How can animals use technology - and what can we learn from it?

Join Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas for the next GCoSI Deep Dive at Glasgow Science Centre - exploring animal–computer interaction and what it means for how we design technology.

Event Description

Glasgow has a long history of innovation, and today that same spirit is pushing the boundaries of how we design and interact with technology. This GCoSI Deep Dive explores a different perspective: what happens when we create technology not just for humans, but for animals too?

Focusing on the field of animal–computer interaction, this session explores how animals engage with technology — from building the “dog internet” to parrots video-calling each other and interactive environments for zoo animals. What does this reveal about intelligence, behaviour and how we design?

Join us for an intimate, audience-led conversation with Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, Animal–Computer Interaction researcher at the University of Glasgow. Through her work designing technologies for animals in homes, zoos and research environments, Ilyena will share what it really means to design for animals — and what we can learn when we build technology for users who can’t speak our language.

This isn’t a lecture — it’s a conversation shaped by you.

What to Expect

🎤 Fireside Chat – Ilyena shares her journey into animal–computer interaction and designing technology beyond humans.
💬 Open Conversation – Audience-led conversation into creating technologies for animals, from concept to real-world use.
🍻 Social & Networking – Drinks, informal chat and community connections.

Why Attend?

🤝 Connect with researchers, designers and innovators from across Glasgow.
🐾 Discover how animals interact with technology — and what we can learn from it.
🧠 Gain fresh perspectives on design, behaviour and intelligence beyond humans.
🎨 Explore how technology is being reimagined for new users and environments.
🚀 Be part of the conversation and help shape future GCoSI Deep Dives.

Who is Speaking?

🎤 Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas
Animal Computer Interaction Researcher & Computer Scientist

Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas is an Animal-Computer Interaction researcher at the University of Glasgow and Director of the Animal-Computer Interaction Lab. Her work explores how animals can interact with and control technology, from video-calling systems for dogs to touchscreen interfaces for parrots, giving animals greater agency over their environment and social connections. Her team has designed and deployed technologies for animals in homes and zoos around the world. Her research has attracted international attention through a Netflix feature, a TEDx talk, and wide media coverage, and it raises a powerful question: what changes when we design technology beyond humans?

Important Stuff

📍 Location: Glasgow Science Centre
📅 Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
⏰ Time: 15:30 – 17:00
🎟️ Tickets: Free - very limited spaces available

About the Deep Dive Series

The Deep Dive Series is a new programme from Glasgow City of Science and Innovation and Glasgow Science Centre, designed to bring audiences closer to the human side of innovation.

Sessions are small, informal and audience-led — no stage, no long slide decks, no corporate pitches. Just honest conversation, personal stories and open exploration of the ideas shaping science, technology and culture in our region.