Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Spring 2022
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Basic principles of sound perception in interaction
The relationship between sound and movement
Sound as an information carrier
The use of sound as feedback in control applications, including haptics
Data representation with sound, including interactive sonification
Use of sound in treatment applications, including applications for people with disabilities
Sound and interaction in everyday life
Sound models for interaction, including models for portable devices
Intended learning outcomes
After passing the course, the student should be able to:
critically read a scientific paper on sound and interaction, and extract useful information from it
identify and describe the major principles for sound in interaction, including communication of information through sound, sound feedback in interaction, and sonification of movements
identify, describe and analyse properties of existing soundscapes and suggest changes for a better and sustainable sound environment
identify, describe and analyse the control aspects of sound based interactive applications
evaluate how sound based interactive applications function
use free state-of-the-art software tools and sensors (based on Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other platforms) for designing new sound-based interactive applications
propose efficient designs for new applications using sound in interaction that are both inclusive and sustainable
justify, document and present design, implementation and evaluation of a new application.
Learning activities
The course includes:
An overview of sound perception including the perception and recognition of sound sources, sound illusions, and experimental methodology (with particular focus on practical issues when experimenting with sound);
An overview of latest technology for the use of sound in interaction, including sound models, data sonification methods, sensor platforms;
Practical activities, which include a soundwalk (Links to an external site.) and three hands-on laboratory sessions where course participants can try and experiment with sound as material and with different methods and technology for sound design;
The realization of a project where each student will work in-depth within a selected area of interest, but following a theme. The theme for 2022 is "The soundscape of the future", that includes future sounds in everyday interactions, future sounds of cities, robots, homes, office environments, industries, devices.
Preparations before course start
Recommended prerequisites
Proficiency in human-computer interaction and programming skills corresponding to first term of master programs Interactive Media Technology (TIMTM) or Computer Science (TCSCM).
Knowledge about human perception, corresponding to course DM2350 (former DT2350), and about multimodal interaction, corresponding to course DT2140 is reccomended but not necessary.
Literature
For each lecture in the course there is a list of compulsory and suggested scientific papers that can be downloaded from the course page. The list of papers is updated every year.
INL1 - Assignments, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
LAB1 - Laboratory Assignments, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F
PRO1 - Project, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
The section below is not retrieved from the course syllabus:
Assignments ( INL1 )
Laboratory Assignments ( LAB1 )
Project ( PRO1 )
Ethical approach
All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Changes of the course before this course offering
We will adopt the changes made for the 2021 version of the course.
As suggested by some students at the end of the 2020 edition of the course, we added two short modules about two software tools that can be used in laboratory sessions and projects. One module about SuperCollider and one about Pure Data. The modules are based on a short video lecture, a PDF file with text instructions and suggestions, and some useful code examples which could be used in the final project.
From the 2022 edition of the course these two modules are compulsory (P/F) since we noticed that studnet have a great benefit by taking them.