Design of home appliance operation sounds based on the metaphorical nature of sound

Abstract

Digitized products allow users to operate intuitively using visual Metaphor on a screen with a GUI, such as images and icons. Multimodal interaction, traditionally focused on visual information, is increasingly incorporating auditory elements like vibration and sound. This shift is driven by the growing prevalence of screenless devices and voice-activated operations. Unlike visual information, auditory information can be received in any direction. Therefore, Sound Interaction will continue to increase in various products used in daily life. However, the monotonous electronic sounds used in numerous products often have similar tones and no meaning. Therefore, users often cannot properly recognize the meaning or status of multiple products when using them, which leads to confusion in determining which function is activated in a product. We adapted the Metaphor technique, commonly used in graphical user interfaces (GUI), for auditory information. By employing a variety of real-world sounds in our design, we aim to provide intuitive auditory cues that enhance user interaction with home appliances. The purpose of this research is to see how the concept of “Sound Metaphoricity” can be utilized in the design of sound for home appliance operation with respect to human-object interaction. After selecting home appliances and organizing the main functions of the current products, abstract images associated with the product function names and outlines were extracted, and sensitivity evaluation experiments using sound and analysis were conducted. As a result, we were able to clarify the factorial characteristics of the sound that acts as a Metaphor in the design of operation sound.

Keywords: Sound Design, User Experience, Interaction design, Metaphor

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005128