We eased our way back into Semester 2 with one-to-one discussions with our tutor. Daniel and I took a while to review my feedback and discuss what the next moves for my product should be.
Conclusively, the main takeaway from my Semester 1 work is that I need to refine both the content and the brand. I think during Semester One, I was feeling very cloudy due to the sheer mass of content that I was looking at. I had so much research that I think I got a little overexcited with the amount of elements I would include in my app. For example, the chatting system which was initially included can be taken away and instead, we will include links to social media outlets, which are already equipped for conversations between like-minded people.
Another thing that myself and Daniel discussed was the branding. I must admit that I was feeling quite stumped for ideas and passion for the branding itself before Christmas. Daniel has suggested that we change the name to Happy Tails. Once this was mentioned, I now immediately feel better about the brand as I think it fits into the Brand’s story and the main intentions of the product far more. I also feel a lot more inspired by the name for things such as characterising the dogs and adding personality to the app through storytelling and fun icons. I am excited to start sketching out ideas for the brand now.
It is so funny how one thing out of place, such as the name has blocked me and left me feeling slightly more unconfident about the product. Going forward, I feel a lot more assured about the product and I feel that this is an app that could genuinely make a difference to so many animals’ futures, as well as help owners find a dog that is best for them, in a sustainable, cheaper and morally appropriate way.