Pawls Training Solution
Overview
Each year, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters in the US. Less than half of these animals, however, are adopted. Over the course of four months, I collaborated with a group of my peers to explore how ubiquitous computing can help address the rampant issue of pet homelessness and increase the likelihood that newly adopted pets will remain in their new homes and have a second chance at life.
A detailed description of our research process and methodology can be found here.
Project Timeline
Four months
My Role
UX Researcher, Video Editor, Product Designer
UX Methods
Literature Review, Survey, User Interviews, User Enactments, Diary Studies, Storyboarding, Prototyping
Summary of Findings
While dog owners were committed to integrating their new companion into their home, we found that behavioral issues were both the number one complaint of new dog owners, and the number one reason animals were returned to shelters.
Although we had substantive evidence for what our target audience’s frustrations were, the data about how they reacted in these scenarios was limited and based only on their recollection. To better understand how they behaved in real time, we recruited adoptive dog owners for a week-long diary study and a variety of user enactments. Through these studies, we found that owners wanted to have a sense of agency over their companion’s training regimen. This meant they didn’t want to have to rely on automation, and that they needed a solution that would allow them to take action when undesirable behaviors occurred. Owners also wanted to have the ability to collect data over time to see their progress and improve their training. Finally, owners often felt confused and unsure of themselves while training their companion, especially when they felt they did something wrong. To be better trainers, owners felt that they needed training. They reported that they would like a solution that teaches them proper techniques while holding them accountable.With this information, we developed the following four requirements:
Training-Focused
The system and its features should focus on augmenting the training process, not the space in which it takes place. While sensors and other pervasive elements are necessary, the system should focus on solving the problems experienced by the owner during the training period rather than automating the process without owner’s input.
Encourages Agency
Users must have control over automatable features, and the system should empower the user to make decisions that affect their companion and the training process rather than making decisions for them.
Adaptive
The system should adapt to the changing environmental factors, such as the presence of the owner or other people, outside stimulus, etc. Additionally, the system must recognize changes in the dog’s behavior and must adapt to dog’s progress over time.
Educational
Training is challenging, and as a result, the system’s features should aim to educate the owner with recommendations, data visualization, and training tips and tricks. The features are designed to train both dog and owner, rather than simply automating the training process independently.
Data-Driven
Recommendations, tips, notifications, and other features in the system should be made based on data collected by the DH or from reliable outside sources. Data must be accessible to the user in order to keep them informed and allow them to make data-driven decisions.
I want to do the right thing, but sometimes I don’t know what the right thing is.
User Enactment Participant
Introducing Pawls
The Pawls Training Solution is a smart kennel system that uses a variety of sensors to keep the newly adoptive dog owner aware, well-equipped, and in control.
Rather than being a single product, PAWLS connects the user’s mobile device to a system in the home that includes a kennel and peripheral devices. The PAWLS system gathers data within the mobile app for the user to review, but also provides recommended actions based on evidence-based training techniques and the pet’s history.
Preliminary concept illustration
Exploratory storyboard exercise
How it works
Sensors are placed around the house in areas the dog occupies
Sensors detect activity and signs of distress and either activate preset automated features or send a notification through the mobile app depending on the owner’s preferences
All activity is recorded in the app and is used to generate easy-to-understand reports and training tips for the owner to track and advance their progress
Product Features
Kennel Features
Visual Feed
Monitor the dog’s activity while you’re away with a visual feed available through the app.
Treat Dispenser
Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior while you’re away.
Speaker
Play music, recordings, or speak in real time to your companion.
Companion App
Notifications
Notify owner of barking and stress behaviors and activates peripheral devices like speaker, treats, blinds, music to calm.
Data Collection
Records trigger information to help the owner understand how to move forward. Also makes training recommendations.
Interactivity
Video calling, allow for remote interaction
