Next for ICAD

[Kramer <kramer@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear fellow researchers:

At ICAD 96, the International Conference on Auditory Display sponsored by
the Santa Fe Institute and Xerox PARC and  held Nov. 4-6 at PARC, we saw a
very positive development: The conference matured in focus and quality and
shifted from its beginning as my personal vision to the reflection of the
broader research community. This change is reflected now in the opportunity
that all of you have to get involved in future conferences and ICAD Web
site development. This email is to let you know briefly about the shift and
how to be involved if you care to.

Firstly, ICAD represents the community of researchers whose work somehow
relates to the presentation of information via non-speech audio. The themes
this year were Auditory Data Representation (sonification), Audio in VR and
Telepresence, and Audio on the Web. Other research areas include audio in
windows environments, computer and instrumentation interfaces for blind
people, audio navigation of data bases, sound design tools, acoustic
ecologies, and general audio design and perception issues. This list, too,
is partial, but should convey the sense of ICAD. It is focused but highly
inter-disciplinary. Clearly the concerns of participants on the AUDITORY
list are important to ICAD.

The new organization of ICAD is simply this: There are two projects, the
conference and Web site. Within "conference" there are ICAD 97 (to be held
at PARC and Chaired by Beth Mynatt) and ICAD 98, to be held somewhere in
Europe. These are under the umbrella of the non-profit group ICAD. The
umbrella has oversight but no hands on role in the projects.

This is a very good time to get involved if this research area interests
you. You can help guide the formation of what are proving to be productive
forums in an increasing valuable field. This is a real service to others as
well as an opportunity to 'plug in'. Possible roles: Steering Committee or
Review Committee member, Web designer or builder (it is our intention to
build a very audio-intensive Web site, indicating possibilities that most
designers have not yet considered), communications (letting others know
about conferences, etc.), connections with industry, special projects, and
so on. Just within "Conferences" there are technical roles, financial
roles, special events, open mike (a real hit at ICAD 96), and all the other
usual stuff.

You can indicate your interest and availability by emailing a note to:

icad-volunteer@santafe.edu

You should also know that you can join the ICAD listserve by emailing
icad-request@santafe.edu and you  can visit the ICAD Web site at
http:/www.santafe.edu/~icad

A personal note: I'm happy that ICAD has turned out to be useful. That the
multi-disciplinary quality and friendly, inquisitive, community tone I
sought have proved robust in a demanding time of change is particularly
satisfying. Moving out of the primary role I've held in the particular
projects is something I had hoped for at ICAD 96. I am thankful to all the
good people I've worked with over the years and to the newcomers who have
made this possible.

Sincerely,

Greg


Gregory Kramer
Clarity/Santa Fe Institute
310 NW Brynwood Lane
Portland, OR 97229
503-292-8550
Fax: 503-292-4982
kramer@listen.com