Paws+ Mobile App: Simplifying Pet Care
Overview
Paws+ is a user-friendly app designed for pet owners with medically needy pets. The app streamlines the process of connecting with local vets, ordering medications and supplies, and communicating with providers—all in one place.
Roles & Responsibilities
As the Lead UI/UX Designer, I was responsible for:
• Defining the concept and vision for the app.
• Conducting user research to understand pet owners’ pain points.
• Designing wireframes and interactive prototypes for usability testing.
• Developing intuitive layouts for a seamless navigation experience.
• Establishing a cohesive design system to maintain consistency.
• Ensuring accessibility by adhering to WCAG standards.
• Iterating based on user feedback to refine and optimize the app experience.
User Research & Insights
I conducted interviews and surveys with pet owners to identify their primary challenges in managing their pets’ medical needs. Key findings included:
• Difficulty in finding trusted local vets.
• Lack of a centralized system for ordering medications and supplies.
• No autoship options for recurring prescriptions.
User Persona Example: Emily
Problem statement:
Emily, a 42-year-old teacher, recently adopted a dog named Scout. Managing Scout’s prescribed food and medications is time-consuming, and she needs a simplified way to autoship these necessities in one place.
Goals
• Find an app that offers autoship for medications and food.
• Use a trusted vet source for prescriptions.
Pain Points
• Has to manually call in prescriptions each month.
• No option for automated refills.
• No discounted rates for auto-renewal.
User Journey Map
User Journey Map
Wireframes
Digital Wireframe
Designing the Experience
Wireframes & Prototyping
To enhance usability, I designed low-fidelity wireframes that mapped the complete user journey from adding an item to checkout. Interactive prototypes were tested to refine button placement, page structure, and navigation flow.
Low-Fidelity User Flow Paths
Design Showcase
User Study Mockup
Accessibility Considerations
• Ensured high contrast UI for readability
• Used large, tappable buttons to aid users with motor impairments.
• Structured clear landmarks and labels to support assistive technologies.
Main Menu Expanded View
Purchase User Flow
Impact & Takeaways
Results:
• Users praised the app’s ease of use and intuitive navigation.
• 80% of testers found the autoship feature highly valuable.
• Improved accessibility features received positive feedback from users with disabilities.
Paws+ stands as a testament to how user-centered design can create impactful solutions, making pet care easier and more accessible for pet owners everywhere.