Cat To-Do List

Pur-sonalized To-do list featuring motivational cat quotes and images to help users focus on their tasks.

Role

UX/UI Designer

Finalized Screens

Prototype

Duration

2 weeks

Problem

Many people struggle with task overload, creating long to-do lists that lead to stress and procrastination. Traditional task management apps can feel clinical and uninspiring, which makes it difficult for users to stay motivated and engaged.

Solution

The app offers a refreshing take on task management by limiting users to three major tasks with one subtask each, helping prevent task overload and reducing stress. It incorporates cat-themed visuals and motivational quotes that refresh periodically, keeping users engaged and focused in a lighthearted, cat-inspired environment. This approach not only encourages productivity but also provides an enjoyable and stress-free experience for cat lovers.

Problem

Solution

Stage 1. User Research

Mood Board

The app was inspired by retro and lo-fi aesthetics. I gathered assets from Pinterest, focusing on the simplicity of how the to-do list would look while incorporating an 8-bit feel. The color palette features twilight-inspired hues, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that resonates with the overall theme of the app.

Persona

For the persona I created, I focused on someone who is likely to use the to-do list app: an individual who struggles to stay focused and on task.

Stage 2. Ideation & Conceptualization

Initial Sketches

My vision for the app includes rough sketches of a one-page standalone interface that features the to-do list prominently. The design will display auto-generated cat images to the right, adding a charming visual element. At the bottom of the screen, a moving cat animation will enhance the playful atmosphere. Additionally, I envisioned a potential feature that introduces a story journey with a cat, welcoming users as they embark on their to-do list endeavors. This engaging narrative element will further immerse users in the cat-themed experience, making task management feel more interactive and enjoyable.

Brand & Visual

Keeping the mood board in mind, I curated a brand for the app that maintains the same lo-fi color palette and draws inspiration from a retro vibe. This approach aims to create a fun and engaging experience for users, aligning perfectly with the overall theme of the app.

Stage 2. Ideation & Conceptualization

Initial Sketches

Brand & Visual

Stage 3. Design Execution

Low-Wireframing:

While digitizing my sketches, I focused on implementing the storytelling aspect of the app, which features a cat that serves as your guide to the productivity world. This animated cat will lead users through the app, helping them navigate its features and enhancing the overall user experience with a charming narrative element.

Stage 4. Mid-fidelity & Triple-A (AAA) Accessibility

In implementing the newly curated brand colors, I ensured that the design would be accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments. To achieve this, I conducted the Triple A (AAA) test on one of my mid-fidelity wireframes, and the results came back “AAAmazing,” confirming that the app is accessible to all users with visual impairments.

Stage 5. Final presentation and handoff

For my final deliverable, I refined the original concept of a cat serving as a productivity guide into a more manageable tutorial section. Users visiting the site for the first time can choose whether they would like to be guided through the app or receive a tutorial. Additionally, I implemented a completed task and reward system that allows users to receive a virtual cat as a reward for completing their tasks, enhancing the engaging and playful experience of the app.

Reflections & Next Steps

Stay organized and motivated with a task manager that combines functionality, charm, and a touch of feline fun!

Conduct user testing and gather feedback to refine and improve the app's features and overall user experience.
Explore adding a reward system that tracks how many cats users collect from completed tasks.
Investigate integrating calendar and reminder features to enhance versatility and engagement.
Focus on expanding the app’s appeal by introducing additional animal-themed options, such as dogs, turtles, and other beloved pets, to offer users a more personalized experience.

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