Challenges Related to Nonhuman Animal-Computer Interaction: Usability and 'Liking'

Despite a marked increase in the number of hardware and software systems being adapted and designed specifically for nonhuman animals, to date, nearly all computer interaction design and assessment has been anthropocentric. Ironically, because nonhuman animals cannot provide, refuse, or withdraw consent to participate with ACI systems, valid and reliable evaluation of usability and user satisfaction is crucial. The current paper explores a) the potential benefits and costs of engaging in animal-computer interaction for nonhuman animal users, b) potential animal-computer interaction evaluation concerns, and c) the assessment of 'liking' and 'preference' in noncommunicative subjects.