Uplifting Trust for Dog Massage Therapy
Distressed pet owners witness their dogs struggle with injuries and limping after sport competitions. They seek help from a credible dog massage therapist, directing them to this website I designed to build trust.
My Role: Freelance UX/UI Designer
Tools: Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, WordPress
Date: May 2024 - Current
Home Page
About Page
Contact Page
Appointment Page
Overview
Dog Owners & Strict Laws
Owners of athletic, injured, or aging dogs often seek dog massage therapy, typically referred by veterinarians or friends. While anxious, they visit the practitioner’s website looking for reasons to trust them.
State veterinary and massage therapy laws prevent the client from making unproven claims, resulting in complex wording. This leaves dog owners uncertain about the effectiveness of dog massage therapy.
Problem
How can I showcase my client’s credibility and the benefits of dog massage therapy when the copywriting is complex and limited by legal restrictions?
Solutions
1) Emphasize visual content (graphics, photos, introductory video) to clarify textbook-like language.
2) Enhance credibility by highlighting credentials in the copywriting and creating a clinical-like atmosphere through branding.
1. Gather Context
Client Consultation + Market Research
First, I gathered key details on the client’s background, goals, and legal requirements. It’s vital to understand the service in-depth before designing. I also examined competitor websites to modernize and ensure a seamless booking experience.
2. Early Design
Interactive Drafts
I concentrated on the booking flow and layout, using visual content to introduce new users to technical terms such as “trigger points”.
Client Feedback
Compliance with vet and massage therapy laws and aligning with the client's vision are crucial for the design. I involved the client at each milestone on Figma, ensuring clear communication and seamless collaboration.
Prototype
I focus on 3 main goals to ensure a clear flow from one page to another.
1) Inform what trigger points are 2) Establish credibility 3) Book an appointment.
3. User Testing
We need to address any legal, credibility, and procedural concerns from potential clients. After testing the site on users, their common concerns include:
Needing clearer explanations of the service
Improving visual appeal
Detailing appointment information
Including credentials and stories to build trust and relatability
4. Finalize Design
Integrate Client & User Feedback
I propose solutions with the user testing feedback, then have the client provide input on the copywriting and design.
Branding & Design System
I appeal to vets with clinical colors while retaining the playful, graphic style of the logo. If the client expands their business, they will need to refer to a design system to remain consistent with their brand identity.
4. WordPress Development
I challenged myself to develop 7 web pages using Divi and custom CSS. As a result, I learned CSS/HTML, themes, plugins, and site optimization.
Conclusion
Relationships are crucial
I’m having a blast working closely with my client. I not only show the final designs, but also open the space for feedback throughout the entire process. This saves time, money, and facilitates smooth collaboration.
Quote from my client:
“Valerie is an eloquent and gifted communicator in day to day matters. She asks exceptionally well-planned and creative questions and listens to my responses with intention and curiosity, thus allowing her to employ her gift of assimilating foreign information and presenting it in an engaging and compelling manner for users. When I work with Valerie, we are a dream team.”