Mobile application for LA Animal Shelters Whiskers, a mobile application for local cat adoption is a user-centric platform designed to simplify the process of finding and adopting the purr-fect feline companion. With a focus on providing seamless user experience and fostering a sense of community, Whiskers aim to enhance the way people connect and adopt cats.
WHO
Yena Kim
When
Spring 2023 | 16 Weeks
MY ROLE
User Research, Prototype, Storyboard, UX/UI Design, Interviewer
OUR DESIGN CHALLENGE
Focusing on providing seamless user experience and fostering a sense of community, enhance the way people connect and adopt cats through mobile application.
UI design by yena kim
PROBLEM The existing mobile applications for cat adoption face several critical challenges that hinder the overall user experience and complicates the adoption process. •Fail to Leverage Personality: Currently existing apps lack emphasis on communicating the personalities of cats. •Data Is Not Easily Updated: There is a big dependency on external applications to maintain updated information. •UX Design is not User Friendly: Many of these applications suffer from lack of user interface design considerations. INSIGHT During the development and user testing of Whiskers, there were few main key insights that I have observed. •Clear, Concise Design Works: People appreciate an interface that is simple, clean, and aesthetically appealing with a strong focus on cats. • Affirmed that Sharing Personality Matters: Users have a genuine interest in learning about the personalities of cats available for adoption. • Community Building Matters: One of the interesting feedback highlighted was the importance of social connectivity within the app. SOLUTION Building upon the insights fathered from user’s feedback, I have created a mobile app called Whiskers, a local pet finder focused on cat adoption. •Streamline and Cat-focused UI: Whiskers feature a simple, clean, and appealing user interface that places a strong emphasis on cats. •Comprehensive Purr-sonality Profile: Recognizing the significance of understanding the cat’s personality before adoption. •Community Engagement: Whiskers promote and encourage social connection allowing users to share their adoption stories, exchange tips, or just simply engage in conversations with others with similar interests.
my story
My project started 6 years ago when I adopted my cat, OJ. I was diagnosed with severe depression and my doctor recommended me an emotional animal. Soon after, I adopted OJ and my life has been saved. So I wanted to bring this experience into a something that's more easily accessible.
research
field research | West LA Animal Shelter
• Facility looks old and dirty • Lack of staff • Not enough play time for animals • There were toys and equipment but it wasn't getting used
field research | NKLA ANIMAL SHELTER
• Facility looks clean and well maintained • High technology to see info about animals • Plenty of play time Volunteers readily available
experiments
Experiment #1 | Low Fidelity Prototype
As the first experiment, paper prototype for the "Whiskers" was created which presents an opportunity to visualize and refine it's key features. The prototype showcase a simple and intuitive user interface. Moreover, the extensive onboarding process incorporating a personality search feature that allowed users to find cats that align with their preference and life style. The paper prototype also focused on implementing an in-app messaging system, enabling cat owners and potential adopters to connect, share information, and engage in conversations. This feature's key point was to foster a sense of community, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, advice, and heartwarming stories among cat enthusiasts.
Low-FI prototype by yena Kim
By utilizing a paper prototype, I was able to gather some valuable feedback early in the development process. Total of 10 participants were involved in the testing of the paper prototype and here were some of the main feedbacks:
Positive: • The app's UI is simple and easy to navigate making it feel welcoming. • UI allowed users to feel like adopting a cat can be easy and less daunting. • The cute wordplays and user friendliness made it feel less threatening to adopt. Negative: • Users were confused on how to connect with others for the messaging features and how to ensure safety. • Messaging feature seems great but is there other methods of sharing and connecting with community? • Detailed information of cat was wanted along side of more specific info such as hypoallergenic, vaccinations, etc.
Experiment #2 | Kennel Card
For the second experiment, I developed a sample kennel card and asked 8 people to fill out the card as if it had all the information they want while adopting a cat. The kennel card was designed to gather feedback and insights from potential cat adopters regarding other information they week when adopting cats. By soliciting input through the kennel card, such as preferred activity levels, compatibility with other cats, and much more; there were extremely valuable data that was gathered.
Kennel card design made by yena kim
Participant's Name: Suzi Note: Suzi has past experience in housing and fostering along with her mother who worked as an animal rescuer in Puerto Rico. They have fostered more than 150+ cats over the past.
"As a general overview, I think this works great! However, there's stuff here and there for abnormal cases like previous injuries or surgeries to keep in mind.... whether a pervious owner gave them trauma, etc. I think the card should cover those extra cases too".
Participant's Name: Jade Note: Jade is currently seeking to adopt a new cat after her move. She is a nervous about her first adoption and wants to find more information about the process before she adopts.
"I'm unsure of how I should read certain parts of the kennel card what is intake type and what does food mean? I have no previous experience of owning cats so I would like to know these more in-depth if possible".
Experiment #3 | Interview with volunteers
On April 1st, a protest erupted in front of the West LA Animal Shelters, sparked by the suspension of volunteers who had spoken out about the deplorable conditions within the facility. The demonstration was organized by the Take Me Home Rescue foundation, along with numerous animal lovers, all united in their mission to improve the living conditions for the animals and advocate for change. The volunteers who were suspended had bravely voiced their concerns about the poor conditions at the shelter, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare. Their suspension not only highlighted a lack of transparency but also raised questions about the shelter's willingness to address the issues raised by dedicated individuals. During the protest, the participants called for several key changes. Firstly, they demanded an immediate improvement in the living conditions of the animals, emphasizing the need for clean and spacious environments that prioritize their well-being. Additionally, they advocated for the appointment of a new General Manager who would oversee the shelters with a deep love and care for animals, ensuring their proper treatment and quality of life. At this protest, I also had an opportunity to interview the volunteers and the founder of the Take Me Home Rescue, Haze Lynn, and here are some interesting insights.
