Decibel Design

“Take a look around you. Most of what you see was consciously designed by someone—from the wall color to the door handles. Now think about the sound you’ve experienced today. Chances are, most of it has been accidental, unpleasant, and counterproductive.”

— Julian Treasure, The Sound Agency

The medium of sound has untapped potential in the design of objects and experiences. The contemporary design world is focussed on designing products which are limited to our visual agencies( whether it be form or function ). Everything that surrounds us in our built environments whether objects or experiences lacks acoustic treatment for the most part.

THE PROBLEM

Sound Design has been around for some time now. One of it’s branches is called Product Sound Design. It involves designing the sound an object/action makes, that either elicits an emotion or feeling in the user(Acoustic engineers and designers spend resources to create a signature thud sound, which one can hear while closing the door of an exotic car, that communicates the feeling of luxury) or has a desired function(Microwave Timer).

The scope for brands practicing PSD is very limited as it requires niche expertise and extensive resources. Thus, it is limited to products that are able to afford it, are luxurious or absolutely need it.

THE PREMISE

Decibel Design is a service that provides an extensive database of product sounds and consults with brand and individuals to construct and integrate sounds for their product offerings. It acts like a consultancy for Product Sound Design. Decibel Design aims to expand accessibility and democratize the use of Sound Design.

A digital product with a user journey are illustrated below.

Products are not limited to conventional definitions anymore, we have been evolving products into experiences. We want more from the objects that surround us. Consideration from the ground up has the potential to disrupt the way we use and interact with these products. To learn more about Product Sound Design, refer to my book here.