Timeline: 4 Months
Timeline: 4 Months
Problem: Although users valued community-shared dog walking resources. Biscuit Beacon was having user engagement issues, and there was a lack of motivation for users to use the app.
Problem: Although users valued community-shared dog walking resources. Biscuit Beacon was having user engagement issues, and there was a lack of motivation for users to use the app.
Solution: I led the design of the Routes feature to address low user engagement of core walking workflows on Biscuit Beacon’s mobile platform, resulting in a 10% increase in user engagement.
Solution: I led the design of the Routes feature to address low user engagement of core walking workflows on Biscuit Beacon’s mobile platform, resulting in a 10% increase in user engagement.
Team: Linh Ly - UX/UI Designer, Christina Tran - UX/UI Designer, Harshini Kandagaddala - UX/UI Designer
Team: Linh Ly - UX/UI Designer, Christina Tran - UX/UI Designer, Harshini Kandagaddala - UX/UI Designer
Tools: Figma, Figjam
Tools: Figma, Figjam
Role: UX Research, UX/UI Design, Storytelling
Role: UX Research, UX/UI Design, Storytelling
Table of Contents
To address low engagement and motivation we introduced Routes
To address low engagement and motivation we introduced Routes
OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES
Built a component library that sped up design iterations by 25%
Built a component library that sped up design iterations by 25%
Built a component library that sped up design iterations by 25%
Boosted Routes adoption by 10%, driving higher engagement
Boosted Routes adoption by 10%, driving higher engagement
Accelerated cross-functional delivery through rapid prototyping and testing
Accelerated cross-functional delivery through rapid prototyping and testing
Accelerated cross-functional delivery through rapid prototyping and testing
OVERVIEW
What is Biscuit Beacon?
What is Biscuit Beacon?
Biscuit Beacon is a community-driven app that helps dog owners discover trusted, nearby walking resources such as water bowls, treat stations, dog parks, and safety alerts, making daily walks safer, more convenient, and more engaging
Biscuit Beacon is a community-driven app that helps dog owners discover trusted, nearby walking resources such as water bowls, treat stations, dog parks, and safety alerts, making daily walks safer, more convenient, and more engaging
Jump to Explanation
Next Steps
Research
User Flows
Competitive Analysis
Ideation
At the start of the project, my UX team and I conducted user observations and surveys to gain a foundational understanding of existing app behaviors, engagement gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
01
DISCOVER
Once we validated our core concepts, we developed a high-fidelity prototype supported by detailed design rationale, ensuring every element was intentionally crafted to address user needs and engagement challenges.
04
DELIVER
To explore multiple solution paths before committing to high-fidelity designs, my team and I spent three weeks rapidly iterating low and mid fidelity sketches, allowing us to test ideas, refine flows, and align on the most effective user experience.
03
DEVELOP
When onboarding onto this project, my team and I recognized the need for deeper user context, which led us to conduct an in-depth interview with long-time dog owners in Austin, TX to better understand real walking habits, pain points, and motivations.
02
DEFINE
DESIGN PROCESS
The Story
Since we didn't have much research before joining session 4, we immediately began our research process. We had about 8 weeks to finish to conduct our research before creating our low and high-fidelity prototypes
Since we didn't have much research before joining session 4, we immediately began our research process. We had about 8 weeks to finish to conduct our research before creating our low and high-fidelity prototypes
PROBLEM BREAKDOWN
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Why Engagement Was Low?
Why Engagement Was Low?
The concept is great, I mean… walking your dog and collecting items sounds like a great way to bond with my dog, however that got boring pretty quickly.
The concept is great, I mean… walking your dog and collecting items sounds like a great way to bond with my dog, however that got boring pretty quickly.
Engagement was low not due to usablity issues but the app lacked a compelling core feature that made walking exciting or rewarding
The primary experience involving passively walking and scanning for beacons isn't enough motivation for users to stay on the app.
Without structure, progress, or incentives, everyday walks quickly became repetitive.
Discoveries felt random and effort-heavy, requiring users to explore without clear goals or guidance.
Engagement was low not due to usablity issues but the app lacked a compelling core feature that made walking exciting or rewarding
The primary experience involving passively walking and scanning for beacons isn't enough motivation for users to stay on the app.
Without structure, progress, or incentives, everyday walks quickly became repetitive.
Discoveries felt random and effort-heavy, requiring users to explore without clear goals or guidance.
