5.4 Interpreting Time through Sound Interactions

The relationship between soundscapes and time is unique in comparison with the other senses. For example, visual feedback provides spatial awareness, but not necessarily distinctions related to time, whereas auditory feedback can provide information about the passage of time. Have you ever noticed that your perception of oncoming traffic changes over time? Think about riding your bicycle on a bike path – when another cyclist rings to let you know they want to pass, you can likely perceive that they are behind you and what side of you they are on. When they pass you hear their tires rolling by, and after they’ve passed the noise of their bike will diminish as they ride away. That kind of sound experience communicates the passing of time, not just that the rider is going faster than you. You may use this information to realign yourself on your bike – first by moving over to let the rider pass, then by staying in place until they pass, and lastly moving back into the path after they have passed. That is a time-related auditory sequence. Other types of auditory time-related information can be categorized according to the information you may perceive. For the most part, sounds that form sequences are related to steps in product use or in related use activities that indicate the passing of time:

Start and Stop sounds like those of an electric motor, an elevator moving from floor to floor, or a pencil sharpener communicate specific moments of product interaction.

Start and stop scenario related to pencil sharpening

Transitional sounds like the opening and closing of doors or a car approaching and passing are experienced as communicating the passage of time, like the car driving away below.

Transitional scenario of a car zooming into the distance

Adding or subtracting sounds like liquid being poured into or out of a container or rocks being added to or removed from a wheelbarrow indicate the time it takes to complete the task.

Noting time passing through sounds of liquid pouring into a glass

Expanding and contracting sounds such as blowing up and deflating a balloon or breathing indicate a rhythmic activity that fills a specific timespan.

Expanding and contracting sounds of blowing up a balloon