Table of Contents
Preface ix
Why Sound Design Is Critical to Successful Products ix
The Subjective Nature of Sound xi
Learning How to Listen xii
How This Book Is Organized xiii
Vocabulary xv
How to Contact Us xxxv
Acknowledgments xxxvi
Part I Principles and Patterns of Sound Design
Chapter 1 Opportunities in Sound Design 1
Sound Design and Taste Modulation 1
Wireless Power Through Sound Waves 2
Additive Sound Design 3
Subtractive Sound Design 3
Sonification 4
Sound Design and Calm Technology 8
Soundscapes 9
Generative Audio 10
Localized Sound 11
Sound as Therapy 12
Conclusion 13
Chapter 2 Subtractive Sound Design for Products 15
What Makes a Sound Annoying? 17
Frequency and Sound 18
Measurements of Loudness 20
General Principles for Quiet Products 21
Conclusion 40
Chapter 3 Adding Sound to Interactions 41
A Brief History of Sound Design 41
Types of Notifications 43
When to Add Audio Notifications 45
Guidelines for Adding Sounds to Interactions 47
Conclusion 63
Chapter 4 Removing Sound from Interactions 65
Unwanted Sounds 65
Guidelines for Removing Sound from Interactions 75
Conclusion 78
Chapter 5 Sound and Brand 79
Types of Trademarks 82
General Advice for Sound Trademarks 85
Conclusion 90
Chapter 6 Designing Voice Interfaces 91
Vocal Persona 91
Conclusion 94
Part II The Sound Design Process
Chapter 7 Interviewing 97
Interviewing Stakeholders 97
Determining the Scope of Work 98
Interview Questions 100
Conclusion 103
Chapter 8 Design 105
Elements of Sound 105
Design to Include the Widest Spectrum of Humanity 114
Creating a Design Document 124
Interaction Checklist 132
Conclusion 134
Chapter 9 Prototyping 135
Stock Sounds and Sound Libraries 136
Prototype Delivery Formats 139
Conclusion 146
Chapter 10 Hardware Testing 147
How Speakers Work 147
Quality Speakers 148
Low-Quality Speakers 149
Sound Channels and Playback Types 150
Testing the Target Hardware 153
Testing for Distortion 153
Use the Missing Fundamental 161
Final Tuning 161
Conclusion 168
Chapter 11 User Testing 169
Researching the Domain 170
Testing for Inclusivity 170
Contextual User Testing 172
Segmentation and Applied Ethnography 179
Formats for User Testing 180
Research Your Personas 184
Presenting Your Findings to Stakeholders 186
Conclusion 187
Appendix A Recommended Reading 189
Index 191