Engagement was low not due to usablity issues but the app lacked a compelling core feature that made walking exciting or rewarding
The primary experience involving passively walking and scanning for beacons isn't enough motivation for users to stay on the app.
Without structure, progress, or incentives, everyday walks quickly became repetitive.
Discoveries felt random and effort-heavy, requiring users to explore without clear goals or guidance.
We received 20+ responses from various people on a survey asking their dog walking experience which led into what they would find useful in a pet walking app. Our insights were…
We received 20+ responses from various people on a survey asking their dog walking experience which led into what they would find useful in a pet walking app. Our insights were…
Collecting coins feels tedious without meaningful motivation.
Needs incentives/purpose for users to use the app
There isn't enough to motivate users to return to the app consistently
A user finds the app interface "simple"
Users have limited options when it comes to engaging with the social features of the app
Collecting coins feels tedious without meaningful motivation.
Needs incentives/purpose for users to use the app
There isn't enough to motivate users to return to the app consistently
A user finds the app interface "simple"
Users have limited options when it comes to engaging with the social features of the app
To understand the problem, we began to use different research methods such as surveys, questionnaires, and user testing conduct some observations about the app to dive in deeper on the root cause.
To understand the problem, we began to use different research methods such as surveys, questionnaires, and user testing conduct some observations about the app to dive in deeper on the root cause.
Making General Observations
Making General Observations
Of users were looking to complete tasks and challenges
Of users were looking to complete tasks and challenges
Of users were looking to complete tasks and challenges
Of users wanted to reach milestones
Of users wanted to reach milestones
Of users wanted to reach milestones
How Might We?
After collecting both qualitative and quantitative research and understanding the statistics, the team began to come up with how might we statements. After some discussion, we landed on…
After collecting both qualitative and quantitative research and understanding the statistics, the team began to come up with how might we statements. After some discussion, we landed on…
How might we enhance the walking experience to make it more enjoyable and motivating for users to walk their dogs regularly?
How might we enhance the walking experience to make it more enjoyable and motivating for users to walk their dogs regularly?
How might we create engaging experiences for dog owners so that they are motivated to walk their dogs more frequently and consistently use the app?
How might we create engaging experiences for dog owners so that they are motivated to walk their dogs more frequently and consistently use the app?
How might we encourage users to be motivated when going on walk to improve daily usage rate of the app?
How might we encourage users to be motivated when going on walk to improve daily usage rate of the app?
How might we encourage users to be motivated when going on walk to improve daily usage rate of the app?
FINAL HMW STATEMENT
DEFINE
DEFINE
Conducting Interviews
Conducting Interviews
I conducted in-depth interviews with experienced dog owners who had been actively walking their dogs for over three years across different routes in Austin. These conversations uncovered deeper behavioral patterns, pain points, and motivations around discovering pet-friendly locations, which directly informed key design decisions and helped shape the Routes feature to better drive engagement and repeat usage.
I conducted in-depth interviews with experienced dog owners who had been actively walking their dogs for over three years across different routes in Austin. These conversations uncovered deeper behavioral patterns, pain points, and motivations around discovering pet-friendly locations, which directly informed key design decisions and helped shape the Routes feature to better drive engagement and repeat usage.
Recognizing User Needs
Recognizing User Needs
Recognizing User Needs
“I want the app to feel fun and welcoming so I enjoy using it, not just when I’m in a rush.”
“I want the app to feel fun and welcoming so I enjoy using it, not just when I’m in a rush.”
“I want the app to feel fun and welcoming so I enjoy using it, not just when I’m in a rush.”
“I want a clear reason to come back to the app regularly, not just use it once when I need a place.”
“I want a clear reason to come back to the app regularly, not just use it once when I need a place.”
“I want a clear reason to come back to the app regularly, not just use it once when I need a place.”
“I want to quickly find pet-friendly places without having to search through too much information.”
“I want to quickly find pet-friendly places without having to search through too much information.”
“I want to quickly find pet-friendly places without having to search through too much information.”
“I want to discover nearby places instantly when I’m already out with my pet.”
“I want to discover nearby places instantly when I’m already out with my pet.”
“I want to discover nearby places instantly when I’m already out with my pet.”
“I want recommendations that feel personalized to my pet’s needs instead of generic results.”
“I want recommendations that feel personalized to my pet’s needs instead of generic results.”
“I want recommendations that feel personalized to my pet’s needs instead of generic results.”
“I want to trust that the places I’m seeing are actually pet-friendly and recommended by other users.”
