Before starting the project, we initially arranged a Zoom call with the client, Scott McCuskey, the owner and founder of Pet Lodge USA of Boardman. During the call, we discussed about the client’s current pain points with the current software that they use for booking pets for lodging, day care, and grooming.

Our team conducted an immersive, hands-on evaluation of the app, approaching it from the perspective of first-time users to gain authentic insights.

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Key findings from our heuristic analysis revealed several critical issues:

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1. Outdated System: The platform's interface is notably antiquated, making navigation cumbersome and inefficient. Its outdated nature contributes to a frustrating user experience.

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2. Redundant and Missing Features: Due to the age of the system, it lacks several modern features that users expect, while some existing functionalities are obsolete and no longer serve a practical purpose

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3.
Inflexibility in Customization: The client expressed a need to integrate customized packages and discount bundles to enhance service offerings. However, the current system's limitations prevent any such additions, hindering business flexibility and growth opportunities.

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The client specifically provided us with the four red routes to focus on.

1. As a user, I want to quickly book a new reservation so that I can efficiently handle customer requests.
2. As a user, I want to easily schedule staff shifts so that I can ensure adequate coverage at all times.
3. As a user, I want to view and update the occupancy status to keep track of available and occupied spaces.
4. As a user, I want to create and update customer and pet profiles to maintain records and personalize service.

To enhance the user stories with visualization and context, our team segmented the development of the four user flows. Throughout this collaborative process, we worked closely with the client, focusing on their primary concern of creating a welcoming user experience without any friction. I was responsible for creating user flow 4 - “As a user, I want to create and update customer and pet profiles to maintain records and personalize service.

In the initial round of medium-fidelity wireframes, our team decided to adopt the Material UI library in Figma. This decision was made to leverage the pre-built dashboard components, significantly simplifying our design process. While I primarily utilized the library, I also made necessary customizations to meet specific layout requirements, ensuring our design remained tailored to our project’s unique needs.

As the lead designer, I solely worked on the mood board to gather unique ideas optimized color palette that authentically represents the brand's identity. For me, understanding color theory played a crucial role in selecting additional colours, other than orange, that evoke the desired emotions and create a compelling user experience aligned with the brand's values and objectives.

Based on the mood board I created, I developed a functional color palette that incorporates the client's existing primary color, green, along with accent colors of orange and purple, and a range of neutral tones. To address the client's request for a logo redesign using the same color scheme, I designed a minimalistic logo that effectively communicates the essence of the business and is versatile across various uses. The client was very pleased with this design.For typography, I chose the Inter font for its simplicity and legibility, which contributes to the overall calm and approachable feel of the design. In the subsequent weeks, I meticulously refined the style guide, detailing elements such as grid layouts, iconography, illustrations, components, buttons, input fields, and navigation to ensure a cohesive and user-friendly interface.

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Based on the wireframe and finalized style guide, I started creating high-fidelity designs. I focused on incorporating rounded corners and having enough breathing room to each component to avoid looking too cluttered.

Taking into account the client's feedback on the wireframes and UI iterations, I finalized the high-fidelity screens. I made certain to fully utilize auto layout and consistently reviewed the screens for uniformity.

Since our team is small, and our developers were actively involved in both the brainstorming and designing phases, a formal handoff wasn't necessary. This close collaboration ensured that everyone was already familiar with the project details, minimizing the need for extensive explanations. To facilitate the development process, I ensured that the design file was meticulously organized, complete with notes from our discussions and clearly labeled for each screen. Additionally, Figma's developer mode, combined with the use of the Material UI library, significantly streamlined the development process.

As part of a small team, I gained several key insights that will enhance my approach to future projects. Here are some of the critical learnings:

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1. Prepare Essential Components Early: It's crucial to identify and prepare the components that will be most frequently used before beginning the design process. This approach helps minimize redundancies and streamline the workflow.


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2. Comprehensive Client Queries: I learned the importance of meticulously gathering every detail and function the client desires before initiating the project. This thoroughness is vital to avoid overlooking crucial elements and to ensure the project meets all expectations.

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3. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Maintaining up-to-date knowledge and constantly seeking improvement in my design skills are imperative. This project has inspired me to push the boundaries of my creativity and strive to deliver exceptional user experiences in future endeavors.

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These experiences have not only refined my technical skills but also reinforced the value of proactive planning and continuous professional growth. I am excited to apply these insights to upcoming projects and to explore new creative possibilities.