Sonification for communication

Title: Sonification for communication

Abstract:
Sonification could be described as the auditory equivalent to visualization, i.e., mapping of data characteristics to sound parameters, and has been shown to be a powerful conveyor of information. We see sonification as a means of communication, using parameter mapped sonification to complement visualization or interaction design. The use of musical parameters in sonification together with interaction can facilitate understanding of represented data, provide additional information, and create an immersive experience. During our presentation we will present a few different studies we have done, and tie these to the concept of musical sonification, i.e., sonification based on a music-theoretical and aesthetic approach.

Bios:
Niklas Rönnberg is Associate Professor in Sound Technology at the Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Sweden. His background is in Media and Communication Studies, and his bachelor thesis explored composers' working methods and views on film music, and his master thesis explored music as a form of communication and a bringer of emotional expression. His main research interest is in sonification and auditory display in connection with information visualization and user interaction. His work has, among other things, explored sonification support for visual perception, sonification of density levels in different visualization techniques, as well as techniques to provide peripheral information in Air Traffic Control.

Elias Elmquist is a PhD student in sonification at the Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, Sweden. He studied the Media Technology programme in Norrköping, which resulted in a Master thesis where a sonification was created to convey information about the planets in the solar system. His main research interest is exploring the use of sonification to complement and support visualization, especially so towards immersive environments using spatial audio. His current research investigates how sonification can be used in assisting Air Traffic Controllers in a remote virtual tower environment.

The seminar will be given online via Zoom. Contact the organizer  to ask for the link.