“I want to trust that the places I’m seeing are actually pet-friendly and recommended by other users.”
“I want to trust that the places I’m seeing are actually pet-friendly and recommended by other users.”
After conducting my user interviews. I provided some insights on what he believed would be necessary to address the problem for Biscuit Beacon
After conducting my user interviews. I provided some insights on what he believed would be necessary to address the problem for Biscuit Beacon
Developing a new feature (Maybe multiple)?
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Developing a new feature (Maybe multiple)?
Developing a new feature (Maybe multiple)?
The development of Routes began. The creation of Routes gives a users a purpose to use Biscuit Beacon.
✔ Turning exploration into a guided journey
✔ Giving users clear starting points and goals
✔ Creating momentum through progress
✔ Making discovery feel intentional and fun
✔ Turning exploration into a guided journey
✔ Giving users clear starting points and goals
✔ Creating momentum through progress
✔ Making discovery feel intentional and fun
✔ Turning exploration into a guided journey
✔ Giving users clear starting points and goals
✔ Creating momentum through progress
✔ Making discovery feel intentional and fun
✔ Turning exploration into a guided journey
✔ Giving users clear starting points and goals
✔ Creating momentum through progress
✔ Making discovery feel intentional and fun
ROUTES
ROUTES
ROUTES
As a secondary feature, we introduced a goal and distance tracker to add structure, progress, and motivation to each walk, encouraging repeat engagement, with improved dog health as a secondary benefit.
As a secondary feature, we introduced a goal and distance tracker to add structure, progress, and motivation to each walk, encouraging repeat engagement, with improved dog health as a secondary benefit.
✔ Transforming walking from passive movement into measurable progress
✔ Introducing commitment through self-set goals
✔ Creating momentum with real-time distance and time tracking
✔ Encouraging repeat behavior through completion satisfaction
✔ Transforming walking from passive movement into measurable progress
✔ Introducing commitment through self-set goals
✔ Creating momentum with real-time distance and time tracking
✔ Encouraging repeat behavior through completion satisfaction
✔ Transforming walking from passive movement into measurable progress
✔ Introducing commitment through self-set goals
✔ Creating momentum with real-time distance and time tracking
✔ Encouraging repeat behavior through completion satisfaction
✔ Transforming walking from passive movement into measurable progress
✔ Introducing commitment through self-set goals
✔ Creating momentum with real-time distance and time tracking
✔ Encouraging repeat behavior through completion satisfaction
GOAL/DISTANCE TRACKER
GOAL/DISTANCE TRACKER
GOAL/DISTANCE TRACKER
Routes
This user flow shows how users start and complete a guided route that transforms passive walking into a structured, engaging experience through real-time guidance, milestone updates, and a completion summary that reinforces progress and repeat engagement.
User Flows
Goal/Distance Tracker
This user flow shows how users start and complete a guided route that transforms passive walking into a structured, engaging experience through real-time guidance, milestone updates, and a completion summary that reinforces progress and repeat engagement.
This user flow shows how users start and complete a guided route that transforms passive walking into a structured, engaging experience through real-time guidance, milestone updates, and a completion summary that reinforces progress and repeat engagement.
Company Milestones
Over 100 Million users
Over 100 Million users
Over 100 Million users
Contributes to an estimate of $6-8 Billion in annual app-attributed revenue for Nike
Contributes to an estimate of $6-8 Billion in annual app-attributed revenue for Nike
Contributes to an estimate of $6-8 Billion in annual app-attributed revenue for Nike
Over 185 Million users across 185 countries
Over 185 Million users across 185 countries
Over 185 Million users across 185 countries
$500 Million in Annual recurring revenue in 2025
$500 Million in Annual recurring revenue in 2025
$500 Million in Annual recurring revenue in 2025
Over 100 Million users worldwide
Over 100 Million users worldwide
Over 100 Million users worldwide
Generated over $8 Billion since 2016
Generated over $8 Billion since 2016
Generated over $8 Billion since 2016
COMPETITVE ANALYSIS
I was inspired by the Nike Run app’s progress tracking and post-run summaries, we designed Routes to provide real-time walk feedback and meaningful activity insights, transforming dog walks into trackable, engaging experiences that promote consistency and healthier routines.
I was inspired by the Nike Run app’s progress tracking and post-run summaries, we designed Routes to provide real-time walk feedback and meaningful activity insights, transforming dog walks into trackable, engaging experiences that promote consistency and healthier routines.
