Why use sound?

"We live in a dynamic, changing environment, and we instinctively notice and attend to sounds and moving objects."

William Horton

Why use sound?

Sound is a powerful communication medium. It has been used from the earliest history in communication to state-of-the-art technology to enhance visual scenes. However, if used indiscriminately, sound can distract users and make the communication less effective. Some uses for sound:

To support visuals.
To attract attention or interest.
To improve perceptions of quality.
To assist in memory.
To preserve continuity.

Some writers, especially those from the world of ink and paper, claim any sound is too much and there is no place in technical communication for using sound. Horton claims, however, that while loud, noisy, purposeless sound does, in fact, annoy users, sound used well, is strongly embraced by them (1996:306).