Roadmap

Choose your data.

Define your project goals.

Brainstorm your design.

Select a sonification method.

Select a sonification tool.

Start making sound.

Edit and customize.

Make it a story.

Get feedback and adjust.

Export, publish, and share.

1

Choose your data.

The data is the source behind your entire sonification project. For inspiration, explore a data archive such as Data Is Plural or Tidy Tuesday (see Data Sources for more). Consider whether your chosen data set would translate well to sound. Is there a particular shape to the data? Is it time-based, cross-sectional, spatial? Take some time to clean and format the data so that it can be easily converted to audio.

2

Define your project goals and brainstorm your design.

What is the goal of your sonification? Who are you trying to reach?

You may be aiming to communicate a specific message, pay homage to a recent event, make a social justice statement, or simply engage.

Useful resource: The Sonification Canvas

Based on your goals, brainstorm how you can best achieve it through sound. Remember, intentionally-designed sonifications can make a great impact!

3

Craft your story and your approach for presenting the information.

Plan the story arc of your sonification piece. How are you introducing the listeners to the sounds that will be used? (Think about training the listener.)

Consider involving narrative elements. It can be helpful to write a script, or sketch the layers of audio that you want to include in your piece.

4

Choose your sonification method and start creating sound.

Which method will you be using for your sonification?

What tools will you be implementing? Will you be using an algorithmic tool? Perhaps you are involving recordings from the natural world, live performance, or recordings of a human voice. Perhaps you are including sonic metaphors through the use of auditory icons.

5

Edit, customize, and add context.

Build out the context and aesthetic of your sonification so that listeners are drawn to it and understand it. Consider some workflows for customization.

Audio editing can be helpful for the customization process. Whether it be recorded narration, audio samples, drum beats, or the use of software instruments, you can make your sonification uniquely achieve its purpose.

6

Get feedback and make adjustments.

Connect with data sonification communities to get feedback on your project. There are several active communities with folks who will happily provide feedback and encouragement!

Data sonification is wonderful in that it is inclusive of many disciplines. Connecting with the community is a great way to get perspectives from individuals with different backgrounds. And getting a fresh ear on your work can be helpful after being immersed in the sounds of your project.

Implement the advice that resonates with you, and forget the rest.

7

Export, publish, and share your sonification.

Once your project is complete, it’s time to share it with the world!

Add your project to your website or portfolio. No website? Some free alternatives are GitHub Pages or Notion.

Audio-only: Upload to SoundCloud or Bandcamp. Audio-visual: Embed with HTML, or upload to YouTube. Live performance: Find an audience, or present at a conference.

Finally, share it with your network and submit it for a feature here – you never know who you might inspire.