Sound in New Media and Design Studies

Abstract

Introduction The effect of new media on the computerization of cultural practices has moved to a new level and has become more open, common, and prevailing as we deal with new forms of artistic creation and design processes in supporting higher education. Massive changes have occurred in the way frameworks for new media studies have been constructed, and they have had a significant effect on higher education in which sound studies are taught. In the past, sound has not received much attention in new media research and studies. Instead, the emphasis has been on visual processing and representations. Today, imagining an auditory paradigm that targets new modes of reflection in sound domain activities—activities that result in new forms of interactions in cultural, aesthetic, urban, and media contexts—is easy. Computational tools and new media play an increasing role in this process because they have become ubiquitous in people’s use of computers and new technologies to express thoughts and ideas.1 From an auditory media perspective, digitization of sound has engendered various opportunities in the production and distribution of art and design work. This new form in auditory media has resulted in a growing scholarly interest in interdisciplinary research and studies, just as it brings up further discussions about why sound should be considered a part of design practice and studies. Not just in terms of sound as a design practice, but design practices in general have begun to address demands for products, services, art, and entertainment—designed as part of everyday culture—that has emotive, functional, intriguing, and beautiful qualities.2 Sound as a design and mediating element can manifest the qualities of the design object and open up new ways for us to consider our interactions with it. With increased knowledge and understanding of sound as a design element in design studies, students become better equipped to enrich the usability, attractiveness, and communicative qualities of designed artifacts. 1 Lev Manovich, The Language of the New Media (Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 2001). 2 Bill Moggridge, Designing Interactions (Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 2007).