Pet adoption website
Streamlined pet adoption platform connecting adopters and shelters effortlessly
COMPANY
Paws N Claws
ROLE
UX Designer & Lead
Duration
5 months
We created a user-friendly Pet Adoption website that connects potential pet owners with nearby shelters. The platform offers two sign-up options: one for adopters and another for shelters, ensuring a seamless connection.
Timeline
From initial research to final launch in 5 months, working concurrently with multiple teams to ensure seamless development and design.
Background
Adopting a pet can be overwhelming due to limited access to local shelter information. Shelters also struggle with managing and promoting pets in their care. Our platform simplifies the process, centralizing all necessary tools to make pet adoption easier for both adopters and shelters.
This category details the step-by-step approach taken during the project, including research, planning, design, development, testing, and optimization phases.
Research & Planning
Defined project scope, user needs, and technical requirements through thorough research, documentation, and stakeholder meetings.
Design & Prototyping
Designed an intuitive user interface in Figma, creating wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes to streamline the user experience for adopters and shelters.
Implementation
Following Agile methodology with two-week sprints and regular scrums, the platform was developed iteratively. Both the front-end and back-end teams used GitHub for version control and collaboration, integrating React for the front-end and MongoDB for secure backend management. Docker was used to streamline deployment and ensure scalability.
Testing & Optimization
Conducted usability testing and fixed bugs to ensure the website was stable, reliable, and easy to navigate for all users.
The visual identity for the logo was developed in collaboration with stakeholders, incorporating feedback and input from various teams. It includes a carefully crafted logo, color palette, and custom font to ensure a cohesive and recognizable brand presence.
These are super simple designs before the interactive High Fidelity designs, which was really helpful for me as a designer to come up with a game-plan where to place what,
These are super simple designs before the interactive High Fidelity designs, which was really helpful for me as a designer to come up with a game-plan where to place what,
These are super simple designs before the interactive High Fidelity designs, which was really helpful for me as a designer to come up with a game-plan where to place what,
Explore key website interactions through GIFs, demonstrating smooth processes like searching for pets, uploading new listings, and managing profiles from both user and shelter perspectives.
Pic 1
Based on the feedback from stakeholders, we changed the floating Button for Zip Code to a Fixed button in the Nav bar.
Pic 2
The stakeholders were dissatisfied with the previous illustrations and photos, necessitating a switch to new illustrations.
After getting approval from the Human Subject Committee at SUNY Oswego; Participants were recruited to test the Paws n' Claws website, with data collected and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The goal was to assess usability, task completion, and design effectiveness based on user feedback.
Task 1
Sign Up
Task 2
Add, Edit and Delete a Pet
Task 3
Filter Pets and Adopt
Overall, the test revealed a generally positive user experience. Participants found the PawsNClaws interface intuitive and easy to navigate. They expressed satisfaction with the website's design and functionalities, demonstrating a positive first impression.
However, the usability test identified some key areas for improvement, particularly within the adoption process itself. Several participants encountered difficulties navigating this crucial section of the website.
During the usability evaluation, 5 participants, matching the user profile(s), were asked to spend about 30 minutes with our site. During this time, participants:
Completed a user background questionnaire
Answered questions about initial site impressions
Performed real-world tasks on the site while thinking aloud
Answered questions about their overall satisfaction
Positive Findings:
Users found the website easy to use with an average score of 4.85 out of 5.
Overall satisfaction with the system was high at 4.4 out of 5.
The interface was perceived as intuitive (average score of 1.76 out of 5 for complexity).
Participants felt confident using the system (average score of 4.5).
Interface design and functionality received positive feedback (average rating of 4.32 out of 5).
Negative Findings:
Completing the adoption task took the longest, suggesting difficulty.
Some users were confused about the adoption process (Participants 4 & 6).
Participant 2 had trouble finding the shelter sign-up.
Filtering functionality while browsing pets wasn't working well (Participant 7).
Entering a pet's age in months caused issues for Participant 7.
One participant mistakenly thought the site was for purchasing pets.
Recommendations
While the overall user experience seems positive, addressing the identified complexities and inconsistencies within the adoption process is crucial. Here are some recommendations:
Review and Refine Adoption Flow: Conduct a focused analysis of the adoption process to identify and address any confusing elements. This might involve streamlining steps, clarifying verbiage, or improving the layout for better user flow.
Better Sign-Up Flow: Shelter sign-up process needs to be more prominent.
Provide Clearer Instructions: Enhance the clarity of instructions related to shelter sign-up, health input fields, and any other steps within the adoption process.
The website should be checked to ensure users can't enter invalid data (e.g., pet age in months).
Optimize Filtering Functionalities: Ensure filters function smoothly and provide clear guidance on their usage.
Emphasize Adoption Focus: Review website messaging to ensure it clearly communicates the site's purpose as a pet adoption platform.
Areas for Improvement
Confusion with the Adoption Process
Areas for Improvement
Misunderstanding of Purpose
Our Pet Adoption website simplifies the process of connecting adopters with shelters, offering an efficient and user-friendly platform to facilitate pet adoption. The dual sign-up system ensures that both adopters and shelters can engage seamlessly in the adoption process.
User-Friendly Interface
Simplifies the adoption process for both shelters and adopters.
Seamless Interaction
Efficiently connects adopters with nearby shelters through a zip code-based search.
Streamlined Management
Shelters can easily manage pet listings, ensuring up-to-date and accurate information
The Pet Adoption website successfully connects adopters with nearby shelters through a seamless, zip code-based search, simplifying the process for both parties. By offering shelter management tools, the platform ensures that adopters always have access to current and accurate pet listings, resulting in a more transparent and efficient adoption experience.
User-Centered Design
The platform provides two separate sign-up flows for adopters and shelters, ensuring a tailored experience for both.
Problem-Solving
It addresses the lack of a centralized platform for adopters to easily find pets and shelters to efficiently manage their listings.
Impact
The website facilitates a more direct connection between adopters and shelters, empowering adopters to easily discover available pets and reach out to shelters, ultimately increasing adoption success rates and enhancing engagement for both parties.