Bumble Buds
Bumble Buds is a prototype of an added feature to Bumble that connects dogs to finding new dog friends.
Prototype
Duration
This project took 2 weeks (80 hours) to complete.
My Role as a UX Designer
I researched dog parents to understand their needs as well as their dog’s needs.
I also researched Bumble’s UI Design so that my feature would be cohesive with their design.
I created a feature that would offer a solution to the challenge.
Lastly, I conducted usability testing and made priority revisions based on the results.
Tools
Figma, Google Form, Whimsical, WebAIM, Maze
OVERVIEW
Background
Bumble
Bumble was created in 2014 as a dating app that allowed women to make the first move.
In 2016, Bumble added a new feature to find friends called Bumble BFF.
In 2017, they added Bumble Bizz to help those wanting to network for work.
Bumble Buds
I was searching for ways to socialize my shy puppy because I was having a hard time finding people in my area with small dogs my dog could be friends with.
I decided to create a feature add-on to a current popular app that I was in need of.
Challenge
Find out what people and their dogs’ needs are.
Create a feature for a popular dating and networking app.
Goal
Help dog parents socialize their dogs.
Help people socialize while their dogs socialize.
Make this feature cohesive with Bumble’s current design.
EMPATHIZE
Competitor Analysis
First, I wanted to see if the concept of connecting dogs to new friends existed. I found several apps that offered this idea, however, didn’t have a strong community. I also researched dating apps and networking apps to see if they offered way to connect dogs as well. I found that these apps focused more on people, however, offered dog friendly events.
I also created Provisional Personas for each competitor to showcase what their persona would be like.
Provisional Personas
User Research
I conducted the interview process remotely by using Google Form and sharing the link on LinkedIn, Slack, and other chats. My only prerequisite was that they have a dog. I had the survey live for 1 day and attracted 12 participants.
Research Findings
People spend more time with their dog than socializing them with other dogs.
Socializing their dogs makes people nervous because of their dogs personality, other dogs, or other owners.
Being up to date on vaccines is important.
People are open to using an app to help their dog make new dog friends and their owners.
DEFINE
Design Process Timeline
Brand Persona
I created Colin and his dog, Milo, based off of the user research results. Colin is new to Austin, TX, newly single, and just adopted Milo. Milo is a shy and sweet dog. They love to go on fun adventures and be-friend others.
Task Flow
The first task is to sign up for Bumble. My task for the user is to create a profile for their dog. My second task is to have them match with another user. My last task is to have them send a message.
User Flow
The first decision the user will make is how sign in. Next, they will decide if they want to slide down for profile information. If they decide they like them, they swipe right, and left if they don’t. If they match, they will have the option to send a message now or later.
IDEATE
Low Fidelity Wireframes
I designed the lo-fi wireframes based on the user creating a profile and matching with another. I wanted to stay cohesive with Bumble’s current design.
User Interface Kit
I put this kit together to keep my UI design consistent throughout each page.
High Fidelity Wireframes
I created Colin & Milo’s profile as well as 3 other users they can match with. While designing the wireframes, my goal was to stay true to Bumble’s aesthetics while offering my own layout of design. In these frames, the user is signing in, choosing to use Buds mode, creating a profile, swiping through current users, and matching with another user.
PROTOTYPE
I created this prototype to show how the user would move through my design. I wanted them to be able to sign in, create a profile, and match another user.
Revised Prototypes
After receiving the usability testing results, I made priority revisions to match the feedback.
USABILITY TESTING
I conducted usability testing through Maze. I uploaded my Figma prototype, created tasks for users to accomplish, and asked 2 questions at the end. I shared the link to LinkedIn, Slack, and personal chats. I had the usability test up for a weekend and 12 testers completed the tasks and questions, while 4 got stuck in the beginning due to testing on their phone instead of their computer.
Usability Testing Results
“Interesting concept. If you are a dog owner. Seems like a good idea to make sure people are chill with your pup-baby as well.”
Strength
75% of testers would use Bumble buds or recommend it.
Great concept for dog owners.
Interactive.
Able to input lots of information or skip it.
Pain Points
Not sure if this is more for the dogs to connect with other dogs or for owners to connect with other dog owners.
Too much information to fill out.
Improvements
Make more of the selection clickable, not just the check marks.
Focus more on the dog, less on the owner.
Take out microchip, add off-leash, swim, and good with kids (In group critic, they found microchipping not useful, and the other options more useful.)
CONCLUSION
Reflections
My idea for the new feature was to connect dogs to other dogs, while also connecting their owners. My biggest challenge was making sure I had a well-rounded idea of what the user needs are. I learned that I need to be more clear on who this feature is for. I enjoyed learning more about dog owners and their needs and wants for their dogs. My favorite part of my design process was finding the usability testing results as well as creating the UI design.
Next Steps
Pitch idea to Bumble. I would love to see this feature come to life and work with them to make that happen.
Create my own dog socializing app. I’m currently in the works on turning this idea into a real live app, under a different name of course! Stay tuned for more!