Overview
Rescue is city wide adoption app that lets users rescue cats that needs home. For this project I decided to use a method that assists users in their search based on a set of pre selected questions.
For this project, I had three challenges, incorporate a way for users to connect with cats that need homes, develop a system in which users match with cats based on desired traits and match the user with cats based on the summary of they're wants and needs. By solving all of these issues, before the adoption process, we can ensure the success of the adoption.
Stage 1: Discover
"I want another cat to give my cat the affection I don't have time to give her." - Lauren
Stage 2: Define
User Journey
To simplify Lauren's journey and ensure she can achieve her goals with the app, I analyzed their steps and created a journey map. Using persona insights, I focused on the most important user goals and developed solutions based on our insights.
One major insight was the need to ensure the user matched with the right cat. We also assigned icons to the characteristics of the cat that the user matches with, to help the user understand the qualities chosen. These design decisions were aimed to improve the user experience and ensure Lauren can easily navigate the product.
Stage 3: Ideate
Sketches
Sketching is a cost-effective and speedy method of generating
numerous design options that align with our goals.
numerous design options that align with our goals.
From the sketches, I selected the most effective layout and button placement from each to create a mockup. The final layouts were a combination of the best design elements from each sketch. This approach enabled me to streamline the design process and ensure the final product met the objective.
Wireframe
I started working on this wireframe a few times a week, and started to put the concept into form. Figuring out the pros, cons, and "what-ifs" of each sketch helped me to fix the pain points of the user . It was interesting to see the differences between each sketch idea as this was essentially the first time I could see each interpretation of what I initially thought the app should look like.
Stage 4: Design & Test
User Testing
Prior to the product launch, I conducted a rigorous testing round to identify potential usability challenges. The main objective of the usability test was to assess the user-friendliness of the simple 3-step method. To ensure a thorough evaluation, the test was conducted at various stages of the design process including the wireframe, LOFI, and HIFI stages, culminating in a final pre-launch test. The test was administered to a demographically diverse sample of 5 adults aged between 25-50. An unmoderated usability study was utilized to facilitate testing. User feedback revealed key insights, including additional behavior information and the enhancement of color. Also based on user insights, the subsequent version of the product was modified to include an up to date picture of that cat and colors being added to the buttons and breed icon.
UI Design
After completing the usability testing phase, I proceeded with the design of the final screens utilizing Adobe Xd. My chosen Visual Style comprised of purple colors for the buttons and icons for the defining characteristics, which was influenced by the results of my competitive research audit. During the final design process, my focus was to prioritize the characteristics by organizing it into a clear and concise list . By giving the user a list of qualities and characteristics of the cat that they were matched with, I wanted to create a system that minimized bloat and simplified the inquiry process.
Stage 5: Reflect
Rescue made me realize just how difficult it can be to produce an application that you know very little about. I had very little knowledge about the adoption process coming into the project, so that became problematic when designing around a few screens. This made me realize just how important it is to do competitive audits and user research who into the subject of the app you are developing in order to create a well-rounded experience for both first-timers and veterans.
My Role
Ux Designer
Research Lead
Duration
8 Weeks
Tools Used
Adobe Xd
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Methods
User Interviews, Personas, Competitive Analysis, User Journey Map, User Story, Sitemap, Sketches, Wireframes, Prototypes, Usability Test
