Tools used

Figma, FigJam, Google Forms, tl;dv AI Meeting Assistant

UX/UI Bootcamp

allWomen.tech , 100hours in 10 weeks , Certification

 
 

Key Highlights

✨ Problem: Complex and discouraging adoption processes hinder pet adoption rates in Austria.
✨ Solution: A seamless platform that connects adopters with shelters, offering clear, reliable, and actionable information.
✨ Research & Methods: Desk research, surveys, interviews, and usability testing informed every step, ensuring user needs were prioritized.
✨ Goals: Enhance the adoption experience, uncover opportunities for improvement, and inspire more adoptions within Austria.

 
 
 

Desk Research

Desk Research

The desk research compared Austria's leading animal welfare organizations, highlighting shared challenges such as shelter overcrowding, strict adoption policies, and seasonal adoption fluctuations. Reports from sources like FOUR PAWS International and BMC Veterinary Research emphasized the impact of overpopulation, the need for predictive measures to minimize euthanasia, and the importance of community education to promote responsible pet ownership. Cultural sensitivities in Austria also influence pet adoption trends, with organizations like FOUR PAWS playing a pivotal role in addressing these issues and building trust through transparency and specialized care initiatives.

 
 

Benchmark

 

Key Learnings

  • Transparency and Trust: Clear donation and sponsorship options foster trust and engagement within the community, emphasizing the importance of reputation and transparency in building long-term relationships.

  • Adoption Confidence: Detailed and comprehensive adoption guidelines instill confidence in potential adopters, encouraging them to follow through with the adoption process.

  • Global vs. Local Impact: While a global reputation and large-scale campaigns enhance visibility, local adoption services require user-friendly digital tools to simplify the adoption process and meet the specific needs of the community.

  • Mobile Accessibility: A lack of mobile apps for adoption highlights a gap in providing seamless, on-the-go experiences for adopters.

 

Opportunities

  • Localized Campaigns: Developing Vienna-specific campaigns and providing real-time updates on animals could boost local engagement and adoption rates.

  • Digital Transformation: Digitizing the adoption journey with interactive elements like virtual visits or live chat support can make the process more accessible and engaging.

  • Interactive Resources: Creating location-specific resources, such as detailed guides or interactive maps, can strengthen an organization’s presence and relevance in the Vienna community.

 

Quantitative Research (Survey)

Quantitative Research (Survey)

The survey revealed that 100% of participants were motivated to rescue pets, but challenges like outdated websites (60%) and lack of post-adoption support (46%) negatively impacted satisfaction (only 31% were satisfied with the process). Difficulties included the length of the process, availability of desired pets, and insufficient shelter support, with respondents suggesting improved pet profiles and detailed histories as key improvements. Despite these challenges, 75% felt the adoption met their expectations, and 62.5% expressed willingness to adopt again.

 
 
 

Insights

Information and Transparency: Prospective adopters face challenges due to incomplete pet histories, health records, and insufficient profile details, creating uncertainty and extending the adoption process. Improving transparency could build confidence and engagement.

Post-Adoption Support: Limited follow-up services from shelters leave new pet owners without the guidance needed for smoother adjustments, highlighting the need for behavioral advice and support to ensure long-term success.

Digital Accessibility: Outdated websites and the lack of mobile adoption apps frustrate tech-savvy adopters, representing a missed opportunity to modernize and streamline the adoption journey while improving adoption rates.

 
 

Affinity Map

Affinity Map

Challenges and Suggestions

  1. Efficiency and Accessibility

    • Forms should be quick to fill and available in multiple languages to make the process accessible to a wider audience.

    • Shelters should avoid overly dramatizing pets' situations, as adoption involves both financial and emotional responsibility.

  2. Post-Adoption Considerations:

    • Adopters often face unanticipated costs (e.g., trainers, medical expenses) and need better guidance on budgeting for long-term pet care.

    • Shelters could improve follow-up and build stronger connections, such as marking "adoption anniversaries" to maintain engagement.

  3. Positive Observations:

    • Volunteers play a vital role in pairing adopters with suitable pets and ensuring compatibility with other animals.

    • Shelters often provide recommendations for vets and occasionally follow up, though adopters feel these efforts could be more robust.

Key Findings

  1. Adoption Motivation. A shared motivation among adopters is their desire to support animals in need, driving their commitment to the adoption process despite challenges.

  2. Adoption Process. The common steps include:

    • Researching online (shelter websites, apps, social media groups).

    • Selecting a pet and submitting a form.

    • Completing approvals, paying fees (e.g., vaccinations), and registering the pet.

    • Occasional follow-up support from shelters.

  3. Information Gaps

    • Inconsistent and incomplete information about pets (photos, health conditions) on digital platforms creates uncertainty for adopters.

    • Resource constraints and lack of honesty regarding pet health conditions contribute to this issue.

    • A solution could involve volunteers dedicated to maintaining accurate and detailed pet profiles.