Precision and non-orthogonality in sonification

[Kramer <kramer@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Ken Fields wrote:

> How about something like a granular display,
>when the query is being processed, status could be monitored by
>grain density, freq and size. Otherwise they watch a spinning globe
>or something that doesn't give much feedback on the status of their
>search.

Ken, you might want to check out Stuart Smith et al's 1994 ICAD paper on
using granular synthesis for sonification. The perceptual testing they did
indicated a lot of interaction between parameters. However, if you're
looking for broad navigation aids rather than precise indicators, this may
not be too disruptive.

I think this tradeoff between precision of representation and
non-orthogonality of auditory variables is going to be an important issue
for all of us. It is also an issue that points up the distinctions and
inter-relationships between psychometrics and task-oriented design.

Greg


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