sami iyengar

Utilizing Figma and guided by an iterative, user-centered research and design process, my team and I created the Planet Paws mobile app prototype, which aims to make the zoo more accessible, informative, and emotionally engaging, while enhancing the visitation experience by streamlining ticket purchases, exhibit exploration, and donations. Before beginning the design process, we conducted thorough secondary research on comparable mobile experiences for theme parks, museums, and zoos, identifying common user needs, frustrations, and successful design patterns to inform our direction.

Through the fun and intuitive interface, users can easily buy general admission or special event tickets using a calendar-based selector, receive real-time updates about zoo happenings, and navigate the zoo using an interactive map. The app also includes direct donation capabilities, allowing users to support specific animals or causes and fostering a deeper sense of connection between visitors and conservation efforts.