The Nike Run App
Strava’s social engagement model showed how shared progress fuels motivation, which inspired Routes to incorporate community-driven route discovery and activity sharing to encourage repeat usage and sustained engagement.
Strava
Pokémon Go is highly popular, but its success goes beyond brand recognition. Through guided exploration, progress milestones, and reward-based discovery, the app transforms walking into a motivating experience that drives repeat engagement.
Pokémon Go is highly popular, but its success goes beyond brand recognition. Through guided exploration, progress milestones, and reward-based discovery, the app transforms walking into a motivating experience that drives repeat engagement.
Pokemon GO
Routes
Routes
This sketch was done in a 30 second ideation group session
This sketch was done in a 30 second ideation group session
Goal/Distance Tracker
Goal/Distance Tracker
After mutiple ideation sessions, these were the final sketches for the goal/distance tracker
After mutiple ideation sessions, these were the final sketches for the goal/distance tracker
We began to ideate our sketches on how we wanted the routes and track distance and time feature to be.
We began to ideate our sketches on how we wanted the routes and track distance and time feature to be.
SKETCHES
Ideation Sessions
GOAL TRACKER
SUMMMARY PAGE
ROUTES
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
Notifications will occur at the top indicating nearby beacons and achieving certain walking distances.
Notifications will occur at the top indicating nearby beacons and achieving certain walking distances.
Notifications will occur at the top indicating nearby beacons and achieving certain walking distances.
We added the distance, timer, and stopwatch at the bottom
We added the distance, timer, and stopwatch at the bottom
We added the distance, timer, and stopwatch at the bottom
Click the timer button to activate the time and distance you want to set for your dog
Click the timer button to activate the time and distance you want to set for your dog
Click the timer button to activate the time and distance you want to set for your dog
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
The weather is a great way to see how well your dog was walking to get a good idea of what conditions work best.
The weather is a great way to see how well your dog was walking to get a good idea of what conditions work best.
The weather is a great way to see how well your dog was walking to get a good idea of what conditions work best.
Pet health will show personal milestones and suggest distances for next walk.
Pet health will show personal milestones and suggest distances for next walk.
Pet health will show personal milestones and suggest distances for next walk.
You'll see the duration, distance, and how many beacons you've collected during the walk.
You'll see the duration, distance, and how many beacons you've collected during the walk.
You'll see the duration, distance, and how many beacons you've collected during the walk.
We added a drop pin feature for users to select where they want the route.
We added a drop pin feature for users to select where they want the route.
We added a drop pin feature for users to select where they want the route.
You will be given a route based on where you dropped your pin. It will show you the time, distance, and how many beacons will be present
You will be given a route based on where you dropped your pin. It will show you the time, distance, and how many beacons will be present
You will be given a route based on where you dropped your pin. It will show you the time, distance, and how many beacons will be present
C
C
C
There will be given directions for the route so you won't get lost with your dog.
There will be given directions for the route so you won't get lost with your dog.
There will be given directions for the route so you won't get lost with your dog.
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
B
B
B
C
C
C
Through iterative ideation and prototyping, we developed the Routes feature with built-in distance and time tracking to encourage consistent exploration and activity. This solution improved engagement and drove a 10% increase in feature adoption.
Through iterative ideation and prototyping, we developed the Routes feature with built-in distance and time tracking to encourage consistent exploration and activity. This solution improved engagement and drove a 10% increase in feature adoption.
FINAL PRODUCT
Biscuit Beacon's New Features
Biscuit Beacon opened my doors to deeper collaboration, teaching me how to work effectively within a team, communicate design intent, and grow through mentorship. With the support of my teammates and my mentor Linh, I developed stronger design skills and a collaborative mindset.
Biscuit Beacon opened my doors to deeper collaboration, teaching me how to work effectively within a team, communicate design intent, and grow through mentorship. With the support of my teammates and my mentor Linh, I developed stronger design skills and a collaborative mindset.
REFLECTION
My Time with Biscuit Beacon
NEXT STEPS
We want to implement a community feature to message your friends and fellow woofers on a walk. We want to conduct user usability testing with this feature soon. Potentially adding new beacons on walks to make it more fun for users. Another idea would be to market the company better through TikTok and Instagram to spread the word and show why it's unique
We want to implement a community feature to message your friends and fellow woofers on a walk. We want to conduct user usability testing with this feature soon. Potentially adding new beacons on walks to make it more fun for users. Another idea would be to market the company better through TikTok and Instagram to spread the word and show why it's unique
DONE DESK