Auditory interface problems and solutions for commercial multimedia products

Abstract

This paper will explore the various aesthetic, technical, and musical issues that sound designers face when creating audio for commercial products. I will draw from my experience at and use materials from Broderbund Software. In the first section, I will discuss issues concerning interface sonification. In the second section, I will briefly illustrate a quick musical solution to a potentially large logistical problem. In the last section, I will show a solution for balancing digital audio and MIDI on a variety of devices, drivers, and operation systems.