The idea for this app emerged while I was exploring at-home dog training solutions to establish a strong foundation before my puppy was old enough for formal training. I found that many existing apps felt outdated, lacked clear, actionable guidance, or were locked behind paywalls.

This led to GoFetch—a concept app designed to support both new and experienced dog owners with accessible, engaging, and effective training tools.

Below, I walk through the design process and key decisions I made while developing this project.

From the start, I recognized the importance of defining a clear target audience, which included both current and prospective dog owners. I established focused research objectives and selected appropriate methods—quantitative research to uncover measurable trends, and qualitative techniques for deeper, behavioral insights. Using survey data and interview findings, I developed user personas to guide design decisions and ensure the app met real user needs. Throughout the process, I prioritized ethical considerations, inclusive language, and pilot testing. Usability testing played a key role in validating design choices and refining the user experience based on direct feedback.

I began the design process with low-fidelity sketches to quickly explore layout ideas and user flows. These early wireframes helped me visualize the core structure and iterate efficiently before committing to more detailed work. From there, I transitioned into Figma to develop mid- and high-fidelity mockups, focusing on visual consistency, accessibility, and interaction design. This approach allowed me to refine the user interface while staying aligned with user needs identified during research.

Iteration was a key part of my workflow, allowing me to continuously refine the design based on feedback from usability testing. Each round of updates helped improve clarity, functionality, and overall user experience. Throughout the process, I also prioritized accessibility—considering color contrast, font legibility, tap targets, and inclusive language—to ensure the app could be used comfortably by a diverse range of users. Designing with accessibility in mind not only improved usability but also aligned with best practices for inclusive design.