Sound design for the internet of things can transform the acoustic space in any environment. It can be used as much to switch sounds off as add them. Safety can be enhanced by ensuring that pre-existing alarms are clearly audible, and individuals in shared environments can either be more or less acoustically aware of each other, depending upon their preferences. Systems that actively listen out for pre-existing auditory cues can avoid masking or perceptual conflicts, and users with similar social media profiles can provide suitable initial settings. Sound events can be shared across devices with appropriate timing cues to guide listeners where to attend to, and choices updated according to usage patterns. Sounds might be introduced at subtler levels, and then turned up if they go unnoticed, rather than the more traditional approach of needing to be turned down or off entirely. The palette of sounds can also be much broader as new cues can be downloaded automatically rather than stored on the device at the point of manufacture, and designers can monitor each sound’s popularity and usage in order to maximise effectiveness and influence future designs.
Applications from potential part-time students are welcomed.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Interactive Media or similar with a good fundamental knowledge of Sound Design and Programming.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available here
https://www.napier.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/research-degrees/application-process Essential attributes:
• Experience of fundamental Sound Design
• Competent in Programming
• Knowledge of Psychoacoustics
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management
Desirable attributes:
Familiarity with C++ and C#
Edinburgh Napier University is committed to promoting equality and diversity in our staff and student community
https://www.napier.ac.uk/about-us/university-governance/equality-and-diversity-information When applying for this position please quote Project ID SOC0006
References
Ferranti, M. P., & Spitz, R. (2017). Sounding Objects: An Overview Towards Sound Methods and Techniques to Explore Sound Within a Design Process. Georgia Institute of Technology.
Jekosch, U. (2005). Assigning meaning to sounds—semiotics in the context of product-sound design. In Communication acoustics (pp. 193-221). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Kim, G. W., & Yun, M. H. (2017). Understanding the impression of product sounds by integrating quantitative and qualitative findings. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics.
Kistner, J. (2018). The Last Step Remains Analogue…. In Digital Marketplaces Unleashed (pp. 185-192). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Sanchez, G. M. E., Alves, S., & Botteldooren, D. (2018). Urban Sound Planning. Handbook of Research on Perception-Driven Approaches to Urban Assessment and Design, 1.
Scaletti, Carla. "Sonification≠ Music." The Oxford Handbook of Algorithmic Music (2018): 363.
