1. Feedback
Traditionally audio is used as a feedback mechanism when users interact with devices. In the most basic form, it can be an audio feedback when the user pushes a button. This mechanism is used in many everyday devices, such as mobile phones, cars, toys, and gadgets. When a user presses a number key on an iPhone dial pad, the phone will play a sound and show the number being pressed. There is excellent potential for sound in designing for wearables and IoT devices. Many devices have limited or even no screen, and this makes sound the best option to provide feedback for users.2. Notifications and Warnings
It’s difficult to dismiss sound when you hear it. Sound takes users out of their context and demands immediate attention. This property can be used when designing interfaces. [pullquote]Sound is used to help walk users through critical situations[/pullquote] Outside of the digital world, a very good example would be the “ding” of microwaves that announces when the food is ready. In the digital world, we often hear “ding” when receiving a message. Sound is used to help walk users through critical situations or even to avoid such situations altogether. It can be a good assistant when a user takes action. For example, a sound of a parking-assist feature can tell a driver that they are getting too close to an obstacle. Or it might remind you to change your device when the battery is almost empty. When my phone runs low on battery, it politely reminds me to charge it. Audio notifications are particularly useful when looking at the screen is not possible or not desirable. One typical example is a voice notifications in-car navigation system. They help focus user attention on what’s really important, driving. Speaking of wearables, sound can be used not only as a feedback but also as a notification. For example, a fitness tracker can remind users to perform daily tasks or record their blood pressure. Such notifications are subtle audio reminders that can be essential in helping people achieve their fitness goals.3. Branding
Audio can also be used for branding purposes, you can apply a unique sound and music to convey a brand’s essence. Companies like Apple and Microsoft have their own branding sound that helps us identify the brand just by listening to them.4. Personalization
[pullquote]Audio can…build an emotional connection with a product[/pullquote] Audio can also create a more personalized product for users, helping them to build an emotional connection with a product. One good example is Apple’s Siri — the system learns its user’s name and uses it in its replies, adding a personal connection to the interaction. Audio gives user a more human touch to the experience.5. Accessible Interfaces
Accessible design is good design. Audio is a powerful tool for designing experiences for accessibility. In following cases designing with audio becomes a necessity, not just an afterthought: If elderly people represent a majority of your users. Audio feedback provides a vital form of confirmation for people who are used to hardware keyboards or not familiar with touchscreen technology; Audio is especially important for people who have poor eyesight and better perceive information at the hearing. At the same time, audio should not be used as a sole identifier of instruction or action. Design teams should be familiar with WCAG2 guidelines and remember to consider assistive technology when building.2 Things To Consider When Designing With Audio
Designing with audio brings up two important considerations: when to use sound and what kind of sound to choose?Only Use Sound When it Helps
It’s difficult to advocate designing with audio without first understanding the problems that many users face when encountering sound on the web and in mobile apps. The problem of disruption and annoyance. Our world is already a noisy one, and when your app or website uses unnecessary sound effects it makes things even worse:- Unexpected sound or music is a primary negative outcome most users commonly associate with audio content. An unexpected introduction of sound not only disrupts but it can ruin the experience for users. Just imagine that you’re browsing websites while sitting on a train full of people and the website you visit starts playing loud music from device speakers. Most probably you’ll leave the site immediately.
- Unwanted sound can be intrusive and annoying. If you remember the early 2000s you’re probably familiar with AOL’s email notification “You’ve got mail.” This notification is an excellent example of incredibly annoying audio.
Choose the right type of audio
Not only is it important to find a case (or cases) where sound can enhance the user experience it’s also important to find a proper sound. It’s critical that sound is designed in such a way that the user intuitively knows what it means. One good example can be found in Messages app for iOS. When users send a text message the sound that confirms sending clearly represent the action by suggesting movement away from the user.Nick Babich
Fireart Studio is a design studio passionate about creating beautiful design for startups & leading brands. We pay special attention to nuances all the time to create professional while cool products that will not only meet all expectations, but exceed them.
Read Next
20 Best New Websites, April 2024
Welcome to our sites of the month for April. With some websites, the details make all the difference, while in others,…
Exciting New Tools for Designers, April 2024
Welcome to our April tools collection. There are no practical jokes here, just practical gadgets, services, and apps to…
14 Top UX Tools for Designers in 2024
User Experience (UX) is one of the most important fields of design, so it should come as no surprise that there are a…
By Simon Sterne
What Negative Effects Does a Bad Website Design Have On My Business?
Consumer expectations for a responsive, immersive, and visually appealing website experience have never been higher. In…
10+ Best Resources & Tools for Web Designers (2024 update)
Is searching for the best web design tools to suit your needs akin to having a recurring bad dream? Does each…
By WDD Staff
3 Essential Design Trends, April 2024
Ready to jump into some amazing new design ideas for Spring? Our roundup has everything from UX to color trends…
How to Plan Your First Successful Website
Planning a new website can be exciting and — if you’re anything like me — a little daunting. Whether you’re an…
By Simon Sterne
15 Best New Fonts, March 2024
Welcome to March’s edition of our roundup of the best new fonts for designers. This month’s compilation includes…
By Ben Moss
LimeWire Developer APIs Herald a New Era of AI Integration
Generative AI is a fascinating technology. Far from the design killer some people feared, it is an empowering and…
By WDD Staff
20 Best New Websites, March 2024
Welcome to our pick of sites for March. This month’s collection tends towards the simple and clean, which goes to show…
Exciting New Tools for Designers, March 2024
The fast-paced world of design never stops turning, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for creatives. As…
Web Tech Trends to Watch in 2024 and Beyond
It hardly seems possible given the radical transformations we’ve seen over the last few decades, but the web design…
By Louise North