Best in Show Virtual Dog

The Challenge

For a class on human-computer interaction, we developed a virtual dog for computer desktops. Like the Tamagotchi keychain pet, you are required to feed and care for your pet, including exercise and punishment.

The Process

We worked off the proven technology of the Tamagotchi, but experimented with extending it via the desktop interface. While the Tamagotchi is a standalone object, and the sole possession of one person, we designed both multiple owners and networked interactions into the solution.

One point of contention was the ability for the owner to "pause" the interaction; to turn off the application to get some rest. We decided to not allow this power, as the goal was simulation of a real pet, which is much more difficult to "turn off".

The Solution

The prototype uses Javascript to randomize a dog's activities, to which the owner must respond appropriately. For instance, if the dog is begging for food, the owner clicks on the dog's food bowl to feed it. If they fail to do so, the dog "kicks the bucket". The care of the dog is the responsibility of the current computer user, regardless of whether they created the pet in the first place.

Also spec'd was the ability for owners to take their dogs to play in an online park, where they could meet and play with other dogs, though this was not explored in the prototype.