by David Bester
Any filmmaker or director will agree that sound accounts for at least half of an audience’s experience of a film in theatres. Visual effects may create much of a blockbuster’s memorable qualities, but it is often the deep sound of a spaceship flying in the sky, or the sharp sound of a sword being pulled from its sheath, that elicits those goosebumps. Filmmakers have worked for decades at manipulating the psychology of audio to influence the audience’s emotions; now, with the same science that was used to create sound in films, that has moved into our pockets and changed how we experience technology overall.
The Psychology of Digital Gamification
Gamification uses game elements in common apps to keep users engaged over time. Gamification can be seen across many domains; from learning a language, to tracking daily physical activity to participating in mobile games. The main driving force behind maintaining interest in these apps is not necessarily the visual interface; it is the high-quality sound design that users will associate with being immersed in a movie.
In order to create an immersive auditory experience for their users, many tech companies work with professional composers and Foley artists. They know that even simple alerts give users pleasure when they happen. For example, when you finish a digital task, there is often an orchestral “celebration” produced by that app as part of the reward. Or if when you accumulate coins in a game, you will hear a “metallic chime” created at the same place as the music in a Hollywood movie. The soundscapes are constructed to therefore provide reward systems for users through the creation of dopamine, providing an incentive for users to repeat the behaviour.
Enhancing the Theme in Digital Entertainment
While productivity apps and casual mobile games utilise these audio cues effectively, the broader digital entertainment sector also uses sound to simply complement its visual themes. In modern games of chance, for instance, audio components are crafted to match the aesthetic and add to the fun. Thematic soundtracks and gentle musical shifts work alongside the graphics to create a cohesive atmosphere. The use of high-quality sound is a standard practice across the industry that adds a layer of polish to the overall user experience.
Because a well-rounded aesthetic makes a session more enjoyable, production value is something many players appreciate. When looking to explore the best online pokies Australia, users frequently consult curated digital guides to find platforms that offer a great allaround experience. These directories help identify sites that invest in premium audiovisual quality, allowing you to enjoy a polished, cinematic atmosphere filled with captivating themes.
The Illusion of Escalation
Another fascinating aspect is the technical use of movie sound technology in our everyday applications. A common method borrowed from motion pictures is the use of Shepard tones; the auditory illusion created by combining several tones separated by octaves and continuously raising the pitch. This creates an auditory illusion where the sound continuously increases in frequency, creating an unconscious sense of tension in the mind of the listener as they hear this sound continuously rising. Directors of popular films such as Jaws frequently employ this technique to create suspense for their viewers; similarly, many mobile apps use a technique during loading screens to keep users engaged until the image appears.
The Power of Silence and Ambient Soundscapes
One great way to accomplish this goal is to intentionally use complete silence. For instance, prior to a jump scare in a horror film, there will typically be total silence present just before the scare happens. When something happens as a result of this absence of sound, it creates a feeling of anticipation that makes the surprise feel very powerful.
Digital apps also utilise this concept. For example, the spinning wheel to win a prize or the progress tracker both are initially quiet for a split second before a large, happy noise is produced by the app. Therefore, it has created an anticipation/unexpectation effect which has earned a real significance to the accomplishment.
A lot of productivity-style apps are utilising the background audio environments used in sci-fi movie scenes. When you check a box on a productivity application today, you will hear a soft hum during the time you check the box and you will also hear a soft clicking sound similar to what is typically seen on futuristic devices in films about space travel. These sounds will create a digital reward to you in the same way that crossing a task off a written list using a pen gives you a tactile sense of accomplishment.
Spatial Audio and Digital Wellness
The distinction between gaming and movie-watching will continue to fade as devices evolve. We’re already seeing spatial audio technology being incorporated into casual entertainment; meaning that sound will soon dynamically respond to how we hold and tilt our devices, enabling an entirely three-dimensional audio experience.
Recognising the influence of digital audio cues is critical to maintaining digital physical and mental wellness. While the sound design of an application is there to entertain, it also keeps your full attention on that application. If you recognise a cinematic swell, you can appreciate the artistry behind the app and be aware of how much time you spent on screen.
The next time you use an app that you enjoy, try to close your eyes for a few seconds when you first start. You may find that you are listening to an authentic Hollywood production!
Image Source: Freepik
