Dogs: The Antidote to Humanity’s Problems

Author: Vernise Genciana

Do dogs understand when their owners are sad? (Image credit: Igor Normann, Shutterstock)

Dogs – a human’s best friend since the dawn of time. They bring us so much joy that even just seeing a dog can elevate your current mood.

There’s an overwhelming amount of scientific support for the benefits of a dog’s presence. Studies show the effect of dogs on both the psychological and physical wellbeing of humans: the release of “feel-good” hormones, a reduction in stress indicators like high blood pressure, and even a decrease in heart disease-related problems.

As a designer, is this relevant? The simple answer is yes!

Dogs are empathetic creatures at their core, believe it or not. People have reported that it often looks like their dog is reflecting and responding to their emotional state. Dogs are pack animals, so it does make sense for them to simply feel more for their pack mates a.k.a their owners.

Us designers are anchored by empathy to ensure that we connect with our target users – if we don’t understand people, how can we design for their needs?

I believe that humans should be more like dogs. Yes, they can be seen as simple animals, but their simplicity is also what makes them stand out. Something as small as a tennis ball can please them for hours – they’re driven by the fun moments.

In a world where there is an immense pressure to be constantly on the move, we should follow dogs. Slow down, enjoy the small fun moments, ands have more empathy for the people around us.