The podcast delves into the future of car sounds as electric vehicles become more common, discussing the creation of artificial tones to replace combustion engine noises. It explores the design process for electric vehicle sounds, including nature-inspired solutions and intuitive design choices. The podcast also touches on the intersection of form and function in design, the challenges and solutions for sound in self-driving cars, and the importance of lowering carbon emissions in the industry.
Audio UX specializes in sound design for electric vehicles, using different animal calls to signify various functions and creating an unobtrusive AVAS sound that harmonizes with nature.
As self-driving cars become more prevalent, sound designers face new challenges and opportunities in providing feedback to passengers, creating entertainment hubs, mimicking natural environments, and considering the impact of noise pollution and silence.
Deep dives
Designing sounds for electric vehicles
As electric vehicles become more prevalent, the need for distinct and meaningful sounds arises. Audio UX, an audio branding agency, specializes in sound design for electric vehicles. They create sounds that reflect the brand's mission and preserve the natural world. By applying the concept of soundscape ecology, they use different animal calls to signify various functions. For instance, they blend recordings of running water, waves, and wind to create an unobtrusive AVAS sound that harmonizes with nature. Other sound designs include using a bird chirp for the lock chirp and a sampled resonant hit of a stump for the turn signal.
The future of self-driving cars and sound design
As self-driving cars become more prevalent, sound designers face new challenges and opportunities. One challenge is providing feedback to passengers, compensating for the lack of traditional auditory cues during rides. Sound cues can indicate approaching destinations, cruising speed, or cornering. Cars could also become entertainment hubs, offering movies, video games, and other activities during travel. Additionally, interior sounds could mimic natural environments, immersing passengers in their surroundings. However, designers must also consider noise pollution and the importance of silence in certain situations.
The impact of sound design on the future of cars
Sound design plays a crucial role in shaping the future of cars. It helps communicate when drivers are in control versus when vehicles are in autonomous mode, fostering trust and comfort. Designers aim to create sonically paired-back experiences that feel important and tactical. Thoughtful sound design contributes to lowering carbon emissions and supporting the adoption of new technologies. By considering the sensory experience of vehicles and the impact of their sounds, designers can make a significant impact on the industry and the world.
The sound of a roaring combustion engine is a fixture of modern life. But as electric vehicles become more and more common, these mechanical sounds will gradually be replaced with artificial tones that have been designed from scratch. And once self-driving cars start to take over, there will be an even bigger need for creative and intuitive sound design. In this episode, we explore the future of car sounds with Audio UX Co-Founder Dexter Garcia and Creative Consultant/Futurist John LePore.