Alex The Actualizer

 
 

Design Challenge

During the summer of 2019, an intriguing design challenge was hosted by Google, aimed at product designers specializing in user interface and experience. A curated selection of projects was available for participants, each requiring a crafted pitch for an application or website service intended to solve a pressing public issue. A particular project stood out, necessitating the creation of a concept for a pet adoption service, accessible through both mobile (app) and web platforms. Participants were given a one-week timeframe to complete and present their pitch to management.

 

“Barkley”

Designed for “Barkley” APP

 

How & Why

This project was chosen due to a strong personal connection. Growing up, involvement with the Santa Clara Humane Society fostered a deep appreciation for the animal adoption process, with hands-on experiences such as nurturing kittens and puppies until they were ready for adoption. Later life brought closeness with one of San Francisco’s top dog trainers, revealing the profound effects of mismatching animals with owners.

This project was viewed not merely as a proposition for an adoption app, but as a transformative opportunity for the adoption processes. It aimed to leverage technology to redefine animal adoption experiences, aiming to minimize friction and reduce the likelihood of incompatible pairings between owners and animals.

 

San Francisco SPCA

 

Engagement with Suzanne Hollis, the director of San Francisco SPCA, offered an insightful perspective on the intricacies of the adoption process. Suzanne shared:

"Our aim is to welcome individuals into our shelters. The post-adoption well-being of our animals is paramount to us, and a pivotal indicator of an adopter's caregiving capability often emerges in face-to-face interactions. While our induction paperwork provides significant insights, it's not uncommon for prospective owners to harbor unrealistic expectations. We've devised a pairing system termed "Meet Your Match," yet there are instances of individuals in small city apartments, who are away for the majority of the day, wishing to adopt high-energy breeds like huskies. Our mission is to align their expectations, always striving towards an affirmative adoption decision."

 

"Meet Your Match"

The ASPCA’s innovative program, "Meet Your Match," is meticulously crafted based on substantial research. Its central aim is to bolster the chances of forming profound bonds between shelter dogs and cats and their potential adopters. This remarkable initiative is widely embraced by numerous agencies throughout the United States, marking a transformative approach in facilitating meaningful pet adoptions.

 
 

"How It Began"

Initiated by the ASPCA, a comprehensive five-year research journey embarked to explore the impact of the "Meet Your Match" Feline-ality adoption program on various aspects such as adoption rates, returns, the duration of stays, and euthanasia rates.

The "Meet Your Match" program employs a multifaceted approach, utilizing assessments, adopter surveys, and color-coded cage cards and guest passes. These tools converge to form an engaging and informative framework. Within this structure, adoption counselors and adopters collaboratively navigate the process, ensuring that each animal finds a compatible owner.

This revolutionary program has manifested encouraging outcomes, notably boosting adoption rates and minimizing returns. The study revealed that insightful conversations and invaluable information dispensed by adoption counselors played a pivotal role. This guidance helped prospective adopters to recalibrate their expectations, enhancing the prospects of a harmonious match. A striking majority of adopters expressed a preference for shelters utilizing the "Meet Your Match" program for future adoptions.

The program has garnered enthusiastic reception across various shelter personnel levels, ranging from executive directors to kennel staff. It has particularly resonated with adoption counselors, who observed enhanced communication with adopters, facilitating smoother and more successful cat adoption experiences.

 

Research Results

Shelters who use the Meet Your Match adoption program experienced significant improvements in the numbers of adoptions and returns:

  • At Kansas Humane Society (for whom Meet Your Match was originally developed): returns drop by 50% within one month!

  • Capital Area Humane Society (Hilliard, OH): Adoptions up by 14.7%, Returns down by 35.7%

  • Bay Area Humane Society and Animal Shelter (Green Bay, WI): Returns drop to 1 to 2%

  • Marquette Humane Society (Negaunee, MI): Adoptions up by 37.5%

  • Humane Society of Willamette Valley (Salem, OR): Adoptions up by 20%

  • Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (Westbrook, ME): Adoptions up by 14.2%

 

“Barkley” User Experience Overview

 
 
 
 
 

"Next Steps"

 

This document primarily focuses on conceptual stages, with limited visual representation of mock-up screens and an undefined web experience. For further enhancement and continuation of a project of this nature, the focus would shift towards developing a detailed mobile experience, including the design of individual screens and app states, proceeding towards prototyping. Utilizing strategies such as "A-B" testing would be instrumental for gathering preliminary metrics, followed by conducting comprehensive user research assessments for more in-depth insights.

Thank you for investing your time in reviewing this project proposal.