This week, our lecture explored the role of sound in UX, focusing on how it supports user interactions through feedback, guidance, and attention cues. We looked at real-world examples to understand its practical use and how sound has evolved to become more subtle and intentional. The session highlighted its importance in creating more engaging, responsive, and accessible user experiences.
We began by exploring real-world scenarios where sound is used within everyday experiences, such as aeroplane cabins, traffic crossings, and branding like McDonald’s. These examples helped highlight how sound can guide behaviour, improve safety, and create strong brand recognition. For instance, the iconic McDonald’s “ba da ba ba ba” jingle acts as a sonic logo, instantly linking users to the brand through memory and repetition.
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The Top 10 Brand Sounds Of All Time – The Sounds That Shaped Your Childhood
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Sound adds an important sensory layer to the user experience, helping to communicate feedback, guide user behaviour, and reinforce brand identity. It allows users to understand actions and system responses more clearly, often without needing to rely solely on visual cues. When used effectively, sound can draw attention to key moments, create a more immersive experience, and support accessibility. This makes interactions feel more intuitive, responsive, and engaging within a digital environment.
To conclude the class, Kyle recommended a conference talk by Henry Daw from the TNW Conference. The talk focused on the role of sound within UX design, offering deeper insight into how audio can be used intentionally to enhance user experience. It provided a valuable industry perspective, reinforcing the importance of considering sound as a key element in interaction design.
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Henry Daw on The Small Sounds That Make A Big Difference | TNW Conference 2017
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This week’s lecture focused on the role of sound within UX design, exploring how audio enhances interactions through feedback, guidance, and attention. We examined real-world examples such as transport systems, public environments, and branding to understand both the benefits and limitations of sound. The session highlighted how sound has evolved to become more subtle and intentional, while also reinforcing its importance in creating accessible, engaging, and intuitive user experiences. Overall, it encouraged a more considered approach to using sound as part of the design process.
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