Equine Eyes: Bridging Human and Horse Perspectives Through Immersive Design
Alan Hook, a researcher and designer from Ulster University, has developed 'Equine Eyes,' an extraordinary horse-shaped headset designed to offer humans an approximate visual experience of how horses perceive their surroundings. This unique wearable device is a key component of his extensive research into interspecies design, a field that investigates how objects and environments might be thoughtfully crafted with other animal species in mind. The fundamental question driving this initiative is: what transformative insights emerge when the animals that share our living spaces are also recognized as essential users?
This innovative project began in 2017, with initial prototypes utilizing low-resolution webcams and an Oculus Rift. The journey from pixelated images to the refined sculptural white mask seen today involved significant experimentation, particularly highlighting the importance of the physical design of the headset. Hook discovered that when the equipment visually resembled a horse, participants reported a deeper sense of transformation, indicating that the mask's physical form played a crucial role in enhancing the immersive experience and encouraging users to physically engage with the simulation. Building on this foundation, Hook's Interspecies Design Toolkit, a speculative framework developed through his research at Imagination Lancaster and Ulster University, extends these principles by adapting Microsoft's Inclusive Design Toolkit to consider non-human animals. This toolkit provides guidelines and activity cards for design workshops, prompting participants to observe animal interactions, identify human-centric design barriers, and envision alternative solutions that cater to diverse sensory experiences of different species.
The 'Equine Eyes' project has successfully transitioned from speculative research to public engagement, gaining significant traction in exhibition spaces. In 2024, it was featured at the Superpower Design exhibition in Belgium, where Hook facilitated workshops for participants to test the device. More recently, in July 2026, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York, introduced two 'Equine Eyes' headsets for public use and educational programs, reaching an especially relevant audience of individuals who regularly interact with horses. While acknowledging the inherent limitations of fully simulating an animal's subjective experience, the core purpose of 'Equine Eyes' is to stimulate human empathy and prompt a re-evaluation of how different species navigate and interpret the same environment. This endeavor makes the abstract concept of interspecies perception tangible, while the Interspecies Design Toolkit integrates these considerations directly into the design process, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic approach to design that extends beyond human-centric perspectives.
This groundbreaking work encourages a profound shift in perspective, moving us toward a more inclusive world where the experiences and needs of all living beings are considered in our design and interactions. By stepping into the visual world of another species, we gain not only a deeper understanding of their reality but also a heightened sense of responsibility toward creating environments that respect and accommodate all forms of life. Such innovations inspire us to build a future where human ingenuity is harmoniously aligned with the diverse tapestry of nature, fostering greater empathy, respect, and coexistence.