48. Loud Noises Startle and Get Attention

Loud Noises STARTLE And Get Attention

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• Chapter 48
• Using noises can increase interactivity and engagement.
• You can use sounds in design that occur when people perform (or are about to perform) some sort of action.

People Habituate to Stimuli

• If certain sounds (or other stimuli) occur frequently enough, people begin to tune them out.
• *Dropping something heavy (thus making a loud, banging noise) is more startling in a quiet library than in a busy auto repair shop.
• "Your unconscious mind is constantly surveying your environment making sure there is nothing in it that is dangerous. That's why anything new or novel in the environment will get your attention." (Weinschenk 110)
• Using sound is most effective when it's used sparingly.
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Takeaways

• Pick sounds that are appropriate to the action- high attention sounds should be used for things that are more important/urgent
• If using sounds to get attention, consider changing them so they continue to get attention.