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from both types of approaches. This nonetheless raises new problems, particularly in
the way in which both types of information can be superimposed. Little work is
going in this direction and it is this type of approach that we have chosen to
implement and that we describe hereafter.
8.4. Method of sound design: hybrid model for the sonification of a hierarchical
menu
This section presents the model developed for sonification of the hierarchical
menu that mixes two basic approaches, which are metaphorical and symbolical, to
result in an original hybrid approach that could meet the functionalities of the
targeted application. Both instances of the model, which will serve for the rest of the
study, are presented and clarified.
8.4.1.
Proposition of a hybrid model: original mixed approach
The generic model chosen for the application is a mixed model that links the
ability of auditory icons to directly suggest a meaning and the ability of earcons to
codify more abstract data, such as the position in space of the tree. Both of these
notions are thus dedicated to one (or several) identified functions and intervene in a
preponderant way in a specific zone of the tree.
8.4.1.1.
Metaphorical approach
The metaphorical approach (auditory icons) seems the best adapted to signify the
large fundamental families of the structure. It is therefore used to sonify the six
menus of the highest level. A definition of the content of each of these main menus
is carried out in two steps: a semantic analysis, which reveals different notions
associated with each menu; and then, where possible, a transposition in the sound
domain, which attaches a sound metaphor to each of these notions. The selection of
metaphors is also carried out according to their relevance
vis-à-vis
the menu
considered and their degrees of legibility
vis-à-vis
a user-listener who is not
in
theory
an expert. Figure 8.8 illustrates this process schematically.
