The key to creating a compelling data sonification is customization! Here are ways to craft an intentional sonification story, and audio editing tools available for doing so.
Okay, so you’ve created a basic sonification using one of the tools or methods referenced earlier in this toolkit. Great! Maybe you feel ready to dust your hands off and call it a done deal. 🏆
But hold on a moment. Ask yourself: “will listeners understand this sonification, just as it is?” This is the opportunity for your inner storyteller to take the stage.
At this point, you are hopefully tickled to creatively integrate context, design, and storytelling elements into your sonification piece. This is where intentional customization comes in, through audio editing. 🎛
These customization options are most applicable to parameter mapping, but the audio editing process applies to audification as well!
Adjust your musical instrument. If you’re working with a MIDI file, try out different software instruments in your audio editor. Pick an instrument that fits the overall feeling and goal of your sonification project.
Record your voice. With narrative elements, you can introduce the listener to the data, why the topic matters, what sounds to expect, and what certain sounds indicate.
Bring in external audio. You could include recordings of people you’ve interviewed, news story segments, snippets of music, or field recordings.
Use sonic metaphors. The use of an auditory icon can be helpful to indicate an event, such as a historical moment, or a notable change in the data.
Consider a time marker. If you’re working with time-series data, consider what sound is communicating the rate of time. This could be a voice subtly mentioning a date, or a tempo track marking time segments.
Add a text description. Sometimes it’s helpful to have a written explanation accompany your sonification. Not only can screen readers access this text, but listeners can reference it as a contextual listening guide as well.
Visit the Tools section to find an array of audio editing tools and free audio resources that you can use to customize your sonification project:
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