you do?
Solution
Based on feedback from our interviews, we found that 100% of college dog owners experienced challenges in managing their pets. Recognizing this widespread need, we developed a practical and mutually beneficial solution.
Our platform connects dog owners within the college community, allowing them to exchange pet care services such as dog walking, sitting, or quick check-ins. Users can schedule a time for another owner to care for their dog, with the understanding that they will reciprocate by providing assistance on a future date. This system fosters a supportive network while ensuring that pets receive the attention and care they need.
Required Elements
1. Visual Showcase: We incorporated images of the local area to help visitors feel more familiar and connected with their new surroundings.
2. Blog Section – Hacks & Hints: This creatively named section provides useful tips and insights, aligning with our ongoing theme of support and guidance.
1. Color Scheme: Bright, inviting, fun
2. Elements: Dog bones, dogs, parks
3. Text: Bubbly, round, exciting
Website Design
User Persona
3. About Me Slide: We included an "About Me" slide for each group member to introduce themselves and clarify which part of the blog they contribute to, fostering transparency and connection.
1. What is the hardest part of being a dog owner in college?
2. When was the last time you experienced this problem?
User Testing
Due to the nature of our project we were not able to act on our suggestions by users, though we did want to receive feedback in order to reflect on our options to improve.
Not sure you need separate pages for services and subscriptions. Probably could have all been loaded on the same page. Or at least combine services and subscribe pages into a single services page that just shows services included with each subscription level.
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Generally clean look and feel without much clutter. Photos of dogs didn’t seem consistent in terms of photo quality. The photos also didn’t extend the full width of the browser window. Photos looked like they were just grabbed from a random internet search. One looked AI generated which would have made me lose trust in the site.
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Website Analytics
Final Thoughts
This project helped me to understand user personas and how they can be used during web development. I learned more about how SEO affects a website and the importance of marketing that site. I found that color schemes represent a brands image and how it portrays itself to its consumers.