Razvoj inovativnih rešitev za spodbujanje pozitivnega vedenja psov in krepitev odnosa med človekom in psom

Topole, Ana (author), Miklavc, Jure (mentor)

Sodobni življenjski slog pogosto zahteva, da so lastniki dlje časa odsotni od doma, zaradi česar so psi daljša obdobja sami. Samota pogosto vodi v vedenjske in čustvene težave, kot so stres, ločitvena tesnoba in destruktivno vedenje. V magistrskem delu raziskujem, kako je z oblikovalskimi metodami mogoče razviti inovativne rešitve, ki spodbujajo pozitivno vedenje psov ter krepijo odnos med človekom in psom. Delo sledi metodologiji dvojnega diamanta. V raziskovalni fazi sem izvedla kvalitativne polstrukturirane intervjuje z deležniki, opravila terensko raziskavo ter analizirala obstoječe tržne rešitve in deležnike. Zbrane vpoglede sem tematsko strnila v inovacijske smernice ter iz njih izpeljala priložnosti za oblikovanje, ki se osredotočajo na postopno navajanje psa, lajšanje stresa in povezovanje skrbnikov ter negovalcev za enostavnejše zagotavljanje skrbništva tudi v času odsotnosti lastnika. Oblikovala sem produktno-storitveni ekosistem Lumo, sestavljen iz dveh povezanih delov. Nosljiva merilna naprava spremlja izbrane fiziološke in vedenjske parametre ter se ergonomsko prilega psu. Mobilna aplikacija izmerjene podatke interpretira in jih pretvarja v razumljive prikaze ter konkretne usmeritve, prilagojene znanju in izkušnjam lastnika. Omogoča deljenje izbranih podatkov o psu z zaupanja vredno mrežo veterinarjev, vedenjskih strokovnjakov, sprehajalcev in drugih ponudnikov storitev. Poleg tega lahko lastniki prek aplikacije vzpostavijo stik s ponudniki storitev, ki jih potrebujejo, ter se dogovorijo za ustrezen termin in lokacijo v primeru varstva. Rešitev v ospredje postavlja dobrobit psa, saj ne meri zgolj vrednosti, temveč lastnika vodi in mu pomaga graditi zaupanje živali. Magistrsko delo prispeva k boljšemu razumevanju psiholoških potreb psov ter prikazuje, kako je oblikovalsko znanje mogoče uporabiti za spodbujanje dobrobiti živali in krepitev odnosa med človekom in psom.

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: industrijsko oblikovanje, hišni ljubljenčki, odnos med psom in človekom, vedenje psov, magistrska naloga
• Work type: Master's thesis/paper
• Organization: ALUO - Academy of Fine Arts and Design
• Year: 2026
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-189077
• Publication date in RUL: 01.10.2026

Secondary language

• Language: English
• Title: Designing Innovative Solutions to Foster Positive Canine Behaviour and Strengthen the Human–Dog Relationship

Abstract

Modern lifestyles often require owners to be away from home for extended periods, leaving dogs alone for extended periods. Loneliness often leads to behavioural and emotional problems such as stress, separation anxiety, and destructive behaviour. In my master's thesis, I explore how design methods can be used to develop innovative solutions that promote positive canine behaviour and strengthen the human-dog relationship. The work follows the Double Diamond methodology. In the research phase, I conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, carried out field research, and analysed existing market solutions and the relevant stakeholders. I thematically summarised the collected insights into innovation guidelines and derived design opportunities from them, focusing on the gradual habituation of dogs, stress relief, and the connection of sitters and caretakers to make it easier to provide care even during the owner's absence. Building on these foundations, I designed a product-service ecosystem, Lumo, consisting of two interconnected parts. The wearable measuring device monitors selected physiological and behavioural parameters and fits the dog ergonomically. The mobile application interprets the measured data and converts it into understandable displays and concrete guidelines tailored to the owner's knowledge and experience. It also allows the owner to share selected data about the dog with a trusted network of veterinarians, behavioural experts, walkers and other service providers. In addition, owners can use the app to establish contact with the service providers they need and agree on a suitable time and location in the event of care. The solution places the dog's well-being at the forefront, as it not only measures values but also guides the owner and helps build the animal's trust. The master's thesis contributes to a better understanding of the psychological needs of dogs and demonstrates how design knowledge can be applied to promote animal welfare and strengthen the relationship between humans and dogs.

• Keywords: industrial design, pets, human-dog relationship, canine behaviour, MA thesis