Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!rpi!prisoner From: prisoner@aix01.aix.rpi.edu (Allen S. Firstenberg) Newsgroups: comp.human-factors Subject: Re: Audio feedback from GUI's Keywords: sound windows widgets Message-ID: Date: 13 Jun 91 17:48:14 GMT References: <1991Jun12.171211.2716@cs.umn.edu> <31228@hydra.gatech.EDU> <1991Jun12.202741.16629@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu> <1991Jun12.215523.7379@cs.umn.edu> Lines: 44 Nntp-Posting-Host: aix01srv.aix.rpi.edu brsmith@cs.umn.edu (Brian R. Smith) writes: >That's exactly what I'm hoping to avoid. >Maybe I should rephrase the question. Instead of "Wouldn't it be NEAT >if interface operations made sounds", it should be "What interface >operations would BENEFIT from audio feedback?" I see audio being used best in "invisible" operations, where the user needs to monitor whats going on, but isn't paying full attention to the process. >This is a wide open question. Use your imagination (mine's about >tapped). What other common operations are there and what kind of >sound would suggest that operation to you? I've seen the mail program for Suns let you set an audio file to play when you get mail (you can even set the audio file for specific people). For example, set a "drip" sound for most normal mail, so you have a vague idea how much mail you have waiting for you. Important mail can be set to (say) a recording of the persons voice? >The hardest part here is figuring out WHERE to use WHAT sounds >unintrusively. Above all, I feel that it should add something _usefull_ to the interface. More than just fun, but something that might be noticed better when there is sound attached to the function. Along those lines, we should beware to add toko much sound, otherwise we run the risk of the user ignoring _all_ sounds. >It has the potential to make the interface feel more real. And more confusing. Is realisim what we want? OR better cognition? Can we violate principles of the real world and get people to work better _AND_ enjoy working more? Allen -- UID = 5553, CCID = F8PG, ID = 6 I am just a number prisoner@rpi.edu "refs unpersons" prisoner@acm.rpi.edu --- 1984 prisoner@rpitsmts.bitnet