Reflecting on Methods in Animal Computer Interaction: Novelty Effect and Habituation

Abstract

Many studies of animal-computer interaction (ACI), including those for enrichment, have found that animals' initial responses to a technological intervention are followed by lower levels of usage as the product ceases to be new. The 'novelty effect' has been identified and discussed in human-computer interaction research. The related concept of 'habituation' is described in the literature on animal behaviour and enrichment. However, the field of ACI has yet to engage with the novelty effect and habituation as phenomena that have important implications for ACI design and evaluation. In this paper, we examine three ACI interventions that illustrate how the novelty effect can manifest in ACI studies. We provide an overview of current knowledge on the novelty effect and habituation, and we discuss how this knowledge can guide the deployment and evaluation of ACI interventions. These considerations will strengthen ACI methods and contribute to designing technology that has enduring applicability and interactional value for animal users.