ABSTRACT
Auditory displays, alarms, and warnings are ubiquitous in our technologically advanced society. Buzzers in our cars tell us that our seatbelts are not fastened or that our headlights are on, gas pumps beep at us to remind us to pay for our gasoline purchase, and our computers prompt us whenever we make a mistake. Although auditory displays permeate nearly every aspect of our lives, few people, including those individuals responsible for the design and selection of such displays, are aware of or consider the many factors which affect the utility of auditory displays and ultimately affect the usability of the systems in which they are implemented. This chapter will discuss some of the more important factors affecting the design and selection of auditory displays, alarms, and warnings. The purpose is strictly introduction; topics will be introduced, and the importance of these issues within the context of system design will be briefly discussed. The discussion is not intended to represent a comprehensive review of the field or serve as a design guide. For more detailed discussions of these issues, the reader is encouraged to seek out the references cited herein.
The first question that must be answered when contemplating the use of an auditory display is: “Is an auditory display appropriate for this application?” (as opposed to a visual display or perhaps a speech display). The answer to this question can be complex and depends on several factors, including the message content and complexity, environmental conditions, and the expected workload of the message recipient(s). For example, in situations where lighting conditions are poor or unpredictable, or where the operator’s visual channel is already fully occupied, an auditory warning would probably be appropriate (Deatherage 1972). In general, an auditory display should be considered when: the message is
