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directed storytelling is a process designed to capture users' mental models of the current process and develop an understanding of their informational and emotional needs. through directed storytelling we were able to quickly capture the most significant themes of the experience of owning a dog.

summary of findings

• dogs as family
  
  dogs are members of the family and extensions of their owners. just as with other personal relationships, decisions are often based on both emotional and rational decisions.
  
  
• two main types of dog owners (shelter vs breeder) – both need information but of different kinds
  
  people have consistent ways of describing their dogs. if they got their dog from a breeder, they usually lead with this information. while those who adopt from a shelter are quick to point this out. this difference extends beyond the adoption process and influences the type of information users want and need.
  
  
• owners want multiple opinions before trusting the decision/recommendation
  
  several people mentioned that they consulted a variety of resources (e.g. friends, vets, websites) before making final decisions about their dog. whether it be deciding which new dog food to try or how to treat a disease, owners want information from several sources before making a decision.
  
  
• balance of control and decision-making
  
  owners want to feel competent and in control. they seek information and resources that allow this to happen. owners often don't want to simply be told what to do but want to be a part of the decision-making process. our design will accommodate this goal by presenting users with sufficent, trustworthy information allowing them to make informed decisions.
  
  
• people have different reasons for choosing to get dog/ways of interacting with them
  
  not all dog owners are created equal. our design recognizes and embraces each owner's uniqueness by creating a personalized website tailored for each user's specific needs.
  
  

participant notes

sara
adoption counselor at the western pennsylvania humane society

• wants people to have information about: breed and care
• wants adopters to understand what they’re getting into (thinks most people underestimate the demands)
• responsible for creating and distributing information
• asks people around her when she needs information

laurie
volunteer at the western pennsylvania humane society

• has 3 dogs – just got Yoshi
• uses the internet to find information/tips (e.g. tips for crate training her newest dog)
• very knowledgeable about dogs (been a volunteer for 9 months)

stacy and bill
live with two dogs (owned by stacy's grandmother)

• bill’s first quote: “I hate those dogs”
• both feel responsible to care for the dogs but aren’t as invested emotionally
• bill is responsible for all the physical activity
• use the internet to find 24-hour call-line/care facilities, then called several to get a diagnosis

carrie
dog owner (shirley)

• shirley was a rescue dog, adopted from Animal Friends
• didn’t do much prior research, just went to the shelter
• chose shirley because she “looked like she needed a home”
• uses other dog owners as resources
• uses the internet research health issues

carlie's family
owners of 4 month old bella

• started with breed name
• dad was primary care giver but it was a Christmas present for Stephanie (wants to be a vet)
• dad influenced the breed choice
• mom researched which were good family dogs and then which breeder to go to
• challenge: training a puppy – the dog is always finding new ways to get into trouble

melissa
owner of alphi

• cavalier king charles spaniel
• used online forums to find a breeder
• wanted good companion dog

jennifer
owner of 3 year old shihtzu

• recently moved from Baltimore, the dog influenced the type of apartment she chose here
• chose a small dog because she lives in a small apartment
• got the dog as a companion

jim and cindy
owner of adult german shephard

• even though both 'own' the dog, clearly jim's dog
• jim wanted a german shephard and got one without asking his wife
• had breeder choose one of his show-line puppies (jim didn't care which specific one)

betty
looking for a dog for her father

• looking for a small companion dog for her elderly father
• has owned dogs but is not looking for anything specific
• looked online at the dogs available at the shelter before visiting