Map Interface Walkthrough
Giving our Philly-pups a second chance: A map interface case study
CONCEPT OVERVIEW
My concept revolves around encouraging the adoption of dogs who struggle to find homes due to their circumstances and age. Through a map, informational, and interactive interface I showcase Philadelphia dog shelters; and feature older dogs or dogs who have been in shelters for long periods of time.
CHALLENGE
I aim to connect Philadelphians to senior furends that need homes in Philadelphia shelters, all in one interface. Dogs who are older, or who have anxieties or certain struggles, are often stuck in shelters for many months or sometimes up to a year or more. With Doggie Direction, I hope to feature dogs and find them their furever home as quickly as possible.
Secondary RESEARCH
Defining the Problem
Circle graph for senior dog adoption rates.
​​​​​​​I have volunteered at animal shelters for about two years now, and I have noticed an unfortunate trend. Dogs who are older, have anxieties, or other struggles–such as medical–remain in shelters for long periods of time. That time frame can be from months to years until they find their forever home. 

The statistics proved my observations. According to the ASPCA, senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate, while younger dogs and puppies have a 60% adoption rate. The Dodo also reports that–in the US–of the 1.2 million dogs euthanized yearly, a majority of them are seniors.
Creating the Solution
Now, why are people so reluctant to adopt older dogs or dogs with anxieties and struggles? As the Dodo says, people adopting dogs usually follow the mantra of the younger, the better. How can we overcome this? How can we get the word out about dogs stuck in shelters, and show everyone these seniors’ lovely personalities?

Doggie Direction uses a map interface to help local Philadelphia residents search participating shelters throughout the area to find elder dogs that need their FURever home.
Primary RESEARCH
Mind Map
My target audience is the community of the Philadelphia area, specifically those on walks in the neighborhood, at parks, etc. I am targeting Philadelphians because the shelters featured (partnered with) are in Philadelphia. Dog parks and posters in the neighborhood accomplish reaching out to this audience; however, other potential locations are near the dog shelters themselves and inside pet stores. It would be essential to place my posters in locations catered to dogs and animal lovers.
Target Audience 
Objective
Philadelphians who are interested in dog adoption.
Enabling adoption for older dogs.
Naming
Cards laid out with possible names, with circles on chosen names doggie and direction.
Wireframes for the App
Wireframes for the map/home, about, featured shelter, dog profile, adoption form, and thank you note page.
Final Design Process and Features
After users scan the QR code on the poster, they will be taken to the map and informational interface. This interface provides a means to scroll through the interactive map and view featured dogs from partnering Philadelphia shelters. Initially, users can browse the locations on the interactive map. Once a location is clicked, they will be taken to an informational page with featured FURends that need homes at that shelter. The user can then click on the dogs to view their personal profiles and submit an adoption application if they are interested!
Deliverables
Mockup of the map and home screen.
Mockup of a senior dog's profile page.
In addition to defining the identity and personality of Doggie Direction, I set out to showcase the dog's personality. When a user clicks on a dog and goes to their profile, they enter an Instagram-kindred page, with photos, a bio, and "quotes" from the beloved old souls. 
Various screens laid out on a maroon background.
Philadelphia is known for many things, one of them being public transportation. Therefore, when creating and thinking about the placement of my posters, I imagined them on Septa stops.
Poster advertised on a Septa stop.
3 Posters, with different types of dogs, the logo, various Philly shelter logos, and a QR code in the bottom right.
Credits
Student work at Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University
Ashley Scrivener, Art Director
Applications
Figma and Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator

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