A lock sound is skeuomorphic – a real-world representation of a sound.

https://kstatic.googleusercontent.com/files/61e7fe56772b55d54d337502b16bf388b1fd7674aed8f982485fe5ec017dc1c8bc28035f44c52f1c251ce937487a765c55ffc4467c094204b17cfe8d15c3e865

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Sound can be applied to interactions by linking an action, or a state change, to an audio cue. These sounds are called **earcons**, and they can represent information, actions, or events. Their sound can reinforce both the meaning of an interaction and a product’s aesthetic, emotion, and personality.


To suit an earcon to a particular context, it can be designed using either inspiration from real-world situations or invented specifically to express an abstract concept. Familiar sounds that are based on experiences in the real world are referred to as **skeuomorphic**.


- Skeuomorphic sounds
- Abstract sounds


Sound as feedback

Material Design Documentation

Skeuomorphic sounds

An abstract lock sound emphasizes lighthearted tones to communicate a user successfully completing an action.

https://kstatic.googleusercontent.com/files/84c002c6c2babe9356835d0934e8a04f8fff7b93448531b4b135aded6008a10b53954f6829d8301ff3d97a68036ea8ac45df3fd5b5b96a9203e5b7824b02be6b

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