A Musical Tension and Release Framework for Sonic Interaction Designers

Minsik Choi*, Josh Andres, Alexander Hunter, Charles Patrick Martin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Sonic interaction designs can be enhanced by considering the music cognitive processes of tension and release. However, existing design models for applying these principles lack accessibility for practitioners, and practical guidelines remain underdeveloped. We propose a practitioner-oriented framework for designing sonic interactions that foregrounds music cognition concepts. Our framework connects music cognition and interaction design by aligning methods for functional harmony with workflow analysis. We articulate a cohesive three-step strategy, extendable for advanced practitioners, and explore opportunities for generative AI to support the design process. Our design framework links theoretical foundations in functional harmony and workflow with practical applications, aiming to accessibly create sonic interactions that effectively communicate with users. This work contributes design guidelines for practitioners, promoting the broader adoption of musical tension and release, and setting the stage for future empirical research.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCHI EA 2025 - Extended Abstracts of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9798400713958
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Apr 2025
Event2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI EA 2025 - Yokohama, Japan
Duration: 26 Apr 20251 May 2025

Publication series

NameConference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings

Conference

Conference2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, CHI EA 2025
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityYokohama
Period26/04/251/05/25

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Musical Tension and Release Framework for Sonic Interaction Designers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this