Sound overwhelm occurs in various settings, such as open-plan offices, public transportation, or even at home. Negative consequences often include increased stress, reduced focus, and decreased well-being.
Our analysis revealed that conversations in noisy environments pose a significant challenge, both in personal and professional settings.
Our analysis revealed that conversations in noisy environments pose a significant challenge, both in personal and professional settings.
In these contexts, background noise often disrupts conversations, forcing people to repeat themselves, raise their voices, or abandon interactions altogether. Through observation and interviews, we found that many existing solutions focus primarily on reducing noise rather than supporting the conversation itself. However, communication is not only an acoustic challenge but also a cognitive and social one.
Problem
How can we connect people to each other in noisy environments ?
The challenge of indirect communication and misunderstanding
Concept
We explored how people can communicate effectively in noisy environments without losing awareness of their surroundings. The result: headphones that connect users via Peer-to-Peer technology to create a »Shared Sound Bubble«. Machine Learning and Active Noise Cancelling regulate ambient noise, while an app allows users to control or save their preferred sound settings.
User Journey
Used Technologies
The seamless flow of interaction inside the Shared Sound Bubble
How can a listening experience be designed?
Application
Connect within and save a sound bubble
On the first screen, you will find the key features of the application, such as adjusting the volume both inside and outside the Sound Bubble, as well as the ability to save Sound Bubbles and listening modes.
Configure the listening experience
To save location-specific settings, users can create a »Listening Mode« in the second navigation tab. Sounds are recorded and categorized through machine learning, allowing users to adjust volume levels by category and link them to a specific location.
Save the content of the conversation
This setting allows for automatic connection to the previously created listening mode when in familiar places. Under the »Bubbles« navigation tab, you will find the saved Sound Bubbles displayed.
Smart headphones
Model headphones at Cinema 4D
Model headphones at Cinema 4D
Concept
Headphones
Headphones
Our final smart headphones are equipped with Peer-to-Peer technology, enabling all participants in group conversations to contribute and receive content from other group members. Simultaneously, the integrated selective noise cancellation feature allows users to control ambient sounds through the app, immersing them in a personalized sound zone.
The headphone design combines comfort, intuitive controls, and light feedback to manage group conversations seamlessly.
The headphone design combines comfort, intuitive controls, and light feedback to manage group conversations seamlessly.
Style Guide
Word mark of Noice
Common open office situation
Final Result
Software
Prototyping
Animation
3D
UI Design
Figma
Interactive Prototype
Figma
Video
Adobe Premiere
3D Print, Bubble, Headphones
Cinema 4D
Credits
Team
UI Design, Interaction Design, Animation
Anja Gutmann
3D, Concept
Danlei Fu
Prototyping
Renata Aguirre
Information
Supervising Professors
Institution
Interaction Design
Prof. David Oswald
Hochschule für Gestaltung
Schwäbisch Gmünd