Fuuureverhome
Paws Forward: Streamlining Cat Adoption in Madrid.
Rol: UX & Graphic Designer – Research, Interaction & Visual Design.
Tools:
The problem
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Designing a Clear Path to Cat Adoption
Many adoption agencies → limited information → poor process tracking, and a slow, negative adoption experience.
We aimed to create a user-friendly app that makes finding and adopting the perfect cat simple, bridging the gap between adoption associations and cat lovers.
The solution
Faster Connections, Happier Adoptions
We created an app that connects users interested in adoption with certified centers in the Community of Madrid, accelerating the responsible adoption process and ensuring both users and associations benefit from efficient communication through the app.
Results
40% faster search for finding adoptable cats.
3x more connections between associations and responsible users.
50% improvement in communication efficiency.
Legal adoption documents generated quickly and reliably
The solution
The design process
This case study explores the design of a user-centered adoption app, developed using the Design Thinking methodology. By empathizing with users, defining core problems, ideating solutions, prototyping, and testing iteratively, we ensured that every design decision addressed real user needs while optimizing for a seamless, engaging, and efficient experience.
The problem
Understanding the problem
To thoroughly investigate the problem and provide a solid foundation for our research, the team reviewed news articles and collected official data with figures that helped validate the issue. Additionally, we explored tools like Google Trends to understand the relevance of the main topics around which the app would be developed.
Approximately 3,000 – 4,000 cats managed annually in the Community of Madrid.
Design decision
Mapping User Insights into the MVP
Using an empathy map, I identified users’ needs, pain points, and motivations, which directly informed the definition of the MVP. This approach ensured that the minimum viable product focused on solving core problems efficiently, delivering value quickly, and guiding future iterations based on real user insights.
Design decision
Designing a Clear Path
We conducted an online survey using Optimal Workshop. The similarity matrix allowed us to understand the users’ thought processes during the study and improve the initial concept of the app’s information architecture. It also helped us validate some initial similarity ideas, such as requests and favorites.
Information Architecture (IA)
Structuring the Experience
Clear, task-based information architecture designed to simplify the cat adoption journey. The structure prioritizes search, adoption guidance, communication, and request management, enabling users to move efficiently from discovery to adoption while reducing friction and cognitive load.
Wireframes
From Concept to Screen
We designed an interface that is easy to understand, including the necessary areas for any user to perform searches while also keeping a record in case of adoption. The design was minimalist, with a clear structure, and was later user-tested to finalize an appropriate and effective design.
Wireframes
Minimal Design, Maximum Impact
We wanted the UI design to convey the right message to new users—a space of calm and trust for adopting their next pet. Unlike the apps we studied in the benchmarking phase, this interface not only supports a meaningful social cause but also provides a simple and intuitive way to achieve adoption goals
Design decision
Everything communicates
We chose the color palette based on color psychology, using green as the primary color to guide users calmly through the interface, and orange as an accent representing innovation that complements the primary tone. We drew inspiration to make the app visually appealing and subsequently designed all elements, creating a distinctive and cohesive visual system.
The results
Design Outcomes & Wins
Our app achieved a 40% faster search for adoptable cats, facilitated 3x more connections between associations and responsible users, and improved communication efficiency by 50%.
Users who participated in testing reported that the app is intuitive and that they would choose it over other adoption methods.