- Associate a UI element with a specific sound
- Express emotion or personality
- Convey hierarchical structure, by associating interactions with certain sounds
- Provide sensory feedback

Sound design usage

The majority of a digital UI is conveyed in a visual way. Sound can augment how this information is expressed and provide another way to connect with the user. Sound design can communicate information, express emotion, and educate users about interactions.

- Usage

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

"The sounds in a UI should work like a well-coordinated orchestra, both with each other and within the surrounding interface.

Three types of sound occur in a UI: 
- sound design
- music, and 
- voice. 

Each type communicates information and brand identity in different ways. Different types of sound can be used to create a particular effect, and multiple sounds can exist separately or together in the same UI.

While music and voice are part of a product’s soundscape, these guidelines focus on UX sound."

Types of sound

Material Design Documentation

Sound design

Music is primarily used for storytelling and expressing a mood in a UI. When paired with imagery or motion, music can elevate a product’s overarching narrative and feeling.

- Usage

Music

Voice and text-to-speech both use spoken language to communicate information in places where sound design and music cannot.

- Usage

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Related

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