Project Overview
Pawdopt is an innovative pet adoption service app that fosters direct communication and connections between adopters and their furry companions, making the process of finding the perfect pet both personal and seamless.
My Role
Timeline
Ux/Ui Designer
10 weeks
Team
Tools
Self directed
Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Problem
Finding pets for adoption becomes challenging with scattered social media searches and inadequate communication channels.
As a proud pet owner myself, I recall the arduous journey to find a pet. The vastness of the web made the search confusing, and the lack of information about pet maintenance added to the challenge, making it a time-consuming process.
However, I have also observed the challenges of inadequate and unreliable communication between pet owners and potential adopters, underscoring the need for a more efficient and trustworthy solution in the pet adoption process.
"How can we build an adoption platform that saves animals, promotes responsible ownership, and finds them loving homes?"
Solution
A centralised, user-friendly pet adoption platform with comprehensive information and efficient communication.
Research
Diving Deeper into the Problem
Competitive Analysis + User Interviews
Recognising the importance of not generalising my own experience, I took the initiative to conduct 8 insightful interviews with prospective pet adopters, delving into their unique journeys and identifying the specific pain points they faced during the search process.
Understanding the significance of the pet adoption space, I conducted an in-depth analysis of the 4 leading apps to glean valuable insights and identify potential opportunities for improvement, inspiring me to create a more innovative and user-focused solution.
You have a 95% chance of finding a pet using the app's consistent UI, advanced filters, and captivating animal descriptions.
Looking at my competitor apps, I noticed that the highest-ranked apps, Dale PetAdoption and PetAdoption, have gained popularity by leveraging these features. In contrast, none of the other apps offer such capabilities. Acknowledging the potential significance of this insight in shaping my design solution, I continued my research with an open mind.
User Interviews
My interviewers were 3 times more likely to consider buying a pet from the pet shop due to easier access and a reduced need for education on the topic.
"Swiftly, I came to recognize that incorporating an educational section alongside a novel sector within the app would tip the scale in favor of adoption, minimizing sales-driven approaches. This strategic move also positioned the app as a comprehensive hub for all things related to pets, elevating its status from a one-time utility to an indispensable resource."
Through the incorporation of a donation sector, pet enthusiasts become integral to a communal effort, aiding sheltered animals. This addition transforms the app's essence, cultivating a sense of unity and shared purpose among users.
Analysis
After gathering data points, I slowly let the data categorise themselves into 5 major questions and ideation phase later.
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How might we implement the filtering feature?
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How might we simplify the adoption process?
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How might we display the pet's information?
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How can we educate users on responsible pet ownership?
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How might we help users find the right pet for their lifestyle?
Target Audience
"This app is thoughtfully crafted with pet enthusiasts in mind – catering to both first-time adopters and those seeking to expand their furry family."
User Persona
I developed the user persona 'Alex': an adventurous, kind-hearted guy seeking a canine companion for his journeys, embracing outdoor excursions while prioritising rescue and providing a loving home."
Design
Initial Ideas + A New Direction
To adopt a pet, this is the process that people usually go through:
Low Fidelity Wireframe
I invested considerable effort in sketching and ideating before embarking on the digital transformation of the experience. The core concept was to engage in iterative processes, continuously adapting to the evolving needs of our users.
Major Improvements in my design
I directed my attention towards enhancing the 7 crucial design steps that demanded top priority.
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Enhanced search with smart filters for a tailored pet-finding journey.
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Through the Questionnaire, I established a sequence of four essential steps for users to complete, enabling the algorithm to tailor itself according to their unique preferences.
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The Details card will encompass a comprehensive range of 5 distinct categories for pet classification, enhancing the overall effectiveness of this section.
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Prior to adoption, the Pet owner will have visibility into whether the Adopter has completed and submitted the Adoption form, thereby fostering a heightened sense of trust in the entire process.
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I've established an engaging Events section that not only keeps users informed about upcoming activities but also provides an avenue for Donations.
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I've incorporated Diverse communication options, allowing users to interact through typing, dictation, and instant messaging.
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Finally, I've added a Dark Mode version of the app for enhanced user comfort, accessible by simply clicking the top corner to access the new menu.
The Final Screens
Presenting the final screens of Pawdopt, our innovative adopting service app. I trust you'll delight in exploring these designs and envisioning the future of seamless pet adoption.
Onboarding Screen
The onboarding screen, adorned with playful paw icons, is thoughtfully crafted to infuse joy into newcomers, serving as a heartwarming reminder that they've arrived to assist and bring happiness to their adorable furry companions.
Enhanced Search
By implementing an advanced search system that categorises results based on age, gender, breed, fur colour, and furriness, we've elevated the search experience, enabling users to swiftly pinpoint their ideal pet with precision and ease.
Questionnaire
The questionnaire's value lies in 4 concise steps, tailoring the algorithm to each user's favor. Starting with role selection, users define preferences and traits, creating a personalised experience.
Details Card
The details card will feature a comprehensive range of five distinct categories for pet classification, augmenting the overall effectiveness of this section. Additionally, it will provide a detailed description of the pet, ensuring a thorough understanding.
Adoption Form
Before finalising the adoption, both the Pet owner and the Adopter will have the ability to verify if the Adoption form has been completed and submitted. This dual transparency fosters a heightened sense of trust throughout the process, reassuring both parties and ensuring a seamless adoption journey.
Research indicates 70% of people engage in pet adoption searches during evening hours.
Dark Mode
Dark mode is accessible by a simple click on the top corner, offering users a more soothing and visually friendly interface for late-night browsing. This feature has been seamlessly integrated into the app, providing enhanced comfort and readability during evening usage.
Adoption Process Direct Communication
After choosing a pet and confirming responsible care through the adoption form, the process continues with a secure communication channel. This prioritizes safety as adopters prepare to welcome their new companion.
Empowered by a range of communication options, both the pet owner and adopter can seamlessly reach consensus on the adoption process, facilitating a smoother and more agreeable adoption experience.
Style Guide
Conclusion
What I'd do differently next time?
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Building on a Strong Base - The importance of a solid foundation became clear as I dedicated substantial time to the initial concept testing phase. Reflecting on this, I now understand that prioritising quick accessibility should have taken precedence over certain discussions, like colour choices, in order to enhance user experience.
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Embracing My Limitations - Acknowledging that I didn't possess all-encompassing knowledge, I consciously resisted the temptation to formulate solutions solely based on my assumptions. Actively seeking out opinions divergent from my own significantly broadened my perspective, fostering an environment of growth and opening up new horizons.
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Consistently Seek Feedback - Embracing the practice of always asking for feedback proved invaluable. Continuously challenging my own assumptions and questioning myself led to continuous improvement and a deeper understanding of the project's nuances.
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It's Not Failure, It's Learning - Instead of viewing attempts as failures, I recognised each as an opportunity to explore and discover new paths. Even as I wrap up, I continue to seek feedback and already envision areas for improvement. Yet, I take pride in giving my best effort and persistently challenging every aspect to attain the highest possible output within my current capabilities.
Reflection
Creating this case study was a delightful experience centered around a subject I hold dear. The moments dedicated to exploring adorable pet and animal pictures added an extra layer of joy, making the entire process even more enjoyable.
Full Prototype in Figma
Feel free to play around with the prototype above and let me know what you think :) Carpe diem!