Meet the Team
Irene Han Jack Nichols
Zev Burstein Eddie Arreola
JuniorCS + English Major
Poetry Trail RunningExploring New Food
JuniorEnglish Major
ShakespeareAfricaMilwaukee Bucks
JuniorCS Major
Jewish HolidaysLong Bike RidesGiving Undivided Attention
JuniorCS Major
BasketballPotteryMovies
Before: POVWe met Hikari, owner of dogs Kingsley and Stitch, both of which she bought from breeders.
We were amazed to realize that Hikari would want to adopt from a shelter rather than from a breeder, not because she had a negative experience with the breeder, but just because she wanted a save a rescue’s life.
It would be game-changing to give people the confidence they need to adopt a rescue and the community they need to support it.
Needfinding ResultsJohn:
Adopted Dino from a shelter 50 miles away
Believes he was mislead in rescue’s behavior
Now has a strong bond with Dino
Susan:
3 dogs currently Ricky, Phoebe, Havanna
Has trouble finding walkers and sitters for them (especially Ricky)
Needfinding Results Cont.Anamarie Anamarie/Rachel:
Dog care professionals adopt the most troublesome dogs“Pain in my a**”
The shelter receives a lot of senior animals (mostly dogs)
There is some communication between them and other shelters
After: POV 1We met Anna Marie, the director of the Palo Alto Animal Services.
We were amazed to realize that the process to become a shelter volunteer was designed to be especially rigorous (written application, interviews, and shadowing a veteran volunteer), because rescue animals have trust issues.
It would be game-changing to help rescue animals develop healthy, long-lasting relationships.
After: POV 2*We met Tom, owner of Maggie (dog).
We were amazed to realize that Tom recently changed Maggie’s diet from grain-free to a grain-inclusive, when the breeder notified him of new findings on dog diets.
It would be game-changing to keep pet-owners up-to-date on the best practices in animal health and nutrition.
*Susan was also very concerned about not knowing what to feed her dogs
After: POV 3We met Bethany, who recently moved to the Bay Area from Boston
We were amazed to realize that Bethany was visiting her third dog park that day, because she was extremely worried about her dog’s social health in the new environment.
It would be game-changing to make dog hang-outs easier to organize, find, and take part in.
HMW 1 How Might We … spark the best in our pets and rescues
POV 1: Anamarie
It would be game-changing to help rescue animals develop healthy, long-lasting relationships.
HMW 2How Might We … motivate dogs to be health conscious
POV 2: Tom/Susan
It would be game-changing to keep pet-owners up-to-date on the best practices in animal health and nutrition.
HMW 3How Might We … include non-pet owners
POV 3: Bethany
It would be game-changing to make dog hang-outs easier to organize, find, and take part in.
Prototype 1: Dog Profiles
Results:
Our assumption was wrong!
“I am not sure which size or breed she prefers to play with…”
Just because owners have had pets for a long time does not necessarily mean they know their dogs needs/preferences
Assumption:
Owners know their dog’s social needs and preference
Prototype 2: Dog Community Events
Results:Our assumption was mostly right!
“I would only go if it’s my friend” “Being a smaller event, I’m more likely to go”
There was some “interested” responses and at least 2 of the 6 going confirmations for each interview
Assumption:Both pet owners and non-owners are interested in connecting in dog related events
Prototype 3: Adoption Bias
Results:Our assumption was okay!
We were surprised to see that one of the videos was the favorite and not the social media post.
But the video of the dog barking did get the lowest results
“Uhhh, yeah not that one”
Assumption:Rescue dogs make better first impressions online
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