Video provided by fox news
Haze Lynn Founder of Take Me Home Rescue
Take Me Home’s ‘Let’s Fix Program’ has now spayed and neutered over 32,000 dogs and cats in California, and other states. Key Insights: • Animalsoften do not get walked or proper care for months • Mistreatment of animals and lack of love from shelter staff • Only Volunteers really help with animal experience • Lack of General Manager causing decay of quality in shelters
"Sometimes, these dogs don't even get walked for a month. And dogs are the loudest voice at the shelter. Then what about cats and all the other animals?"
Research synthesis
This research synthesis aims to explore key factors that contribute to successful pet adoption by focusing on accessibility, information availability, and the sense of community. Understanding the preferences of potential adopters is crucial in streamlining the adoption process, ensuring informed decisions, and facilitating the formation of meaningful connections. By synthesizing existing cat adopting applications and analyzing user feedback and insights, this synthesis sheds light on the significance of these factors in promoting pet adoption and enhancing the overall adoption experience. Pet adoption plays a vital role in providing loving homes to animals in need. To encourage adoption, it is essential to consider the preferences and needs of potential adopters. This research synthesis focuses on three key points: the importance of simplicity and accessibility in the adoption process, the value of providing detailed information for informed decision-making, and the role of adoption in fostering a sense of community among adopters. • The ease of accessing adoption information positively influences the likelihood of individuals considering adoption. Online platforms, user-friendly interfaces, and simplified procedures contribute to a seamless adoption experience. Streamlining the process by filtering the cats by person's preferred compatibility and implementing user-centric UI can encourage more people to explore adoption as a viable option. • Informed decision-making is crucial for potential adopters to select a pet that suits their lifestyle and preferences. Providing comprehensive and detailed information about available cats, including their health history, behavior, and specific needs, allows adopters to make well-informed choices. • Adoption is not merely about finding a pet but also about becoming part of a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for cats. Building connections with other adopters, local shelters, and animal welfare organizations creates a support network, where individuals can seek advice, share experiences, and form lasting bonds. Community-oriented UI and online platforms foster a sense of belonging and encourage social interaction among adopters. This research synthesis highlights the significance of simplicity, information availability, and community building in promoting pet adoption. By ensuring the adoption process is accessible, providing detailed information for informed decision-making, and fostering a sense of community, Whiskers encourage more individuals to open their hearts and homes to animals in need. Further research in this area can contribute to the continued improvement of adoption practices and the overall welfare of companion animals.
RESULTS
For final product, my research pointed to finalizing the concept of Whiskers, a mobile application focusing on cat adoption. Whisker's key features focus heavily on the interview insights and the key highlights from above: simple and clean UI, easy access to information, and community building thru online network.
• Conduct User Testing with Final Prototype: To ensure that the Whiskers app provides an optimal user experience, it is essential to conduct user testing with a final prototype. Engage a diverse group of potential adopters and gather their feedback on the app's features, usability, and overall functionality. This testing will help identify any areas that require improvement or refinement. •Include Accessibility Options: To cater to individuals who may have physical limitations that prevent them from visiting shelters in person, consider incorporating accessibility options such as video calls with shelters. This feature would allow potential adopters to virtually interact with shelter staff, see the cats in real-time, and ask questions, replicating the experience of physically visiting a shelter. By providing this option, you can ensure that individuals with mobility challenges or other physical limitations can still participate in the adoption process and find their perfect feline companion. •Contact Shelters and Seek Subject Matter Expert Feedback: Reach out to local shelters and experts in the field of animal welfare to gather their feedback and insights. Consultation with shelter staff can provide valuable perspectives on the app's functionality from the perspective of those who work directly with cats and potential adopters. They can offer suggestions for improving the app's alignment with the needs of shelters, streamlining the adoption process, and facilitating effective communication between shelters and adopters. Incorporating subject matter expert feedback will enhance the app's credibility, accuracy, and relevance.
reflection
Throughout my experience working on the development of the Whiskers, I have gained valuable insights about the profound love people have for animals, but also remind myself once again how much I adore my cat. This journey has taught me the importance of actively listening to the perspectives and insights shared by individuals who are passionate about pets. Moreover, it has been a truly enjoyable and fulfilling experience, allowing me to contribute to a cause that resonates deeply with me. One of the most significant lessons I learned while working on the Whiskers app was the power of listening. In the process of developing the app, I had the opportunity to interact with numerous individuals who shared their stories, experiences, and concerns regarding cat adoption. By genuinely listening to their insights, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced, the factors that influenced their decision-making, and the kind of support they sought, and the their thought processes. The act of listening allowed me to empathize with current adopters or potential adopters and comprehend the emotional connection they form with animals. I learned that the adoption process is not merely a transactional event but a profoundly personal journey for many individuals. It became clear that the success of the Whiskers relied on our ability to cater to their needs, concerns, and desires in a way that honored their love for animals. The insights shared by these passionate individuals provided invaluable guidance for refining the app's features, user experience, and overall value it offers. I want to once again highlight that working on the Whiskers has been a transformative experience. The joy and fulfillment derived from contributing to a cause that aligns with my own passions made the journey all the more rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to work on Whiskers and to have played a role in facilitating the connection between cats and loving adoptive homes.
