Button usability for dogs

Canine- Computer Interaction researchers are developing new multi-species interfaces, including applications that support assistance dogs in helping their handlers with disabilities, and interfaces that support human and dog bonding. Regardless of the specific application, many canine interfaces rely on a pressure-activated interaction for the canine input modality.

We explored the current practices of assistance dogs using buttons and aimed to understand canine experiences using different types of buttons.

In our paper, published in DIS 2020, we discuss not only the practical design implications for designers developing canine interfaces, but also methodological findings in regard to conducting research with both canine and human participants. We aim to continue to extend design practices to include non-human animals as co-designers.