Adopting a child is a long and emotional process. A confusing or unengaging website can make it even harder for families to stay motivated.

We took a close look at how families used the website by mapping out their entire journey.

The discovery stage (from the homepage to the youth profile page) stood out as the most interaction-heavy part of the experience.

As the first major touchpoint for users, this flow was critical for creating a positive and engaging impression.

The design felt more like browsing an online catalog than forming a personal connection with a child. The layout and process prioritize efficiency over emotional depth, which didn’t align with the gravity of the adoption journey.

Adoption isn’t about speed. It’s about making thoughtful, personal decisions because every choice impacts a child’s life.

Our design aimed to slow down the process, giving families the time and space to truly learn each child’s story.

Filters based on age, gender, and ethnicity were allowing users to exclude certain children, leading to unintended discrimination.

To address potential bias and create a more inclusive experience, we intentionally grouped sensitive categories such as race, culture, and ethnicity under a "More" option. This design choice was made to prevent users from making quick, biased decisions based on these factors, ensuring that the children were viewed as individuals rather than filtered by characteristics.

The youth profile page initially required a 10-second scroll, presenting too much information at once. This not only overwhelmed users but also diverted their attention from the youth's story, preventing them from engaging emotionally.

In line with Miller’s Law, which states that people can only remember 7±2 items at once, we limited the information on the youth profile page to just two key lines. This helped reduce cognitive overload, ensuring that users could focus on each child as an individual rather than being distracted by too much information.

The final prototype transforms the website into a space where prospective families can slow down and engage meaningfully with each child’s story. By simplifying the layout and removing bias-inducing filters, we ensured that the focus remains on each child's individuality, fostering more thoughtful and emotional connections.

We developed a comprehensive design system based on principles of user-centricity, creativity, accessibility, inclusion, emphasis, and consistency. This system ensured that every design element contributed to a cohesive and emotionally resonant user experience.

We selected a color palette that communicates brightness and warmth to evoke feelings of hope and connection. Utilizing Airbnb's Cereal font for its roundness and clarity, we enhanced readability and contributed to a friendly and approachable interface. Additionally, we ensured accessibility by maintaining adequate contrast ratios.

This project was a reminder of the responsibility that comes with design. Every choice we make, from the layout to the colors, can influence emotions and decisions.