Optimizing Aesthetics and Precision in Sonification for Peripheral Process-Monitoring

Hermann T, Hildebrandt T, Langeslag P, Rinderle-Ma S. Optimizing Aesthetics and Precision in Sonification for Peripheral Process-Monitoring. In: Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Auditory Display (ICAD-2015). Graz, Austria: International Community for Auditory Display (ICAD); In Press.We have developed the SoProMon process monitoring system to evaluate how real-time sonifications can increase awareness of process states and to support the detection and resolving of critical process situations. Our initial design conveys analogue information as process-data-driven soundscape that users can blend out in favor of a primary task, however the sonification attracts the user's attention even before things become critical. As result of a first user study we gained and present here insights into usability and acceptance of the sounds. Although effective, the aesthetic qualities were not rated highly. This motivated us to create a new design that sacrifices some functional aspects to emphasize long-term use compatibility. We present and compare the new designs and discuss our experiences in creating pleasant sonifications for this application are