A review-based conceptual analysis of auditory signs and their design

Abstract

The research frames of auditory display have traditionally mainly focused on the evaluation of different applications and devices, whereas the theoretical development has had a minor role. In order to reach the goal of functional and intuitive auditory signs, the theoretical basis must be on a robust basis. User interface sound types have been traditionally divided into two exclusionary sound types: earcons and auditory icons. However, when approaching the issues from the viewpoints of for example human communication or semiotics, one can see that the current definitions and practices in auditory display as a scientific discipline are not pragmatic. It is recommended to define auditory signs to include different levels of meaning, as was originally proposed. Following current theoretical concepts leaves the full potential of auditory signs unexposed. In this paper, I introduce important viewpoints and approaches for more practical theoretical approaches for the design of auditory signs in order to develop a theoretical basis for usable syntax.