Handle App
Product Design Certificate, Dribbble Academy
My role
Product Designer, 2023
Deliverables
- User research & persona
- User flow
- Wireframes
- Visual Design

About
In 2023 I enrolled in Dribbble’s product design course. Over the course of 3 months I learned best practices that covered user research, defining personas, wireframes, and high fidelity visual design.
Our case study put it all into practice with a dog walking app.
The Problem
Not all pets fit the standard mold. Some have health or training needs that require more than just the nearest available provider.
- Special Needs
- Lack of Training
- Trust Issues
The Solution
Connect pet owners with experienced specialists including handlers, trainers, and vet techs through a transparent, needs-based matching experience.


My Process
01 User Research
Interviews and surveys shaped the Persona and strategy.
02 User Flow
Mapping each step from sign-up to booking.
03 Wireframes
Low-fi screens to test the layout, hierarchy and flow.
04 Visual Design
Brand, type and colour brought to high fidelity.





Onboarding Flow





User Research & Persona
“I’m looking for a sitter with knowledge in what they’re doing, experience and patience, a love for what they do, and reliability.”
“Having a stranger walk your dog is tricky business. You can lose a dog if you don’t know them and it might be difficult to get them back...”
“Looking for someone reliable, patient, and willing to use the training method my dog was taught by.”
User persona

Cynthia Brown
Law Librarian
“It’s not about money, the priority is finding someone who can take good care of my dog.”
Background
Cindy is a Law Librarian, married, and has no children. Her and her husband have been dedicated to their dogs, particularly in dog agility and the community for over 10 years. They seek a reliable place for boarding and exercising their dogs during emergencies or travels. Despite her knowledge, finding a trustworthy person or facility is challenging.
Behaviors
- In her 50’s, married
- Works full time
- Active in dog community
- Unexpected priorities
Motivations
- Have availability when the unexpected happens
- Wants to travel
- Have more freedom
Goals & Ambitions
- Travel to exotic locations
- Be more spontaneous
- Be more reliable to her friends and elderly family
Frustrations
- Most caretakers are underqualified
- Finding someone she can trust
- Doesn’t want her dog around a lot of other dogs
User Flow
The Sign-Up user flow includes filter options with visible CTAs to encourage outreach or booking, emphasizing a smooth flow with easy navigation.

Wire Frames
Executing my ideas and visualize how the app would flow and function. This was a great starting point and allowed me to further iterate in the next phases.












Mood
The goal for visual design is to convey an elevated, modern, warm tone, while incorporating an element of fun.









Color
A custom analogous scheme serves as a base in achieving the direction set from the Mood Board. Prioritizing a gender neutral appeal for a mass market.
Typography
The pairing of Serif and Sans Serif fonts help establish hierarchy while adding variation and contrast. Buenard representing classic heritage and Poppins gives a more casual retro influence.
Buenard-Bold
AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz () & ? ! @ ~ 1234567890
Poppins-Med
AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVvWwXxYyZz () & ? ! @ ~ 1234567890
Find A Caretaker








Book Your Pet








This course gave me a strong foundation in product design, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and sharpened how I think through problems. Excited for what's ahead!
