FETCH
ROLE: Research, Visuals, Interaction
DURATION: February - March 2019
Concept
Fetch is an app that lets users easily search for local pets to adopt and also allows users to apply to adopt a pet directly in the application. When users apply using Fetch, the application is sent directly to the local shelter and or organization and is reviewed and approve by that shelter. This makes the process quicker for the user, and more efficient for the agency.
Challenges
Allow users to search for pets that meet their preferences easily and accurately.
Facilitate a simple process for adopting pets directly through the app as well as allowing users to keep track of their pending/approved adoption applications.
Allow users to view the pets they’ve shown interest in or liked.
Research
In the beginning of our research, we wanted to look at the typical adoption process, and how it has changed over time. Several animal shelters are run by either an organization or by local government. When it comes to the digital sides of things, the interfaces are often times clunky & inefficient. Either there’s too much irrelevant information, or not enough pertinent information. Fetch hopes to make this process simple, more direct as well as create a pleasant experience for the user.
First we did some brainstorming and ideation for what kind of app we wanted to create and how it should work. We all knew we wanted to facilitate an in-app adoption process where potential owners could fill out and simply wait for approval by the shelter/organizations. One of our priorities were the tailored search function for finding the best matches and the pet bios. We also considered features like having a pet highlight option on the search page that changes every few days/week to put the spotlight on pets from different shelters and agencies.
Competition
Most of these apps allow users to search and few local pets, but their interfaces are often overloaded, or missing critical information. Another recurring issue is that they often outsource the adopting to another place like an webpage with a different name, or an entirely different application which can be confusing for a user.
Ethnographic Testing
To better understand our potential users, we conducted some ethnographic research in the form of interviews and also went to a local cat shelter that also runs as a business. Our interviews demonstrated the need of accurate, detailed information when searching for pets, along with a strong desire for a more streamlined and modern approach to the adoption process.
We attended a local cat cafe that also doubles as an adoption center. The cats are fed and given a place to reside, and given a chance to be adopted by the cafe goers.
Personas
Eric (Primary)
Age: 38
Occupation: Outdoor supply store owner
Location: Suburbs
Ralph has a wife and two children. He has time to input information and to try and find the right dog for his family because they have certain specifications. His wife has a pet dander allergy so he wants to find a dog that is hypoallergenic and will not bother her allergies. It is important for them to find a dog that is good with young children. He had up with a family dog growing up, and wants a similar experience for his own children.
Minnie (Secondary)
Age: 24
Occupation: Social Media assistant
Location: City
Minnie is looking to adopt another cat to accompany her other pets. She needs a cat that will be good with her other animals, especially her dog, and that will fit in with her apartment style living. She wants accurate information and pictures of the animals that she’s viewing, but she doesn’t want long and overdone descriptions. She wants them to be concise so she can browse through several cats at a time.
Information Architecture
User Flow
Preliminary Sketches
Prototype
User Testing
We conducted some user testing to test the usability of our app, and to understand what improvements it might need to create a better experience for our users. These are the learnings we gathered from testing.
“Adopt” button didn’t stand out well enough.
Pet Highlight feature seemed unnecessary.
Type on some screens was too small and difficult to read.
Challenge 1
Allow users to search for pets that meet their preferences easily and accurately.
Challenge 2
Allow users to view the pets they’ve shown interest in or liked.
Challenge 3
Facilitate a simple process for adopting pets directly through the app as well as allowing users to keep track of their pending/approved adoption applications.
Takeaways
This was a group project with the goal being to better our understanding of the UX/UI design process. After doing a few of these group based projects, I definitely feel more confident working in groups. The concept of this application was one that the entire group had an interest in which made the process easier. Overall, I have enjoyed both working in a group setting and on my own as well as facing new challenges that arise in each project.