Jump! - A Dog Walking Mobile App
Problem Statement
Busy pet owners often struggle to find reliable and convenient dog-walking services. They need an easy-to-use mobile app that helps them schedule trustworthy dog walkers with minimal effort.
Solution
Jump! is a mobile application designed to connect dog owners with verified walkers, allowing seamless scheduling, real-time tracking, and secure payments. The app focuses on ease of use, trust, and safety to provide a hassle-free experience.
Research
Research
User Research
I conducted surveys and interviews with 30 dog owners and 20 professional dog walkers to understand their needs, pain points, and expectations.
Key Insights:
1. Dog Owners:
Wanted easy scheduling and real-time updates.
Prioritized safety and vetting of walkers.
Preferred integrated payments and walk history.
2. Dog Walkers:
Needed a fair and transparent payment system.
Desired flexible scheduling options.
Wanted a rating and review system for credibility.
Competitive Analysis
I analyzed existing apps like Rover and Wag to identify gaps. Users found these apps had cumbersome onboarding processes and inconsistent walker quality.
Personas
Persona 1: Lilly (Dog Owner)
35-year-old marketing executive with a busy schedule.
Needs a reliable walker for her Labrador, Max.
Values security, transparency, and easy booking.
Persona 2: Jerry (Dog Walker)
24-year-old freelancer looking for extra income.
Needs an intuitive interface to accept and manage bookings.
Prefers features that showcase his reliability and reviews.
Wireframes and Prototypes
I created low-fidelity wireframes to map the user journey. After usability testing, I refined the designs into high-fidelity prototypes, focusing on:
Home Screen: Quick access to booking and active walks.
Booking Flow: A three-step process (Choose Walker → Set Schedule → Confirm Payment).
Real-time Tracking: Live GPS tracking of the dog walk.
Ratings & Reviews: Transparency in walker performance.
Usability Testing
I tested the prototype with 12 dog owners and 6 walkers. Feedback led to:
Improved navigation with a bottom-tab layout.
Clearer pricing breakdown during booking.
Impact
75% of users found booking a walker effortless.
User retention rate of 75% after three months.
Positive feedback on the app's simplicity and trustworthiness.
Conclusion & Features
Basic
Simple Onboarding: Quick profile setup and verification.
Smart Matching: Algorithm suggests walkers based on availability, distance, and reviews.
Intermediate
Walk History & Reports: Detailed summaries of each walk.
Review System: Builds trust and ensures quality.
Advanced
Live Tracking: GPS-enabled tracking for peace of mind.
Secure Payments: Multiple payment options with transaction security.
Future Ideas
AI-based walker recommendations.
Integration with smart pet devices.
Community features like dog park meetups.