Franco Pets
UX design and development of a dashboard and web app for a veterinary clinic.
Client
Franco Veterinary
Timeline
August - November 2022
My Role
Lead UX UI Designer
Problem
This project started with the client's goal to improve an Excel tool used by their veterinary staff for managing patient information, medication details, and scheduling. The tool was not collaborative and had become cumbersome to use.
Discovery
After some client meetings, we proposed a dashboard to solve the Excel file problem. Then, another idea emerged: "What if we also create a web app for veterinary clients and pet owners?"
This expanded the project to two deliverables, each needing its own research process. I oversaw both products, ensuring they were seamlessly integrated and cohesive for the client.
To start the research, I met with the design team to assess our ability to create both products within the tight deadline
Define
To fully understand the concerns around the new digital products, we had several meetings with the client to learn their goals and business constraints. The project became more complex because we had to collaborate with two stakeholder groups: the consultancy team and the pet center owners. Both wanted to be involved throughout the entire process.
Methodology
We chose to use design thinking to enhance our understanding and approach.
Production
User Persona
We received recordings of semi-structured interviews conducted by the consultancy team with the pet shop workers (the main users of the dashboard) and pet owners (the main users of the web app). These interviews helped us identify insights and pain points, allowing us to start defining the requirements and priorities for each product.
Information Architecture
We developed an information architecture system for each product, based on benchmarking similar products and a quick round of card sorting analysis conducted by the consultancy team with users. This approach helped us accurately map out how the information would be displayed and laid out in each digital tool, identifying where features of both products intersect.
User Flows
Next, we crafted multiple user flows for each product to thoroughly understand the design process required for each tool. Creating these flows helped us refine the features and address the client's questions, ensuring clarity and alignment with their vision.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
The team began by creating paper wireframes and then transitioned to low-fidelity wireframes to understand the layout of each screen for both products. We worked under the assumption of having a dashboard for the pet shop workers and a web app for the pet owners.
High Fidelity Wireframes
To develop the high-fidelity wireframes, we created a simple yet complete UI kit based on the Material Design system. This UI kit served as the foundation for both products, ensuring a consistent design that incorporated the veterinary brand's colors and typography.
Validation
Prototyping & Testing
After developing the UI for both products, we created prototypes of key user tasks for an additional round of user testing, conducted by the consulting team. Based on the feedback received, we prepared a handover document for the development team in India to proceed with the development of both digital products.
Delivery
Hand Off & Dev Follow Up
After handing over the project to the development team, we remained available for additional reviews and to address any questions they had during their work phase. This ongoing support provided the client with confidence that the project would be delivered as promised by the design team.
Learnings & Insights
In every project, I find it essential to evaluate what worked well and what could be improved. I focus on identifying lessons learned throughout the process and beyond, which help me grow as a designer.
Here are some key insights I gained from this project:
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Recognize opportunities to propose improvements.
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It's okay to have tough conversations with clients and set boundaries to keep the relationship and project on track.
My Projects
Check out my other projects, with brand and client details altered for confidentiality, keeping the spotlight on my work and strategy.
