Rover
iOS Foster & Adopt Feature
Over the course of 10 weeks I embarked on a project to implement a feature within the Rover platform where animal lovers could connect with local shelters and scroll through available pets to foster and/or adopt.
Rover
Founded in 2011, the Rover app and website connect dog and cat parents with loving pet sitters and dog walkers in neighborhoods across the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe.
We empower our community of trusted pet sitters and dog walkers to run their own pet care businesses on Rover with the tools and security of a global company to back them.
Overview
Design Role
UX Design
UI Design
10
Weeks
Figma
Figjam
Otter
Google sheets
User flow
Prototyping
Tools
Problem statement
Competitive analysis
Research
Project Duration
Affinity mapping
Prototype
User persona
Analyze
Wireframing
Design
Usability testing
Discover
Competitive Analysis
Problem Statement
Many animal shelters and rescue organizations face difficulties in finding reliable foster caregivers and adopters due to a combination of limited awareness, perceived challenges in pet care, and the emotional and logistical barriers associated with fostering and adoption. Potential caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility, time commitment, or financial burden, while others are unaware of how fostering can be a rewarding, temporary solution that benefits both the pet and the individual.
To address this, we need a user-friendly application feature that bridges the connection between animal lovers and local shelters, providing education, support, and streamlined processes to encourage and empower more people to foster and adopt animals in need.
Challenge
Solution
Define
User Persona
Emma Johnson
34 / Marketing Manager / Portland, Oregon
Emma is a passionate animal lover who has always been interested in pet rescue and welfare. She works full-time in a high-paced environment but has a relatively flexible schedule, allowing her to work from home a couple of days a week. She’s active on social media and uses platforms like Instagram and Facebook to stay connected with friends and follow her favorite animal rescue organizations. On her down time on the weekends Emma will walk dogs using the Rover app. Emma has always wanted a pet of her own, but due to her unpredictable work travel, she has hesitated to commit to full-time pet ownership.
Compassionate Organized Responsible Curious Informed
Goals
Companionship: Emma desires the companionship of a pet without the long-term commitment of adoption, making her ideal for fostering.
Making a Difference: She wants to make a tangible impact by helping animals find their forever homes through fostering.
Balance: Emma seeks a balance between her busy work life and her personal time, and believes fostering a pet could provide emotional benefits and a sense of purpose.
Frustrations
Time Commitment: Emma is concerned about balancing her work and social life with the responsibility of caring for a foster pet.
Emotional Attachment: She worries about getting too attached to the foster animal and finding it difficult to part with them when it’s time for adoption.
Uncertainty of Pet Needs: As a first-time foster caregiver, Emma feels uncertain about how to handle potential behavioral or medical needs.
Design
User Flow
Deliver
Goal #1
Connecting
Creating a connection between animal lovers and local shelters for fostering and adopting available pets
Goal #2
Profiles
Ability to view online pet profiles from shelter database
Goal #3
Scheduling
Once an approved Foster, include a calendar feature for scheduling foster periods and events