Canine Connect
An Animal-Computer Interaction project that helps dogs get their owner's attention using a paw-activated button paired with a mobile notification system.
Background
As part of my studies, I explored how technology could support clearer communication between dogs and their owners through an Animal-Computer Interaction (ACI) project. Dogs often use subtle cues like eye contact, pawing, or proximity, that owners may overlook, leading to frustration or unmet needs. This project aimed to better understand those behaviors and design a solution grounded in real interactions.
The Challenge
How might we design a way for dogs to request attention that is intuitive for dogs to learn, clearly noticeable for owners, and grounded in observed behavior, not assumptions?
The Solution
Through extensive behavioral research with two dogs of contrasting temperaments, I applied Conversation Analysis and Ethnomethodology to analyze video footage. This led to designing a physical button that dogs can press using natural behaviors like pawing, paired with a mobile notification for owners.
Research
User Group
Two dogs with contrasting temperaments and communication styles were observed to understand natural attention-seeking behaviors.
Sandor
Communication Style
Uses subtle, indirect cues such as proximity and gentle eye contact to seek attention.
Key Behaviors Observed
- Positions himself near owner and waits
- Uses sustained eye contact
- Rarely vocalizes or uses physical touch
- Responds well to calm, predictable interactions
Nellie
Communication Style
Uses direct, physical communication. Actively seeks attention through movement, vocalization, and pawing behaviors.
Key Behaviors Observed
- Uses pawing to initiate interaction
- Moves directly into owner’s space
- Repeats behaviors if attention is delayed
- Responds quickly to reinforcement
Design Requirements
Key insights from behavioral observation led to four core requirements for the button interaction.
Paw-Sized Activation
Button must be easy to press with a paw.
Dogs naturally use their paws to interact with objects. The button size should accommodate different paw sizes.
Non-Disruptive Design
Should not interfere with natural behaviors.
The device should blend into the environment and not create anxiety or confusion for the dogs.
Sound Feedback
Audible confirmation when pressed.
Immediate feedback helps dogs learn that their action was successful.
Mobile Notification
Alert owners when not in the room.
Enables communication even when owners are elsewhere in the home.
Ideation & Prototyping
Ideation Process
We began with individual brainstorming followed by group discussions and dot voting. I contributed concept sketches and helped guide selection toward a single interaction model:
A physical button that dogs can press using natural behaviors like pawing.
Prototyping
Lo-fi Prototype
I used sketches to explore form and size. An early “carryable” concept with a rounded button was evaluated but excluded to maintain a single, clear interaction within project constraints. The button surface was flattened to improve paw pressing, and a hockey puck was used as a lo-fi stand-in due to its size and material.
- Durable form factor for repeated paw interaction
- Visual affordance added to clarify where to press
- Low-profile design to ensure stability during use
Physical Prototype
I built a functional, Arduino-powered button to validate the interaction in real use. The prototype combined a paw-sized physical interface with simple electronic feedback and wireless communication.
- Force-sensitive resistor to detect paw pressure
- Sound feedback to confirm successful activation
- Bluetooth communication to trigger phone notifications
- Lego casing to protect electronics and enable modular iteration
Digital Prototype
I created a simple Figma-based app simulation to demonstrate how a button press triggers a mobile notification for the owner. This allowed us to visualize and test the complete interaction flow without relying on complex backend integration.
- End-to-end interaction from physical input to digital feedback
- Notification clarity and visibility for the owner
- Timing and responsiveness of feedback
Testing
We conducted multiple iterative test sessions with Sandor and Nellie over several days. The goal was to determine whether dogs could learn to use the button intentionally to gain attention.
Positive reinforcement
- Association - Started by associating button-pressing with the “give paw” cue.
- Independency - Gradually moved from guided interaction to independent use.
- Attention - Reinforcement shifted from treats to attention.
Iterative changes made
- Surface friction - The puck initially slid during pressing attempts, which distracted the dogs. I added a Wettex mat to stabilize the button, indicating that future versions should include integrated rubber grip material.
- Sound feedback - I tested versions with and without sound. Audible feedback helped the dogs understand when an action was successful, reinforcing learning and reducing random presses.
- Context awareness - Training began in focused one-on-one sessions and gradually shifted to more natural situations, such as when the owner was occupied. This helped the dogs generalize the interaction and use the button more intentionally.
Outcome
Both dogs were able to learn and apply the button-pressing behavior to gain attention. See the video where Nellie uses the Arduino-powered button to get my attention!
This validated:
That dogs can interact with physical and technological interfaces.
That reinforcement feedback (sound) supports learning.
That design can translate non-human behavior into actionable interaction.
The result was a working proof of concept, a physical-digital communication tool grounded in real user behavior.
What Did I Learn?
Designing Beyond Humans
Working with non-verbal users taught me to shift from verbal feedback to interpreting body language and subtle behaviors. It pushed me to think beyond conventional UX patterns.
The Value of Iteration
Small adjustments like reducing slippage or adding sound had a big impact on usability and learning. Iteration was essential not only for the design, but for shaping how the dogs engaged with the product.
Grounding Decisions in Behavior
Ethnomethodology and Conversation Analysis helped me ground every design decision in observed behavior. This ensured the solution was intuitive, usable, and respectful of the animal users.
Personal Reflection
This project pushed me to adapt my design mindset. It made me more observant and reminded me that user-centered design isn't just about listening. Sometimes it’s about watching quietly, noticing patterns, and building from the ground up.