Directing untrained users’ attention using simple sound patterns

Abstract

In this work, we show how simple sound patterns can be used to direct a person’s attention towards specific locations, when the sound is emitted from a single, fixed position. In interaction design, this is an effect most often achieved using visual ques, such as animations or flashing lights. Using sound instead is useful in situations where visual ques are undesirable or unfeasible. We designed two experiments with a total of n = 45 respondents. 10 different sound patterns were composed with inspiration from previous studies and used as stimuli. The results showed significant differences (p = 0.05) for directing the gaze upwards and downwards and trends for left-right. The composed sounds require no prior training, or knowledge of cultural references (contrary to e.g. earcons and auditory icons) by the respondents and can thus be regarded as universal in nature.