Hi there! I’m Emma, a passionate UX Designer based in Belfast. My creative yet methodical mind is in constant need to be challenged with new tasks, so I thrive on creating meaningful experiences that blend aesthetic appeal with functional excellence.
I am deeply passionate about the research stage, which I believe forms the foundation of UX design. I enjoy generating ideas and solutions, finding immense satisfaction in being part of the journey from the very beginning. I strongly believe that thorough research is essential for developing a successful product.
I am currently searching for a graduate post, so keep an eye out on my socials to learn more about my journey into the industry.
Happy Tales is a digital platform that facilitates ethical dog adoption, prioritising the well-being of dogs. It helps prospective owners find their ideal canine companion by considering factors like location, lifestyle, preferences, and needs.
By prioritising the individuality of each dog in their profiles, Happy Tales ensures they are matched with owners who are the perfect fit. Our mission is to reduce the number of dogs being entered into shelters, whilst also removing the negative stigma that surrounds dogs in shelters.
To begin the project, I carried out both contextual and user research. I took a lot of inspiration from charities and foundations who focus on dog shelters. I carried out a survey which got almost 700 responses, along with user interviews and analysis of user traits. To clearly identify the user's main pain points and their expectations for this type of mobile app, I created a series of user personas and user journeys. I then chose the app's features based on the results of the card sorting task. I think this research and analysis laid a strong foundation for the content within my app.
Following this research, I began designing the user flow and exploring various UI options. I sketched multiple wireframes before transitioning to Figma to create initial low-fidelity digital versions. I decided to go straight into developing my Hi-fidelity wireframes, which allowed me to visualise the content and images more clearly. Once satisfied with the Hi-fidelity wireframes, I conducted usability testing. From this I was able to spot gaps and areas for improvement, meaning I could further develop the high-fidelity designs and a functional prototype using Figma. I now have a functioning prototype with multiple flows, to showcase how the app would work if released to the public.
I have created a digital platform, where prospective dog owners can adopt and support dogs in shelters near them from their phone. Not only does it promote adoption as the first option when it comes to acquiring dogs, it also helps remove stigmas around the animals in shelters and build a community of dog lovers.