Bark

Three questions to the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
From a UX perspective, the primary challenge of the BARK project was designing an intuitive, user-friendly platform that serves a highly specific and diverse audience—city dog owners. These users face several challenges, such as finding dog-friendly spaces, navigating crowded urban environments, and connecting with other dog owners. The app had to be both functional and accessible, providing a comprehensive yet easy-to-navigate database of resources. A major challenge was ensuring the app's design met these needs while also supporting a community-building experience through social features. Balancing practicality (discovering resources) with engagement (connecting with others) required careful user flow planning and interface design to prevent overwhelming users.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
A personal highlight in the development process was when I saw the concept of combining a resource database with social features come to life. Initially, I was unsure whether users would engage with the community-building aspect of the app, but after conducting user testing and receiving positive feedback, I realized how important it was for users to feel connected.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see BARK becoming a trusted go-to app for dog owners in cities beyond New York, expanding to other urban areas globally. The platform will evolve, offering more advanced features such as real-time updates on dog-friendly spaces, local event listings for dog owners, and integrated services like pet sitting or dog walking. I envision the app growing into a thriving community hub, facilitating not only practical solutions but also deeper connections among dog owners. Personally, I hope to expand my expertise in community-driven UX design, using BARK as a foundation for future projects that create value by bringing people together through shared interests.