For this assignment, I was tasked with using the design thinking UX design process to identify a need and design an application that would facilitate a change in a user’s daily behavior, enabling the user to live a healthier or happier life. Through my research, I learned that many dog owners don't consistently walk their dogs and that they, in addition to their dogs, were missing out on numerous physical, social, and mental health benefits. The application’s features, which can be summarized as notify, educate, track, plan, and connect, were inspired by the research suggesting how to motivate dog owner’s to form consistent dog walking habits. A low-fidelity prototype was created, and user testing of three defined tasks, based on the needs of the proto-personas, was then conducted with volunteer participants. Data collected from user testing was recorded and changes were implemented to improve the functionality of the final prototype. Before components of the final high-fidelity prototype could be designed, the application needed to be branded. “Releash” was chosen as the application name due to its closeness to the words “release,” which describes how dog owners feel when using the application. The app makes it easier to plan walks, track walks, and connect with other dog owners. The name also incorporates “leash,” symbolizing its connection to dog-walking activities. A heart, an important motif to represent health, was integrated into the Releash logomark, along with custom physical, mental, and social health icons, and custom app navigation icons.

Awards and Recognition: ADAI 2024 Award of Excellence Student Online/Interactive