Handle App

Product Design Certificate, Dribbble Academy

My role

Product Designer, 2023

  • Figma
  • Illustrator
  • Photoshop

Deliverables

  • User research & persona
  • User flow
  • Wireframes
  • Visual Design
Handle app case study

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.

The Handle sign-up screen: Let's get started
The Handle sign-up screen: Let's get started

My Process

  1. 01 User Research

    Interviews and surveys shaped the Persona and strategy.

  2. 02 User Flow

    Mapping each step from sign-up to booking.

  3. 03 Wireframes

    Low-fi screens to test the layout, hierarchy and flow.

  4. 04 Visual Design

    Brand, type and colour brought to high fidelity.

Handle app screen 1
Handle app screen 2
Handle app screen 3
Handle app screen 4
Handle app screen 5

Onboarding Flow

Onboarding screens, screen 1
Onboarding screens, screen 2
Onboarding screens, screen 3
Onboarding screens, screen 4
Onboarding screens, screen 5

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, the 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.

The Handle sign-up user flow

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.

Handle wireframe 1
Handle wireframe 2
Handle wireframe 3
Handle wireframe 4
Handle wireframe 5
Handle wireframe 6
Handle wireframe 7
Handle wireframe 8
Handle wireframe 1
Handle wireframe 2
Handle wireframe 3
Handle wireframe 4

Mood

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

Mood board image 1
Mood board image 2
Mood board image 3
Mood board image 4
Mood board image 5
Mood board image 6
Mood board image 7
Mood board image 8
Mood board image 9

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.

Fern - 304333
Olive - D4DAAD
Flax - F3EEDD
Chartreuse - EAF98E
Mandarin - F89D5C
Fire - F36336
Mustard - F5D06E
Cloud - FEFDFC
Ivory - FAF8F1
Concrete - DEDACE
Sage - C3C3A9
Rock - A19B89

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

Find a caretaker, screen 1
Find a caretaker, screen 2
Find a caretaker, screen 3
Find a caretaker, screen 4
Find a caretaker, screen 1
Find a caretaker, screen 2
Find a caretaker, screen 3
Find a caretaker, screen 4

Book Your Pet

Book your pet, screen 1
Book your pet, screen 2
Book your pet, screen 3
Book your pet, screen 4
Book your pet, screen 1
Book your pet, screen 2
Book your pet, screen 3
Book your pet, screen 4

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!

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