From Ideation to Deployment: A Narrative Case Study of Citizen Science Supported Wearables for Raising Guide Dogs.

Animal Computer Interaction (ACI) is a burgeoning field that designs, researches, and integrates context-specific technologies with animals and humans. With this approach, researchers are especially mindful of animal-specific needs, a fact that has improved scientific results in everything from device ergonomics to quality of data collected. However, much work in the literature focuses on animal-machine interfaces targeting small to medium research populations rather than scaling up a research prototype for larger audiences while maintaining an animal-centered focus. In this narrative case study, we detail the full process undertaken to bring a novel integrated solution-with hardware, software, and citizen science components-from the conceptual stage to full deployment. We also discuss the handling of both technical and non-technical issues throughout the project's implementation while actively incorporating principles for both human and animal well-being. The iterations of, pivots within, and insights from this project, culminate in a fully operational, multi-faceted solution as well as a guideline for future research efforts attempting similar scientific feats. This work bridges the gap between prototype and deployment for projects with multiple stakeholders-including non-human animals-and will contribute to the necessary discussion of how to effectively bring well-designed ACI solutions to broader user populations.