"Sound used for decoration can amplify an expressive or playful moment. It’s usually used to communicate an emotional state. This type of sound should be used judiciously and reserved for moments with high emotional resonance."

- *DO*: Use decorative sound sparingly, limited to moments that reinforce your product’s themes and unique voice. 
- *CAUTION*: Limit the frequency of decorative sound to reduce user fatigue of the sound.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

"Sound can provide feedback or add decoration to a user experience when applied to strategic moments."

- Sound as feedback
- Sound as decoration
- When not to use sound

Sound use cases

Material Design Documentation

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

Sound as decoration

Building silence into a UI design is just as important as knowing when to apply sound. In many instances, sound isn’t needed and it can actually detract from user focus and comfort. Similar to using negative space in visual design, silence creates a space for other elements to receive focus.  

For example, sound isn’t usually suitable for:  

- UIs that require privacy or discretion
- Users who have requested no interruptions
- Actions that are performed frequently  

In any context, sound should elevate the visual experience rather than detract from it.

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