DogGo is a mobile app tailored to the large community of dog-lovers. It allows people to keep track of the dogs they've met, logging their name, breed, and the date. DogGo also provides information about each dog breed to help people learn more about them. This iOS app functions on all Apple operating systems and never forgets a pup.
Background: I completed this project at Drexel University, for the classes Interactive App Design I and II. The second class was an advanced elective for Interactive Digital Media Students, who already had UI/UX experience, to learn app programming in Swift.
My Role: In this solo project, I was responsible for conceptualization and justification, research, media, design, testing, and development.
Timeframe: September 2018 — March 2019
The entire procedure for developing this app began in September 2018, with the first version completed in March 2019. From September through December, the process consisted of gathering information, designing the app, and using JavaScript to build a prototype as a web app. From January through March, I used Apple's Xcode software to build the app in Swift.
The source for dog breeds is the American Kennel Club. I chose to use their information because they have been tracking dog breeds since 1878. They currently recognize 193 breeds, with a careful log of information and history on each one.
To find photos I could use for free with permission, I decided to start reaching out to the dog community. I am an avid listener of a podcast entitled "Can I Pet Your Dog", and a member of their Facebook Group. I made a post explaining the project, and asked people if they'd be willing to share some photos of their dogs to be breed representatives in the app. Suddenly, I was getting comments every hour! Over 100 people sent in photos of their dogs, volunteering to be featured in DogGo. It was a joy to look through so many photos, and I hope to include all of them in the app eventually.
I determined the app would feature a list of dog breeds, with the ability to either learn more information about each dog or log seeing them, adding that breed to your list of found dogs. The app would require a page with a list of dog breeds, a breed information page, and a page with a log of found dogs. I turned these ideas into early wireframes.
I researched companies and images that relate to dogs, and found the first color scheme featured below to give off a doggie feeling, somehow. The off-white was supposed to be a bone color. However, the color scheme that eventually won over was this play on primary colors, which feel simple, cheerful, and youthful. Darkening the colors subdued them so that the dog photos can ultimately take the stage.
Considered color scheme
Final color scheme
Most of the popular apps we are used to today store information in a system of rows, instead of in a grid. To keep the app looking current, I eventually changed the information to be displayed this way. Initially, the dog photo stood in its own column, each one still having its two corresponding buttons (see below). But eventually, the buttons were abandoned for swipe actions instead. Swiping is a more active motion, and allows the user to feel more involved. It benefits design too, shifting the focus entirely to the centered dog photos.
DogGo stands before you as a fairly simple app, with three main screens. However, most of my work process reflected the saying "You don't get anything clean without getting something else dirty."
This project was my first serious expedition into Swift, so I felt I had to learn each part of the coding process twice: How it worked as a concept and how to write it in the new language. Guided by the noble pursuit of showing off dog pictures, I learned to build an app in XCode, incorporating arrays and databases, storing user-entered information, and creating a search to filter the data.
This was my most ambitious project to date, and I'm still shocked at all that I managed to do. I can't believe this app really works!
This is the most ambitious project I have ever completed, and I am so happy with the result. By my initial plans and intention for DogGo were much bigger and more involved than this, and I would like to continue developing the app as I learn how to make all of these additions.
Most obviously, right now there are only 4 breeds listed. I did this so I could focus on the functions of the app, but now that it works, it's time to get everyone included!
Having so many dog breeds will require more options for sorting them. Along with the search bar, I am working to include sorting methods, such as sorting in alphabetical order, sorting by breed popularity, and having the dogs you most frequently see at the top.
Finally, there should be space for more personalized information. For each dog named, there should be the option to upload a photo from your camera or gallery, so you can look at the dog you know. Additionally, there should be a space for notes on each dog.
I was an active member of the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel, and frequently attended honors lunch events where I enthusiastically shared my current projects. While I was working on DogGo, I was interviewed for the Spring/Summer 2019 Honors College online magazine.
Click to enlarge
