Switch-Adapted Service Dog System

Will, a wheelchair user with tetraplegia, experienced significant fatigue and difficulty operating the small buttons on his service dog's e-collar remote. Existing commercial solutions either lacked the required functionality or failed to accommodate his accessibility needs. Our objective was to create an adaptive interface that allowed him to independently access all critical remote functions while remaining reliable, portable, and appropriate for daily use.

Research & Ideation

Our team began by conducting user research with Will and Ruff Translating to understand the physical, environmental, and functional challenges associated with operating a service dog remote with tetraplegia. We analyzed current remote use, identified limitations with existing controls, and developed design requirements focused on accessibility, independence, reliability, and reduced physical effort.

We explored multiple adaptation concepts, including:

• Enlarged button interfaces to improve accessibility of the existing remote

• Lever-based mechanisms to reduce required force and improve control

• Mechanical adaptations that could translate larger movements into button activation

• External switch adaptations to allow operation through alternative input methods

Through concept evaluation, we determined that switch adaptation best addressed the user’s needs by allowing independent access to all required remote functions while reducing fatigue and improving ease of use.

Prototyping

To validate the feasibility of the switch adaptation approach, we first modified separate test remotes rather than immediately altering the client’s device. We reverse-engineered the remote functionality, identified the required electrical connections, and developed a prototype system that allowed external switches to control the e-collar functions.

The team iteratively refined the design through:

• Circuit modification and soldering

• Electrical testing and troubleshooting

• Prototype assembly

• 3D printing custom switch housings

• Evaluation of different switch configurations

After successfully demonstrating functionality, we adapted Will’s actual remote and integrated the final switch system.

Improvements Made

Following prototype testing and user feedback, we continued refining the system to improve durability, usability, and real-world application. This included:

• Developing smaller “raindrop” switches for improved portability and community use

• Adding weatherproofing to protect electrical components

• Improving cable management and reducing tangling

• Refining the switch configuration based on user preferences

• Creating a switch adaptation guide to support future client adaptations by Ruff Translating

The final system provided Will with a more accessible way to independently operate his service dog’s e-collar while creating a repeatable adaptation process for future users.

Designed and delivered a switch-adapted remote that:

• Provided access to all three required training functions

• Reduced physical effort required to operate the remote

  supported both home and community use

• Included interchangeable switch options based on environment

• Incorporated weatherproofing and improved cable management

To improve long-term impact, our team also created a detailed switch adaptation guide so Ruff Translating could replicate the process for future clients.