Cross-Device Application
GrooveTop
A school project redesigning the pet adoption experience that resulted in a streamlined app to browse local shelters, filter by preference, and connect directly with animals and organizations.
Overview
The Problem
Solution
Research
Engagement finding
Users wanted to know the animals' backgrounds. Including images and profile stories in the initial prototype increased engagement measurably compared to listing-only views.
Navigation finding
Only 50% of users could locate the filter on the first try using an icon alone. Adding clear text labels and visual prominence brought that rate up significantly and raised overall usability scores by 2 scale points.
Design
Adoption-only focus with a deliberately simple interface
The design intentionally stripped out everything unrelated to adoption, unlike existing shelter sites that bury pet listings among donation pages, events, and general information. Action buttons were made more prominent and labeled clearly based on usability test feedback.
Visual Design
The colors were chosen to bring an upbeat tone to the design and the typographt added to this feeling while being highly readable.
Navigation
Quick actions were added through CTA's, Navigation bars, and elements so users can easily identify and use these navigation components. Consistent labels and coloring help to make wayfinding more intuitive.
Results
Usability scores improved 2 points after navigation revisions
Iteration based on usability testing produced measurable improvements. Filter discoverability moved from 50% to a clear majority after labels were added. Overall usability scores increased by 2 scale points following clearer labeling, including icons, and more prominent contact actions throughout the app.
This was a course project. Outcomes reflect the prototype and testing process, not a live product launch.
What's Next
Breed alerts, video profiles, and shelter-side tools
Users requested two features not yet in the prototype: alerts when a preferred breed becomes available at nearby shelters, and short video clips of animals so personalities come through beyond photos. A shelter-facing dashboard to manage listings and respond to inquiries would also be a logical next build.
