On Petfinder, users can browse adoptable pets in their area or nationwide from over 14,000 rescue organizations. The mobile application is one that I regularly use, as I am hoping to adopt a dog of my own soon. However, I was frustrated by the design and limited functionality of the app. I decided to investigate to see if other users shared my dissatisfaction or if I was just being a "design diva".

 

Using a UX/UI focused process that I was introduced to during a 12 hour LinkedIn Learning lesson, I gathered research from users that proved my hypothesis to be true, and more importantly, equipped me with valuable insights and unique perspectives. I applied what I learned to identify pain points, establish goals, develop personas, and create storyboards. Ideation of the design was derived from looking at the competition and other apps with filters, as well as Petfinder's own website which had many features that their app lacked. Subsequently, I designed a wireframe, tested it with users, refined it, and created a high-fidelity prototype.

 

I am now in the process of testing the prototype with users, adding additional information, and continuing to improve upon it.