This thesis used design thinking to create a user-friendly digital platform named PetScout for adopting animals from European shelters and rescue groups. We conducted user interviews and an online survey and designed personas, empathy maps, and scenarios to understand user needs. As part of the design process, we defined the platform’s requirements and developed the information architecture. We identified two viable solutions for the project based on research findings: a web-based and a mobile-based solution. To visualize these ideas effectively, we developed prototypes at two different fidelities – low and high fidelity. The prototypes were tested in usability testing using the thinking-aloud method, which measured effectiveness, efficienc...