Importance of Sound:
Sound is used in visual media and design to add more life to the element built. The effects of sound gives the user an interactive experience. But, when are where to use what kind of sound matters, as it shouldn’t cause a havoc to the user experiencing it.
In general any subject associated with motion is interfaced with associated sound; for example, a movie or an interactive game without sounds would make no more interesting to the viewer or player.
Sound and Design:
Usually, sound is avoided when it comes to a website, as it is most of the times totally unnecessary, unless there is some video associated with the site. Most of the sounds, if in a website is in the homepage where the header may have some kind of visual running or it may have video testimonials.
Most of the times, the designers don’t prefer to add sound as it may startle the user without a warning. If it is needed it has to be placed only in certain places, which is stated in the upcoming topics of this blog.
Con’s of using Sound:
→ Forcing the sound on to a user is considered rude and if every link or button makes a sound, the users tend to lose patience.
→ Most of the designers fail to realise just how much sound should be used in their design, thereby keeping them in unwanted places and functions.
→ Users sometimes feel that if it doesn’t serve any purpose it is unnecessary as it slows down the site speed.
→ Lot of people while browsing typically choose to listen to music while using the same. At these times, a website which has sounds of it’s own tends to confuse and irritate them.
Pros’s of using Sound:
→ Sounds can sometimes provide clues as to what to do next, and even to specially challenged people while use.
→ Notification sounds serve as a tool of alertness to the user, where visual clues are not possible or available.
→ Usage of sound adds a little extra dimension to the site and enhances web experience.
→ It can even help influence and excite the viewer and drive them to persuade an action.
The right way and place to use Sound:
→ Equipping with auto-play
If your site has sounds played, don’t have it start without the user’s permission. Provide a mute-button, if a user doesn’t like the sound that way they can mute the same.
→ Minimal usage
Using sounds to the site can enhance the overall experience of an user, but make sure these sounds in reversal do not interfere with the usage, in a way even if they are listening to music, they can browse the site in peace.
→ Keep it short
To avoid sounds becoming annoying, is to keep them short. Do not keep a navigation of the site where the music plays for a second-long.
→ Let your elements match
If you are using sounds, make sure the design and sounds match. A site with bold elements like trucks, or cars, or gun and ammunitions should not have flowery/dreamy sound. Also, do not forget to use the right frequencies, too much shrieking or too soft music will again interfere the user experience.
→ Think of the user
Before opting for sounds, think of the user twice. How will they feel and react to the sound in your website.
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