About
Fuzz ATX, a beloved pet sitting service in Austin, needed to improve their website to better showcase their sitters and simplify the booking process. This project involved creating detailed profile pages to showcase each sitter's unique charms and a directory page to help clients easily find and book services.

Role
User Experience Designer

Category
Website Design

Audience
Pet owners looking for reliable and experienced pet sitters in the Austin area

Time Period
February 2024 - June 2024

Goals

Screenshot of final product example on mobile.

• How do I create engaging and informative profiles for each pet sitter?
  
• How do I make it easier for pet owners to find and compare sitters in Austin?
  
• How do I design profiles that highlight each sitter's unique qualities and expertise?
• How do I make sure the website is user-friendly and visually appealing?
  

Discovery

The journey began with deep dives into Fuzz ATX's vision and the current website's pain points. Meetings with the team revealed a desire for profiles that truly showcased each sitter's love for pets. Interviews and requirements gathering sessions helped define key objectives and set the project on the path to success.

Key Takeaways:

• Requirements Gathering: Pet owners prioritize detailed information about sitters, including their experience, availability, and rates. They also appreciate a streamlined, easy-to-use booking process.

Research

Competitor Analysis

• Studying competitors like Rover and Hinge provided insights into best practices and user expectations.

• This analysis guided the design approach, ensuring Fuzz ATX would stand out in the market.

Design

Sketches 

Initial sketches laid the groundwork for wireframes, helping visualize layout and flow.

Wireframes

Wireframes detailed the structure of profile and directory pages, focusing on key elements like bios, availability, rates, and reviews.

Prototype Design & Iterations After Feedback

High-fidelity prototypes brought the design to life, incorporating fonts, colors, and images for a realistic user experience. Feedback from clients and users led to refinements, enhancing usability and aesthetics.

Usability Testing

The wireframe design was then tested with a handful of users to gather feedback on the layout, content, and functionality. This helped validate my design decisions and identify areas for improvement.

Findings:

• Pet owners prioritize detailed information about sitters, such as their experience, qualifications, and availability.
• Participants overwhelmingly preferred option #1 for the profile pages layout.
• Participants expressed a preference for a visually appealing design that reflects the professionalism and care of the pet sitters.
• Participants also emphasized the importance of a website that is easy to navigate, with a clear and intuitive booking process.

Impact on Design

• These research findings directly informed the design of the 2 new pages.
  
• I made sure the profile pages included all the necessary information that users were looking for, such as detailed bios, photos, availability calendars, and customer reviews.
  
• I also focused on providing easy access to booking to improve the overall user experience.

Outcomes and Lessons Learned

Achievements

• User Engagement: The new profile pages significantly increased user engagement. Visitors spent more time exploring sitter profiles, indicating a higher level of interest and connection with the sitters.
• Improved Brand Perception: The profile pages and directory portrayed Fuzz ATX as a professional and trustworthy pet sitting service. The detailed sitter profiles and user-friendly interface helped build trust with potential clients.
  

Lessons Learned:

• Iterative Design Process: Iterating based on user feedback was crucial. Each iteration brought valuable insights and improvements, ultimately leading to a more polished and effective design.
• Value of Collaboration: Collaborating closely with the Fuzz ATX team was essential. Their insights and feedback helped shape the final design, ensuring it met their vision and goals.