DURATION
12 weeks
TYPE
Mobile Application
case study
RESPONSIBILITIES
User Research, Personas, Wireframes, Prototyping
PROBLEM
Users lack access to a specialized platform offering a comprehensive array of community features, information resources, and health-related support dedicated exclusively to feline welfare.
SOLUTION
The envisioned application aims to seamlessly integrate specialized features dedicated to feline welfare, encompassing a robust community engagement platform, comprehensive medical resources, and exclusive content tailored solely for cat enthusiasts.
UNDERSTANDING THE USER
Understanding the user for a cat app is paramount to its success. By gaining valuable insights into the preferences, needs, and behaviors of cat enthusiasts, we can tailor the app to cater to their specific interests.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
- 70% of users reported wanting to make positive changes in their cat care practices using a app.
- 70% of app users are female, while 30% are male.
- 65% of app users are between the ages of 25 and 44.
KEY INSIGHTS
Key Findings from Research:
- Numerous users lack familiarity with cat-specific applications.
- There is a demand for a user-friendly app focused on cats.
- The app should offer valuable resources related to health and nutrition.
- A primary feature should be a communal hub, fostering connections and information sharing among cat enthusiasts.
70%
Felt that an app designed for cats is essential for cat owners
Potential Solutions
Themes List
- Cat Health and Wellness
- Community Engagement
- Adoption
- Fun and Heartwarming Cat Stories
COMPETITOR RESEARCH
- The PetDesk App caters to all pet owners, including cat owners, dog owners, and owners of other pets. The app offers pet health management, appointment scheduling with veterinarians, medication reminders, and a pet health record tracker.
- The First Aid Pet App is focused on providing crucial and life-saving information, but it may not cover all aspects of cat care. Unique Selling Point (USP): Its emphasis on pet emergency care sets it apart, but it may lack comprehensive cat-specific resources.
FEATURE MATRIX
After evaluating the research a user needs & wants, it was concluded that a social media aspect with an effortless design was imperative to include during this design process.
PERSONAS
Throughout the product's life cycle, this persona served as a constant reference point, ensuring design decisions remained aligned with the needs of cat owners. By keeping this persona at the forefront, the development team maintained a clear and focused approach, enabling the app to cater precisely to the preferences and requirements of its intended audience.
SKETCHES
I started with several basic sketches of how I wanted the overall layout to be structured to begin the design stage. I wanted the user to select between friends or the feed while maintaining access to their account settings all from the homepage.
This was reflected in the sketches shown below.
FINAL SKETCH LAYOUT
WIREFRAMES
Once the final sketch layout was completed, it was time to incorporate those ideas into wireframes. To help visualize how the app should be structured, I created low-fidelity wireframes for the main pages in Figma.
LO FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
After finalizing the application's structure, the subsequent step involved crafting a low-fidelity prototype. This prototype proved invaluable in assessing the current design's usability and overall user experience at this juncture.
USER TESTING
Following standard practice, user testing was conducted with multiple participants before finalizing the design phase with high-fidelity mockups. The valuable insights gathered from users guided the implementation of subsequent changes.
ITERATIONS
- Sleek sexy design
- Emphasize social media aspect of app
UI STYLE
FINAL DESIGN
The heart and soul of Meow lies within its vibrant community, where connections can blossom, stories can be shared, and knowledge is exchanged. The friendships formed, the support given, and the collective love for all things feline could provide a united platform for millions of users under the Meow banner.
TAKE AWAYS & NEXT STEPS
Throughout the course of this project, valuable insights were gained regarding the diverse ways in which cat enthusiasts seek information and the common challenges they encounter. While acknowledging that this app does not aim to replace hands-on learning or advice from veterinary professionals, the primary objective was to provide a digital platform where cat lovers can indulge their curiosity and expand their knowledge about feline welfare.
When it comes to further enhancing this cat-centric experience, some next steps would be:
- Diversify Topic Selection: Expanding the overall selection of cat-related topics will offer users a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience, catering to various aspects of cat care, behavior, and health.
- Enable Offline Access: Designing a user-friendly flow that allows users to download cat care lessons and resources for offline access ensures continuous learning, even in situations with limited internet connectivity.
By diligently pursuing these next steps, we can continually enrich the cat app experience, empowering users to explore their passion for felines while gaining valuable knowledge and connecting with like-minded individuals who share their love for cats.
