PawLink

Jump to Section

Jump to Section

Skills

User research

Interaction design

Prototyping

System concepting

Usability / concept testing

Usability testing

My role

Solo Designer

Rebuilding remote owner - pet connections

Context

With more people welcoming pets into their lives, the emotional bond between owners and animals has never been stronger. However, time apart due to work, travel, or daily routines can take a toll on both sides. Pawlink minimizes the impact of separation by creating an immersive online space where owners and pets can engage in real-time connections that mimic in-person interactions.

01/Empathize

02/Define

03/Ideate

04/Prototype

05/Test

Final

The Problem

Separation From Pets

Separation From Pets

In 2024, the global pet population reached approximately 1 billion animals (Mars, 2024).

It is predicted that:

It is predicted that:

44%

of pet owners worry about their pets experiencing separation anxiety

52%

of pet owners experience increased anxiety from separation themselves (Nasdaq, n.d.)

Overview

  • Survey

  • Interview

  • Key Insights

Primary Research

Survey

Goals

  1. Understand the emotional impact and frequency of pet-owner separation

  1. Identify pain points in current pet connection methods

Key Findings

68%

of owners felt disconnected

Top Challenges

48.2%

Lack meaningful connections

23.8%

Limited Time

21.4%

Lack of Reliable Technology

Interviews

Survey results showed that many owners felt disconnected from their pets. Further interviews were conducted to understand why and to identify gaps in current tools.

5

Ages 17 - 32

Goals

  1. Deepen insights into the emotional impact of pet separation

  1. Identify limitations in current pet connection methods

  1. Explore user needs for future pet connection technologies

Affinity Diagram

Key Findings

  1. Separation Disrupts Routines and Emotional Bonds with Pets

  1. Pet Welfare Concerns Evolve with Prolonged Separation

  1. Time Zones, Connectivity, and Pet Behavior Integration Hinder Connection

  1. Existing Solutions Lack Interactivity and Independence

  1. Owners Fear Weakened Bonds and Pets Forgetting Them

  1. Ideal Solutions Combine Monitoring, Interaction, and Mutual Recognition

Overview

Overview

  • HMW Question

  • Personas

  • Journey Mao

Design Framing

Based on the research findings, a "How Might We" statement was formed to address the emotional, technological, and connection-related challenges identified.

“

How might we help remote pet owners build safe, flexible, and emotionally meaningful connections that maintain daily routines, relieve stress, and provide insight into their pets’ well-being?

”

“

”

How might we help remote pet owners build safe, flexible, and emotionally meaningful connections that maintain daily routines, relieve stress, and provide insight into their pets’ well-being?

“

”

How might we help remote pet owners build safe, flexible, and emotionally meaningful connections that maintain daily routines, relieve stress, and provide insight into their pets’ well-being?

Personas

Empathize with the owners experiencing separation from pets

Journey Map

How might Emily experience separation?

Overview

Overview

  • Creative matrix

  • Sketches

Ideation

Creative Matrix

Brainstorm potential solutions with user needs and feature/solution sources.

Rapid Sketches

Based on inspiration from the creative matrix, I did sketches of a variety of ideas.

Overview

  • Initial robot design

  • Use scenarios

  • Sitemap + Wireframes

Lo-Fi Prototyping

The Robot

Use Scenarios

Brainstorming different ways in which the robot and AR glasses can foster connection.

Site Map for Mobile App

The phone app is an intermediary platform that facilities the connection between the robot and the glasses. The user flow diagram captures the basic structure and functions of the app.

Overview

  • HMW Question

  • Personas

  • Journey Map

Testing

To assess usability, SUS tests and post-test interviews were conducted to gather quantitative and qualitative insights.

System Usability Scale (SUS) Testing

After the completing the SUS, Interviews were conducted with each participant.

Key patterns:

Overview

Overview

  • Iterations

  • Internal Assessment

Iterations

Major usability flaws found in testing

Refining mid-fi design based on testing findings

Following usability testing, additional feedback from design peers was gathered to evaluate visual design of the product.

Overview

Overview

  • Hi-Fi App Screens

  • Final Robot Design

  • The Interactive System

Final Design

Based on critique feedback, the Hi-Fi prototype was iterated with more playful visuals to enhance its game-like experience.

App Screens

"Waggo" Robot Design + AR Glasses

The app connects the Waggo robot and AR glasses to facilitate remote interactive play.

App Screens

Interactive System: Asynchronous and Synchronous

The robot, AR glasses, and mobile app work together to support bonding experiences.

Overview

  • Preliminary Research

  • Mock screens

Future Envisions

Potential directions and features that could be developed in the future.

Broader Pet Compatibility

Facilitating Multiple Types of Pets

Key mechanims:

Interfaces

Next project

Next project

Next project

PawLink

Overview

  • Survey

  • Interview

  • Key Insights

Primary Research

Survey

Goals

  1. Understand the emotional impact and frequency of pet-owner separation

  1. Identify pain points in current pet connection methods

Key Findings

68%

of owners felt disconnected

Top Challenges

48.2%

Lack meaningful connections

23.8%

Limited Time

21.4%

Lack of Reliable Technology

Interviews

Survey results showed that many owners felt disconnected from their pets. Further interviews were conducted to understand why and to identify gaps in current tools.

5

Ages 17 - 32

Goals

  1. Deepen insights into the emotional impact of pet separation

  1. Identify limitations in current pet connection methods

  1. Explore user needs for future pet connection technologies

Affinity Diagram

Key Findings

  1. Separation Disrupts Routines and Emotional Bonds with Pets

  1. Pet Welfare Concerns Evolve with Prolonged Separation

  1. Time Zones, Connectivity, and Pet Behavior Integration Hinder Connection

  1. Existing Solutions Lack Interactivity and Independence

  1. Owners Fear Weakened Bonds and Pets Forgetting Them

  1. Ideal Solutions Combine Monitoring, Interaction, and Mutual Recognition

Overview

  • Initial robot design

  • Use scenarios

  • Sitemap + Wireframes

Lo-Fi Prototyping

The Robot

Use Scenarios

Brainstorming different ways in which the robot and AR glasses can foster connection.

Site Map for Mobile App

The phone app is an intermediary platform that facilities the connection between the robot and the glasses. The user flow diagram captures the basic structure and functions of the app.

01/Empathize

02/Define

03/Ideate

04/Prototype

05/Test

Final