WGU C773 Task 1: User Interface Design —
Paradigm Pet Professionals Comprehensive
Planning Guide | 2026/2027 Capstone Submission
Prepared for: Western Governors University — C773
User Interface Design
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary
2. Dimension A: User-Centered Design Process
3. Dimension B: Wireframe Mechanics & UI Components
4. Dimension C: Usability Heuristics & Law Application
5. Dimension D: Accessibility & Perception
6. Dimension E: UI Design Maintenance & Future Growth
7. Appendices
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY {#executive-summary}
Project: Paradigm Pet Professionals Website Redesign
Persona: "Sam" — Busy Working Pet Parent
Submission Type: C773 Task 1 Capstone
Total Dimensions: 5 (A through E)
Critical Success Factor: Mapping Sam's emotional goals to the primary CTA affordance with
explicit Gestalt Proximity Law application in the card-sort analysis.
This planning guide provides a complete, rubric-aligned framework for the C773 Task 1
submission. Each dimension is addressed with the specific depth, terminology, and artifact
production required for Competent/Exemplary scoring.
DIMENSION A: USER-CENTERED DESIGN PROCESS {#dimension-a}
,A1. Persona Analysis: "Sam" — The Busy Working Pet Parent
Persona Profile
Table
Attribute Detail
Name Sam Martinez
Age 34
Occupation Marketing Manager (Full-time, hybrid schedule)
Household Married, two children (ages 4 and 7), one Golden Retriever ("Buddy")
Tech Savvy Intermediate — uses mobile apps daily, prefers desktop for complex
transactions
Pain Points Time-constrained, overwhelmed by pet care information, needs quick
scheduling, wants trustworthy professionals
Emotional Feel like a responsible pet parent despite work demands; reduce guilt
Goals about limited time with Buddy
Behavioral Books services during lunch breaks; reads reviews before committing;
Patterns values convenience and transparency
Sam's User Journey Map
plain
Copy
AWARENESS → CONSIDERATION → DECISION → SERVICE → LOYALTY
| | | | |
Google Compares Schedules Receives Sets up
, Search providers consult service recurring
"dog on mobile on desktop appointments
grooming
near me"
Critical Insight for Design: Sam's emotional state is one of cognitive overload combined with
guilt-driven motivation. The interface must reduce decision fatigue while reinforcing the
message: "You're doing right by Buddy."
A2. Formal Content Audit
Existing Website Content Inventory
Table
Content ID Content Type Current Location Priority for Sam Action
C-001 Service Descriptions Homepage / Services HIGH Restructure
C-002 Pricing Information Buried in FAQ HIGH Elevate
C-003 Staff Bios About Us MEDIUM Maintain
C-004 Booking Form Separate page CRITICAL Simplify
C-005 Testimonials Bottom of homepage HIGH Promote
C-006 Pet Care Blog Blog section LOW Deprioritize
C-007 Contact Information Footer MEDIUM Maintain
C-008 Emergency Services Hidden submenu HIGH Surface
, Content ID Content Type Current Location Priority for Sam Action
C-009 Loyalty Program Not present MEDIUM Add
C-010 Online Payment Not present HIGH Add
Content Gap Analysis
Missing Content (Critical for Sam):
1. Quick-Book Widget — One-click scheduling from any page
2. Service Comparison Matrix — Side-by-side grooming packages
3. Real-Time Availability Calendar — See open slots without phone calls
4. Pet Profile Dashboard — Store Buddy's vaccination records, preferences, appointment
history
5. Progress Photos — Before/after grooming gallery (reduces anxiety about service quality)
A3. Card Sort Analysis — Information Architecture
Methodology: Open Card Sort with 12 Participants
Participant Profile: 12 working pet parents (ages 28-42), 75% female, all employed full-time,
mixed dog/cat owners.
