Ambient sound should provide atmosphere and not detract the user from performing a task. It can also provide cues, by changing the tone of music to indicate a change in state.


University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ambient sound is a decorative layer of sound that expresses emotion while communicating a product’s personality or brand.

- Placement
- Usage
- Bases
- Example

Ambient sounds

Material Design Documentation

It can be placed anywhere in an experience that warrants a strong sound element, such as:

- A start-up flow, to welcome the listener to the experience
- An accompaniment to a home screen, to express an emotional tone and user’s location in a UI


Ambient sound placement

Ambient sounds can be based on music, environmental sounds, or other sounds that create atmosphere.


Ambient sound bases

Ambient sound may subtly express a product's themes:
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