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A Human Factors
Approach to Non-Human Computer Interaction
— or —
Why My Parrot Needs a Keyboard of His Own
John Fulton
March 15, 2003
Franklin University
Masters Degree in Computer Science
Capstone Presentation
How did I get started with this
project?
Mithrander,
our five-year-old Congo African
Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
What you have to understand is
that my wife and I have parrots. We also have
kids and dogs and cats, but we have parrots.
Parrots are clever, demanding
pets that need stimulation.
We may only realize how smart
they are because of their ability to communicate,
but because of thisr verbal ability, we know
they can count to 5, identify shapes and colors,
and identify different types of food.
Another measure of their intelligence
is their tendency to become bored and even exhibit
self-destructive behavior if they are not provided
appropriate stimulation.
The
result of plucking behavior in a Scarlet Macaw
©Judith
Archer, used by permission
Consequently, a great deal of
time, effort, and funds are expended on bird
toys.
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