Design dimensions of co-located multi-device audio experiences

TY - JOUR

T1 - Design dimensions of co-located multi-device audio experiences

AU - Geary, David

AU - Francombe, Jon

AU - Hentschel, Kristian

AU - Murphy, Damian Thomas

N1 - © 2022 by the authors.

PY - 2022/7/26

Y1 - 2022/7/26

N2 - The widespread distribution of mobile computing presents new opportunities for the consumption of interactive and immersive media experiences using multiple connected devices. Tools now exist for the creation of these experiences; however, there is still limited understanding of the best design practices and use cases for the technology, especially in the context of audio experiences. In this study, the application space of co-located multi-device audio experiences is explored and documented through a review of the literature and a survey. Using the obtained information, a set of seven design dimensions that can be used to characterise and compare experiences of this type are proposed; these are synchronisation, context, position, relationship, interactivity, organisation, and distribution. A mapping of the current application space is presented where four categories are identified using the design dimensions. Finally, the overlap between co-located multi-device audio and audio augmented reality (AAR) experiences is highlighted and discussed. This work will contribute to the wider discussion about the role of multiple devices in audio experiences, and provide a source of reference for the design of future multi-device audio experiences.

AB - The widespread distribution of mobile computing presents new opportunities for the consumption of interactive and immersive media experiences using multiple connected devices. Tools now exist for the creation of these experiences; however, there is still limited understanding of the best design practices and use cases for the technology, especially in the context of audio experiences. In this study, the application space of co-located multi-device audio experiences is explored and documented through a review of the literature and a survey. Using the obtained information, a set of seven design dimensions that can be used to characterise and compare experiences of this type are proposed; these are synchronisation, context, position, relationship, interactivity, organisation, and distribution. A mapping of the current application space is presented where four categories are identified using the design dimensions. Finally, the overlap between co-located multi-device audio and audio augmented reality (AAR) experiences is highlighted and discussed. This work will contribute to the wider discussion about the role of multiple devices in audio experiences, and provide a source of reference for the design of future multi-device audio experiences.

KW - multi-device

KW - augmented audio reality

KW - design

KW - applications

KW - audio

U2 - 10.3390/app12157512

DO - 10.3390/app12157512

M3 - Special issue

SN - 2076-3417

VL - 12

JO - Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

JF - Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

IS - 15

M1 - 7512

ER -