Dog Training App Development for iOS

The Beginning — Toward a Society Where “Pet-Friendly” Is the Norm

“We want to create a society where every dog in Japan can receive proper training and live happily.”
This single statement marked the beginning of the project.

Sopra Ginza Co., Ltd. has long operated pet salons and dog kindergartens nationwide, advocating the importance of education that enables dogs and people to live together harmoniously.
Born from that vision is “PapiTore,” a training app designed for first-time dog owners.

From the conceptual stage, NUJP partnered closely in the project,
providing integrated production that connected “social ideals” × “real-world practice” × “digital experience value.”

Concept Design — Crafting a Scenario That Transforms Vision into Experience

The first step was conducting interviews with dog owners struggling with training and with professional trainers.
By listening closely to voices from the field, we identified “when people give up” and “what sustains behavioral change.”

The conclusion was clear: this should not be a learning app, but an app that grows together with the user.
Before moving into UX/UI design, the entire app journey was reconstructed as an emotional flow.

User journeys were mapped down to the second in Excel,
analyzing moments such as “when the dog reacts” and “when the owner feels reassured,” even verifying psychological rhythms as a team.
Based on this flow, we integrated the design of video scenarios and shot compositions.

At the filming site, trainer Mr. Sano was recorded training rescue dogs.
To authentically capture natural setbacks and growth, careful attention was given to camera work and narration tone.

Business Design — Building a Sustainable “Training Culture”

As the app structure was defined, NUJP became deeply involved in designing the business model.
While offering over 70 videos available for free viewing,
we introduced a chat feature enabling direct consultation with trainers, veterinarians, and nutritionists.

This “hybrid model” balances
“open accessibility for anyone to learn” with “professional reassurance through expert connection.”

Additionally, mechanisms linking online and offline experiences—such as local events and coupon distribution—were incorporated,
creating a structure where a real co-learning community expands beyond the app.

Development & Validation — Refining the Experience with the Field

Development followed an agile methodology.
Designers, engineers, video teams, and marketing members collaborated across disciplines.

Through repeated user testing, adjustments were made down to button response speed and the breathing rhythm of UI animations.
“Watch, practice immediately, and feel results instantly.”
We focused relentlessly on making this simple experience as seamless and satisfying as possible.

Launch — From App to Culture

In September 2023, the “PapiTore” app was officially launched.
It quickly received strong user feedback and achieved a rating above 4.0 on the Apple Store.

“Daily training has become enjoyable.”
“My relationship with my dog has changed.”
Such voices spread across social media, and the app evolved from a “training tool” into an “experience that nurtures relationships.”

Today, in collaboration with local events and rescue dog and cat initiatives,
the original mission of “creating a society where dogs and people live together” continues to expand.

Summary

The development of PapiTore was not merely app creation,
but an experiment in designing systems that change society.

UX design, scenario development, video direction, pricing strategy, feature definition—
by weaving all elements into a single story,
the project evolved from “design that changes behavior” to “design that changes culture.”

We will continue to shape technology as a story that connects people and society.