As an example of HCI research, which can be classified as an Applied Approach, Mancini, van der Linden, Bryan and Stuart (2012) explored interspecies sense-making in the context of dog tracking and in the light of multi-species ethnography.
Mancini et al. claim that the domestic use of tracking technology with pets is on the rise; but is under-researched. They reported an investigation of how tracking practices reconfigure human-dog relationships, changing both humans and dogs. They question the sense-making mechanisms by which both humans and dogs engage in context-based meaningful exchanges via the technology’s mediation. Mancini et al. claim to show how an indexical semiotic perspective, derived from Anthrozoology, can be applied to inform the development of interspecies technology. Finally, they discuss the methodological issues raised by doing research with animals and propose an interspecies semiotics, which integrates animal companions’ and animal researchers’ accounts into ethnographic observation.
On what grounds can the Mancini et al paper be classified as an Applied Approach to HCI research?
First, an Applied Approach to HCI research is a way of addressing the topic of designing human-computer interactions, by applying other discipline knowledge to support that design.
Mancini et al. claim that indexical semiotics can be applied to inform the development of interspecies technology.
Second, the actions of an Applied approach to HCI research are a way of addressing the topic of the applied design of human-computer interactions by applying other discipline knowledge to support that design.
Mancini et al. investigated how tracking practices reconfigure human-dog relations, using an ethnographic approach and in the light of an Anthrozoological perspective.
Third, an Applied approach to HCI research is able to evaluate whether the topic of the applied designing of human-computer interactions has been addressed or not.
Mancini et al. suggest that their account could be evaluated in relation to the semiotic work of animal behavioral researchers and propose an integrative interspecies semiotic approachto studying the relation between humans, animals and technology.
Conclusion: On balance, Mancini et al’s work can be classified as an Applied approach to HCI research. The latter applies an ethnographic approach to the investigations reported and interprets the findings within an Anthrozoological perspective.