Why Auditory Display Design?
We need an »Auditory Display« because we humans are used to acoustic communication. We listen and understand through our ears. Hearing is one of the most important communicative receptive channels for humans. So, it makes sense to use the auditory channel in the HMI (human machine interaction).
Auditory Displays can communicate functions to the user via audible cues. Only when this communication functions properly, companies can offer a great product or service to their users. While there are different application areas, there are cases where visual feedback is not enough. In these cases, only auditory channels can convey and receive necessary information, e.g. alarm sounds.
With an Audity Display (UX sounds) it is not only possible to provide users with feedback to their actions, but also give context and help the user understand how to use the devices. In the near future, sound design and acoustic human-machine communication will play an important role.
How to design proper auditory displays?
Good UX sound design is user-centric. It adapts perfectly to its user environment. It has to be easy to understand for the user, the functions of the product must be clear to the user. It improves the user experience. Thus, it’s important to know your user and the user environment: Personas, Empathy Maps, Interviews and User Story Maps can be useful here.
Good auditory display design is not intrusive. Even with warning sounds, good UX sound design adapts to the user environment.
Good auditory display design should never seem unfamiliar or strange in its environment, but should fit the product as well as the brand aesthetic and user environment.
All UI sounds of a robot must adhere to the same design principles. The sounds should also be coordinated with each other.
Technical requirements should be considered during the design process. Sounds need to be mixed to the specific loudspeakers. For example, cobots have different speakers than industrial robot solutions, so the sounds need to be matched to the technical specifications to create the most perfect listening experience.
Conclusion: UI sounds for robots have to be intuitively understood by users. That’s why great UX Sound Design always considers the user first.
Our expertise in the field of Auditory Display includes UX sound design for household appliances, medical devices, robotic solutions or the mobility / automotive industry.
—
Contact person for project inquiries:
Rainer Hirt
+ 49 (0) 75 31 36 38 524
robotic (at) audity.co
