In the beginning was the sound. The world around us constantly makes noise. Whether mechanical (e.g. clicks, whirrs and clatters) or digital (e.g. beeps, alarms and notifications), sonic displays play a significant role in the experience of complex environments, from cockpits, transportation systems, and workplaces to the healthcare and the lived environment in general.
Sonic displays are often introduced to augment, accompany or support human activities and consequently they must be designed to contribute to sustainable soundscape, and ultimately to a better quality life. The systemic complexity of our contemporary environments, in which humans and technology must co-exist, calls for the implementation of more inclusive, human-centered, and technology-driven approaches to design sonic experiences. However, design methods and tools to empower non-expert stakeholders in participating in the design process together with expert (sound) designers are still lacking in the field of industrial design.
The gist of the PaDS project is situated in the study of and research into the process of designing sound. To this end, the project engaged communities of professionals active in the fields of sound and design, and stakeholders in the field of healthcare and well-being.
Objectives of the project were 1) to understand how designers and stakeholders collaboratively conceptualise, express and communicate designs in which the sonic dimension acts as main driver of iterative evaluation and implementation processes, and 2) to develop sound-inclusive methodology and co-design knowledge on designing sound for complex environments, such as Intensive Care Units.
Overall, the project’s results establish the role of listening in the design process, and promote a design approach focused on the meaning and understanding of the experience driven by listening, rather than by sound. In this paradigm shift, sound acts both as issue and opportunity for innovative design solutions, in a practice that can be renamed as sound-driven design.
The project has achieved most of its objectives and milestones, with relatively minor deviations.
