User Perceptions of Sound Quality: Implications for the Design and Use of Audio-Based Mobile Applications

ABSTRACT

This study sought to investigate the effect that contextual cues (in particular, device type and content type) have on the perception of sound quality. A sample of 49 participants were tested on different mobile devices sizes (small – iPhone, medium – iPad Mini, and large – iPad) which had identical sound output characteristics within in different usage contexts (generic content vs. musical training app contexts). Results showed that the users’ perception of generic sound types was affected by device type, with iPhones appearing to have better sound quality compared to larger devices. On the other hand, within application contexts, the application type seemed to affect user perceptions more, with the rhythm training application rating poorer on sound quality, picture quality, and likelihood of future use as compared to the pitch training application (although this may be due to the perceived increased difficulty). Together, these findings demonstrate the influence of device and content cues (when actual physical qualities are controlled) on user sound perception. Interestingly, differences in perceived sound quality was not accompanied by an overriding preference for that device as compared to other devices. Instead, considerations such as ease of use seemed to drive considerations for uptake of applications.

Acknowledgements

A subset of preliminary data from this study was presented at 31st International BCS Human-computer interaction conference (HCI 2017), Sunderland, UK, 3-6 July, 2017. The authors also acknowledge funding from the University of Winchester to Professor Uther to conduct this study whilst on sabbatical at the University of Surrey in 2017.

Notes

1. By context, we refer to emergent properties of an object rather than situational context (i.e., changes that occur in the environment whether when an object is used).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maria Uther

Maria Uther is a Professor of Psychology at University of Wolverhampton. Her research interests include auditory perception, mobile technologies, speech technologies and mobile technologies for learning. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of New South Wales, Australia in 1999. Contact her at [email protected].

Adrian P. Banks

Adrian P. Banks is a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Surrey where he investigates the cognitive mechanisms underpinning how people think, such as how people reason and make decisions, uses this knowledge to improve their thinking. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Surrey in 2002. Contact him at [email protected].