Better Tablet Games for Parrots

March 21, 2024 8:09 AM

If animals are going to use touchscreens, how should we design for them? New research from Rébecca Kleinberger’s lab at Northeastern University delves deep into the data on how parrots use touchscreen devices, with the help of a bespoke gaming app.

Kleinberger's research featured previously on Metafilter as her lab explored ways for parrots to video call other parrots.

posted by Hypatia (8 comments total)

Oh man, I know my wife's parrot would love a touchpad game involving sneaking up and biting my toes. But seriously having another bird to talk to is always good for these little (mostly loveable) bastards.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 8:35 AM on March 21 [2 favorites]

They have to be boopable by the noses of the bestest of all dogs yes they are do they want a treat yes they do
posted by GallonOfAlan at 9:18 AM on March 21 [2 favorites]

I have the same question about cities.
posted by criticalyeast at 9:18 AM on March 21

rick
rick
rick

In the longer term, the researchers hope the findings will serve as a starting point in adapting screen technologies for parrots and, eventually, other species. Kleinberger thinks it can bring some academic rigor to the booming “pet tech” market, “with new products promising to improve animal welfare to finally make some money.
posted by pracowity at 9:23 AM on March 21 [3 favorites]

(Actual Louis vs Rick link)
posted by pracowity at 9:46 AM on March 21 [1 favorite]

CAPS LOCK IS HOW I FEEL INSIDE RICK
posted by Windopaene at 11:51 AM on March 21 [3 favorites]

“Some parrots could touch the tablet up to 41 times in a row, resulting in a touch every few milliseconds.”

Could this possibly be true? Their tongues didn't look that fast on the videos...
posted by pjenks at 2:44 AM on March 22 [1 favorite]

Could this technology be repurposed for fish doorbells?
posted by Phanx at 4:52 AM on March 22