What is UX-Sound?

UX-Sound

UX-Sound design follows the user’s perception, action and reaction. The intention is to improve the usability and joy of use of physical and digital products through a meaningful sound application.

What is the different between UX and UI sound?
UX sound = general sound principles for the user experience
UI sound = sound design for user interface elements

»UX-Sound« consists of basic purpose and behavioural principles (why, when, where a sound element should be used) and UI sound elements for specific functions (what).

Synonyms of UX sound

If you search for information on UX-sound, you will often find synonyms like audio user experience (UX), interaction sound or sonic UX.

UX sound examples

Micro feedbacks are subtle feedback sounds that confirm the success of an action or support an interaction multimodally.

Micro notification sounds provide information about the type or the status change.


UI alert sounds and warning tones report the occurrence of a critical state and require the user to intervene immediately.

Basic functions and UI sound types

All UI sounds are informing (state, identity and other) in respective levels of escalation.

They can be perceived implicit (indicator, touch feedback) or explicit (ringtone).

The UI sounds can be played active (interaction), as a reaction to a users action or passive (notification, system communicates a information).

The design elements can be (musical) tones, sound effects or verbal cues and prompts (voices).

Find more UX sound case studies here.