UX Research Project
Animal Rescue
Project Overview
Role
UX Researcher & Designer
Duration
2 Weeks
Scope
Researching, Designing, Testing, Prototyping
What’s the Problem?
WGSR needs a website for people to fall in love with their beloved dogs and give them a stable, loving home. The current website contains an online shop, donations, and information about available dogs. While the website serves a great purpose, the experience is often confusing, outdated, and difficult to navigate.
Who’s the Client?
Westside German Shepherd Rescue (WGSR) is a non-profit adoption center committed to sending their puppies to a new, safe home. This project aimed to provide an easier experience for users when it came to both the adoption process as well as the donation process.
Analyzing the Website
Let’s Start with the Research
Our team of 3 UX designers gained valuable insight through several methods:
-Heuristic analysis
-Analyzing the current site map
-Competitive & comparative analysis
-User survey
-User interviews
Heuristic Analysis
Evaluating Usability
-We noticed that the current website used a variety of aesthetics, creating an unpredictable experience
-Lack of design consistency & standards
-Lack of flexibility & efficiency of use
Evaluating the Structure
Current Site Map
Visualizing Current Structure
-Horizontal website structure
-Lack of page hierarchy
-Leads to confusing navigation
Proposed Site Map
Pinpointing Stumbling Blocks
-Which pages are most important?
-Which pages are most relevant to users?
-Which pages should lead to which?
-Vertical website structure
-Clearer page hierarchy
-Leads to more intuitive experience
Checking Out the Competition
Competitive Analysis
Stiff Competition
SFCPA
-High focus on details of dog
-Readable, consistent
Comparative Analysis
High Expectations
Petco
-Straightforward user flow
-Visually communicative for the user
Getting to Know the Users
User Surveys
“Am I Getting
What I Think I’m Getting?”
-Users wanted to know if their dog would be compatible with their families
-Users wanted to feel emotionally connected to their dog
-Users wanted to feel confident about their dog’s medical history
Listening to Users
-We asked users to tell us their priorities and preferences
-We found that users wanted an experience that was honest and straightforward
User Interviews
“Give me the details!”
-“I’m concerned about untrained or traumatized dogs”
-“I’m worried their history might be unclear or unknown”
-“I want to make sure they have a clean bill of health”
Research Insights
So Many Dogs,
Not Enough Details
-Research showed that potential adopters wanted to make sure their new dog is a
good fit
-Research showed that certain design decisions of the website decreased usability
-Research showed that users expected a simpler, quicker experience
Introducing the Apprehensive Adopter…
Hesitant Users
Based our research, our team was able to create a persona to represent Westside’s target users.
Building a Framework
What’s the Problem?
-Users have problems sorting through dogs
-Users want to know about dogs’ history
-Users are frustrated by the available dogs page
What’s the Solution?
-Design accessible filters for users to sort through dogs
-Design places where users can learn about dogs’ history & behavior
-Design minimalistic layout to make it dog availability clear
The Redesign
Wireframes
Creating an Accessible
User Experience
-Leveraging user’s experience with e-commerce websites
-Considering mobile-friendly navigation
Homepage
-Adoption button placed prominently to give the user a quick experience
Menu
-Considers mobile-friendly experience
Adoption Page
-Filters are prominent & clear
Dog Info
-Easy for user to read about dogs’ information
Application
-Form has been simplified while keeping the essentials
Final Prototype
It’s Showtime!
Let’s Prototype this thing!
Conclusion
What’s Next?
Looking to the Future
-Error messages for users
-Auto-populate name of dog
