Furever: An Animal Shelter and Café

This project is a unique app that combines the functionalities of a café and a shelter, providing users with a delightful space to either relax or hang out while interacting with rescue animals.

Senior Capstone
Research
User Personas
Usability Testing
Prototyping
UI/UX Design
January - May 2024
Figma
IbisPaint
Canva

Problem

The app addresses the pressing issue of overcapacity in animal shelters.

By providing a user-friendly platform that merges the adoption process with a cafe-like atmosphere, the app streamlines adoption procedures and increases the visibility of shelter animals. This approach not only facilitates more adoptions but also alleviates the strain on shelters by creating a broader network of potential adopters.

Design Question

How might we create an engaging and accessible app that effectively connects potential adopters with shelter animals while also addressing the challenges of time constraints, limited pet-friendly spaces, and the overcapacity issue in shelters?

The solution is the development of an intuitive and interactive app that seamlessly integrates the pet adoption and meet and greets with a café experience. Through the app, users can browse profiles of shelter animals, and order different foods for both the user and the pets at the café. The app's user-friendly interface prioritizes accessibility and convenience.

User Persona

Sarah Anderson

Sarah, 26, lives in the city and has always been passionate about animals. She grew up with pets and believes strongly in adopting from shelters rather than buying from breeders. Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors and frequently visits parks and cafes in her neighborhood. She's active on social media and enjoys sharing photos and stories about her adventures with her dog. She is a successful woman working at marketing firm. She has a boyfriend but lives by herself in an apartment with her dog, Max.

Challenges

Limited time for shelter visits due to work commitments.

Difficulty finding pet-friendly spaces in her urban environment.

Struggle to find compatible pets that fit her lifestyle.

Desire for in-person animal interactions and socialization.

Need for companionship and emotional support while living alone

Scenario

One evening after a long day at work, Sarah finds herself scrolling through her social media feed, feeling a bit drained. As she comes across heartwarming posts of pets up for adoption, she feels a surge of sadness and need to help those dogs without a home. However, with her packed schedule, she knows it's challenging to find the time to visit shelters in person. Remembering a recommendation from a friend, Sarah decides to explore the new app she heard about that combines a cozy cafe atmosphere with shelter animals available for adoption. Intrigued by the concept, she downloads the app and discovers a treasure trove of profiles for dogs and cats seeking loving homes. Excited by the prospect of supporting potential furry friends in a relaxed setting, Sarah plans to visit the app's affiliated café over the weekend, eager to connect with other animal lovers alike, all while enjoying a delicious drink and snacks.

Branding

The branding strategy focuses on conveying a sense of unity, playfulness, and modernity. The logo, featuring a dog and cat together, symbolizes the coexistence of both popular pet species and the inclusivity of the app's community. The color palette of white, navy blue, baby blue, and salmon evokes a sense of freshness and warmth, while the playful yet mature typography reflects the app's dual purpose of entertainment and advocacy. Unique icons of dogs and cats add a distinctive flair to the app, enhancing its visual appeal and reinforcing its identity.

Low Resolution Wireframes

The prototyping phase involved detailed planning to design wireframes and define the main features of the app. The emphasis was on creating an intuitive user experience with a focus on accessibility and functionality.