The poop facts

For years in a row dog poop is, in the perception of Dutch citizens, a steady number one in the list of causes of deterioration of the living community[1]. In the Netherlands, laws against  poop annoyance are exclusively made and executed by municipalities. A growing number of municipalities oblige dog owners to clean up their dog’s feces[2]. In the battle against dog poop, the main weapon used by local governments is repression[3]. The risk of a fine up to 90 euro is the single (adversative) stimulus that should motivate dog owners to comply to the desired behavior. Still, the motivation of dog owners to clean their dog’s feces is very low. We want to investigate how dog owner behavior can be changed in a desired direction by applying science and, more specific, User Interface Design. Based on theory on cognitive science we will design an interactive device that will change cleaning up dog feces into a fun and rewarding experience.

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[1] source: De Beer, 2004

[2] source: Handreiking Bestuurlijke Boete Overlast, VNG (Association of Dutch Municipalities)

[3] source: Hondenpoepoverlast is mensenwerk, Gemeente Olst-Wijhe, maart 2009.