Designing for the Canine User: A User-Centred Design Framework for the Integration of Technology into the Assistance Canine Training Industry

This thesis investigates the introduction of technology into the assistance canine training industry. It presents a User-Centred Design framework that adapts Human-Computer Interaction and Animal-Computer Interaction methods for designing, developing, and testing technologies in the assistance canine training industry. The methodological approach prioritises user engagement and canine welfare at every stage, defining an End-to-End testing process for guiding technology integration. These contributions establish a foundation for future Animal-Computer Interaction research, with a focus on representing and addressing the needs of the canine user.