University of Twente Student Theses
Designing Dynamic Digital Environmental Enrichment for Capuchin Monkeys
Kemper, Puck (2024) Designing Dynamic Digital Environmental Enrichment for Capuchin Monkeys.
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| Abstract: | Environmental enrichment can have positive effects on the well-being of zoo animals by challenging the animals, accommodating their ethological needs, or providing cognitive stimuli. Animals like capuchin monkeys are highly intelligent, which makes creating new and stimulating enrichment scenarios time-consuming and leaves little room for individuality. Making the enrichment systems digital allows the enrichment to change constantly, making it interesting for longer and offering a different challenge to each animal. The goal of this study is to investigate what the design process of such a dynamic digital environmental enrichment may look like. After reviewing different methods, frameworks, and principles we chose to adopt an animal-centred design method, where the animals are invited to co-design their environmental enrichment. Within the context of Apenheul Primate Park, we build upon previous research with the Capuchin monkeys and digital environmental enrichment. This report presents the theoretical background of environmental enrichment design, welfare, and co-design with animals. Then it covers the design process of multiple prototypes for digital environmental enrichment. To start the design process, observational data and carer experiences were gathered. Based on this information, offthe- shelf products are used as lo-fi prototypes to test the influence of presenting multiple units on the social dynamics of the group. Later, a hi-fi prototype consisting of two wooden boxes with two sensors and a food dispenser is introduced. Based on this research, there was not a conclusive result on the effective targeting of ethological needs. Further testing is needed to see if the prototype was effective in targeting those needs and thus if the process was suitable. Next to the targetted interactions, the Capuchins explored the prototype using unexpected interactions and manipulations. The evaluation of the prototype and the design process shows the importance of open-ended design to allow for expected and unexpected forms of interaction. Concluding, co-design methods can be used for an animal-centred design process for environmental enrichment. When doing this, the dignity of the animals should be safeguarded and anthropomorphisation and habituation should be minimised. Open-ended design can help with these hurdles and offers the animals a choice. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Clients: | Apenheul Primate Park, Apeldoorn, Netherlands |
| Faculty: | EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Subject: | 50 technical science in general |
| Programme: | Interaction Technology MSc (60030) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/101827 |
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