Dog Days
The project highlights the unspoken needs of passengers with and without dogs on public transport, thereby promoting harmonious coexistence.
A study project by: Larissa Blam
3rd semester, 2025/2026
Lecturers: Prof. Sebastian Haase, Tanja Hakl, Romina Marsico, Prof. Tsunemitsu Tanaka, Tomas Zebis
Introduction to the topic
Public transport is a shared space. Many different people, with different needs and in different situations, come together in a confined space. Uncertainties frequently arise, particularly when people and dogs interact: not everyone feels comfortable around a dog, and not every dog is equally relaxed in every situation. Often, relevant information – such as whether a dog needs peace and quiet or how it reacts to being close to others – is not apparent to outsiders. This can lead to misunderstandings, awkward situations or avoidable conflicts, even though nobody actually wants to do anything wrong.
The idea
My project involves a discreet, unobtrusive system that makes invisible information visible, thereby encouraging positive interactions. Rather than warning or lecturing, the system communicates quietly in the background and helps people to be more aware of their surroundings. The aim is to make it easier to show consideration, reduce uncertainty and make interactions between people – with the dog as a companion – in public spaces more harmonious.
The solution
The system consists of several coordinated components which together form a discreet orientation system. The central element is an interactive dog collar with integrated light signals and two states: red and green. The light status is actively controlled by the dog owner and indicates whether contacts are currently acceptable or should be avoided. This light signal is displayed in real time on the dog owner’s seat so that it is visible to all passengers.
Green stands for openness and potential interaction, whilst red stands for keeping your distance and staying calm. The system thus translates a social situation into an easily understandable signal that can be grasped at a glance by other passengers. The aim is not to impose rules, but to provide guidance, to facilitate mutual consideration and, at the same time, to enable new, positive encounters.
Implementation
To bring the basic concept of the system to life, I developed a working prototype. Using an Arduino Uno (microcontroller development board), NeoPixel LED rings, a push-button and a breadboard, the logic behind the lighting states was technically implemented. The prototype allows the user to switch between the two states and test their effect in the room. The focus was on clarity, simplicity and a setup that was as realistic as possible.
The project demonstrates how simple, clear signals can reduce uncertainty and promote respectful coexistence in public spaces.
