Final presentation script/Main touchpoints

For our project we responded to the ‘Square Eyes Sally’ brief which outlined   a demographic of office workers who work in high-stress jobs and don't know how to take time for themselves in their lunch break. Not taking the opportunity to pause often results in lower productivity and higher anxiety levels, detrimental to well being.

Our solution, Bark in the Park, gives office workers the chance to refresh and de-stress by walking an SPCA dog in their lunch break.

Through our research it became evident that in order for employees to properly re-energize, during their lunch break, they need to move away from their desk and out of their work environment.

We found that physical activity is a proven method for improving wellbeing as it releases endorphin and creates a feel good factor, as well as supporting both mental and physical health. Based on this, we wanted to form a concept where physical exercise was involved but not in an intimidating form that may turn people away from participating.

Studies have shown that domestic animals alleviate stress and anxiety in humans . There are many instances of dogs being used as therapy animals in rest homes, hospitals and for ptsd sufferers.   We even found that some workplaces bring animals in to help minimize stress in their employees. We chose to focus on dogs specifically because of their need for exercise and activity, and thought they would be a great way to get people moving.

Bark in the Park combines physical activity (dog walking) and the stress alleviating nature of dogs to decrease stress levels, improving the wellbeing of office workers in Wellington.

So you’ve heard of bark in the park through us but how would our target audience find out about it?

Imagine you’re a stressed office worker - luckily for you , your employer’s been sent an email about Bark in the Park and seen the fliers too! They’ve now registered with Bark in the Park!

You’ve been sent an email letting you know that you can now sign up as a bark in the park dog walker.  You’ll also see some posters popping around your workplace!

They prompt you to visit the website, so you do. You learn more about the initiative and the benefits of it.  You see there’s a booking app which you can download later. You sign up for an account. After you sign up, you’re ready to learn more about dog walking by reading our safety guide. Once you’re feeling confident you take the quiz - and get all  the questions correct. Now you’re ready to make your dog walk booking on the app or website!

You download the app to make things easier, you can pick your preferred dog size incase you’re not sure about big dogs, the date you want to walk and the time slot. You can only book your dog walk for the current week, walks are available tuesdays to thursdays from 12 to 2pm. After you’ve made your booking you’re able to refresh your knowledge by revisiting the dog tips. Now all you have to do is show up for your dog walk!

Ways to Wellbeing

Bark in the Park does not only benefit employees but also the dogs, as they receive attention, exercise, and more exposure to potential adopters.

Bark in the Park connects to all 5 ways of wellbeing.

Connect - Dog walking can be a social activity and participants. Employees can connect with colleagues and new people. In one study, employees who brought their dogs to work found it easier to talk to new people as the dogs acted as an icebreaker.

Be Active- Employees are getting out of the office and exercising by walking the dogs

Take notice - Our research has shown that it has been proven that being outdoors and around nature is a method of encouraging people to pause and reflect. Bark in the Park offers the opportunity for walkers to engage not only with other people, but also take notice of their well being.

Keep Learning - Our safety guide and quiz provides the resources for people, experienced or inexperienced, to check in with their dog knowledge and learn more about dogs. For the complete novice, these resources are crucial to feeling safe around dogs and confident enough to try a Bark in the Park walk.

Give - Employees are giving their time to walk the dogs. Because Bark in the Park is a free initiative they are volunteering their time to walk dogs from  the SPCA (a registered charity).