Beginning with a detailed presentation of the use of audible signals, in the New York City subway stations and trains, we present an analysis of the information that is communicated by the existing sound design. We show the results of a survey of subway riders regarding their awareness and comprehension of the audible signals in the system. An analysis of the system’s sound and information environment is presented, followed by a proposed sonic re-design to better serve both communication and aesthetic needs. We conclude by proposing that the principles of information design, sound design and music must be considered equally with those of acoustics and psychoacoustics when designing audio information and feedback systems.
Content
Author and article information
Conference
Publication date:
November
1998
Publication date
(Print):
November
1998
Pages: 1-6
Affiliations
[0001]Interactive Telecommunications Program, New York University
New York, USA