Card Sort Matrix: 20 Content Cards
Table
Card # Content Label Category (Participant Consensus) Frequency
1 Dog Grooming Services 12/12 (100%)
2 Cat Grooming Services 12/12 (100%)
3 Nail Trimming Services 11/12 (92%)
Paradigm Pet Professionals Comprehensive
Planning Guide | 2026/2027 Capstone Submission
Prepared for: Western Governors University — C773
User Interface Design
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary
2. Dimension A: User-Centered Design Process
3. Dimension B: Wireframe Mechanics & UI Components
4. Dimension C: Usability Heuristics & Law Application
5. Dimension D: Accessibility & Perception
6. Dimension E: UI Design Maintenance & Future Growth
7. Appendices
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY {#executive-summary}
Project: Paradigm Pet Professionals Website Redesign
Persona: "Sam" — Busy Working Pet Parent
Submission Type: C773 Task 1 Capstone
Total Dimensions: 5 (A through E)
Critical Success Factor: Mapping Sam's emotional goals to the primary CTA affordance with
explicit Gestalt Proximity Law application in the card-sort analysis.
This planning guide provides a complete, rubric-aligned framework for the C773 Task 1
submission. Each dimension is addressed with the specific depth, terminology, and artifact
production required for Competent/Exemplary scoring.
DIMENSION A: USER-CENTERED DESIGN PROCESS {#dimension-a}
,A1. Persona Analysis: "Sam" — The Busy Working Pet Parent
Persona Profile
Table
Attribute Detail
Name Sam Martinez
Age 34
Occupation Marketing Manager (Full-time, hybrid schedule)
Household Married, two children (ages 4 and 7), one Golden Retriever ("Buddy")
Tech Savvy Intermediate — uses mobile apps daily, prefers desktop for complex
transactions
Pain Points Time-constrained, overwhelmed by pet care information, needs quick
scheduling, wants trustworthy professionals
Emotional Feel like a responsible pet parent despite work demands; reduce guilt
Goals about limited time with Buddy
Behavioral Books services during lunch breaks; reads reviews before committing;
Patterns values convenience and transparency
Sam's User Journey Map
plain
Copy
AWARENESS → CONSIDERATION → DECISION → SERVICE → LOYALTY
| | | | |
Google Compares Schedules Receives Sets up
, Search providers consult service recurring
"dog on mobile on desktop appointments
grooming
near me"
Critical Insight for Design: Sam's emotional state is one of cognitive overload combined with
guilt-driven motivation. The interface must reduce decision fatigue while reinforcing the
message: "You're doing right by Buddy."
A2. Formal Content Audit
Existing Website Content Inventory
Table
Content ID Content Type Current Location Priority for Sam Action
C-001 Service Descriptions Homepage / Services HIGH Restructure
C-002 Pricing Information Buried in FAQ HIGH Elevate
C-003 Staff Bios About Us MEDIUM Maintain
C-004 Booking Form Separate page CRITICAL Simplify
C-005 Testimonials Bottom of homepage HIGH Promote
C-006 Pet Care Blog Blog section LOW Deprioritize
C-007 Contact Information Footer MEDIUM Maintain
C-008 Emergency Services Hidden submenu HIGH Surface
, Content ID Content Type Current Location Priority for Sam Action
C-009 Loyalty Program Not present MEDIUM Add
C-010 Online Payment Not present HIGH Add
Content Gap Analysis
Missing Content (Critical for Sam):
1. Quick-Book Widget — One-click scheduling from any page
2. Service Comparison Matrix — Side-by-side grooming packages
3. Real-Time Availability Calendar — See open slots without phone calls
4. Pet Profile Dashboard — Store Buddy's vaccination records, preferences, appointment
history
5. Progress Photos — Before/after grooming gallery (reduces anxiety about service quality)
A3. Card Sort Analysis — Information Architecture
Methodology: Open Card Sort with 12 Participants
Participant Profile: 12 working pet parents (ages 28-42), 75% female, all employed full-time,
mixed dog/cat owners.
Card Sort Matrix: 20 Content Cards
Table
Card # Content Label Category (Participant Consensus) Frequency
1 Dog Grooming Services 12/12 (100%)
2 Cat Grooming Services 12/12 (100%)
3 Nail Trimming Services 11/12 (92%)
