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On average, pet parents snap over 400 pictures of their beloved companions each year, according to research by Maytag.
Additionally, a study conducted by YouGov indicates that 70% of pet owners have shared pictures of their companions on social media, with about 2 million people creating dedicated pet accounts.
With the rise of 'petfluencers' since 2022, there is a potential gap in the market for a social networking platform tailored specifically to pet owners.
To present a unique take on social media networking platforms, shifting the spotlight away from the human holding the camera to the adorable pets in front of it.
I began the design process by sketching interface concepts on paper, focusing on creating a low-fidelity prototype. At this stage, the priority was on establishing the screen flow and functionality rather than the visual aesthetics. Essential components such as navigation elements, layouts, and action triggers were incorporated into these sketches.
Next, I transitioned the low-fidelity prototype into digital form using Figma. During this phase, I enhanced the designs with graphics, colors, a more defined content hierarchy, and visual effects, resulting in a mid-fidelity prototype. This version closely resembles the final product in appearance, although it is not yet functional.
The design was intentionally crafted to align with the user interface conventions and interaction patterns commonly found in popular social media applications today. This approach ensures a familiar user experience, making it easier for users to navigate and engage with the app intuitively.
However, unlike other social media platforms, Cuddles focuses on highlighting the pet featured in the picture rather than the person who took it. This shift in focus is evident in several key design choices. For instance, the profile and home screens omit usernames, directing attention away from the human and towards the pet.
This approach not only differentiates the platform from others but also fosters a community where pets are the primary focus, allowing pet owners to celebrate and share their pets' lives in a dedicated space.
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