Through a design research methods approach, the intention for this project was to gain an understanding of how COVID-19 has affected the current adoption processes in U.S animal shelters. Using design research methods such as observation, conversations, collective visioning, and image collaging, I was able to identify current design issues that are disrupting the adoption process. This project led to the beginning of the formation of insight into how to keep shelters COVID-19 friendly and encourage adoption, while maintaining both human and animal safety. From this project, I was able to explore and test new design research methods while gaining valuable insight into how these methods can be designed and tailored to specific participants.
Results: Findings +Conclusions
My method of analysis consisted of laying out all my notes (observations, conversations, and the co-design activity) and found reoccurring patterns that I then clustered in order to draw final conclusions. Below are notes on what I learned throughout this project.
The data collected from this co-design project ultimately inspired a prototype of future space that encourages safe animal adoption under COVID-19 guidelines.
