Reflecting on qualitative and quantitative data to frame criteria for effective sonification design

Abstract

A subjective stagnation in the field of sonification research has been discussed. However, sonification has spread in simpler forms. We present a data set from Google scholar that provides insights into the state of sonification research. Based on these data, the literature, and a small expert poll, we propose criteria for effective sonification design: the use of easily perceptible sounds, that are mapped naturally, do not contradict the data metaphor, and are appropriate to the task. A quantitative analysis of the data found no correlation between effective sonifications and the number of citations or the year of their publishing.