SOUND QUALITY

Arguably the most familiar example of the correlation between a product’s sound and the perception of the product’s quality is the sound of a car door closing. A good solid "thud" solidifies the impression of a high quality vehicle.

At RH Lyon Corp, we encourage our clients to consider the quality of the sound in question and not just its loudness. Through statistically designed jury studies, we measure the perception of the product based on its sound. We correlate that perception to those components of the product that contribute to its sound. Then we offer concrete methods to modify the sound, moving it into the realm of greater acceptability.

Properly executed jury studies contain many components. Foremost is a definition of what is to be achieved. The statistical design of the study evolves from this goal. Once the number and type of stimuli are determined, the acoustical work begins. The stimuli must be accurately recorded, individual sound sources must be identified and separated, followed by a remixing process. Often a set of virtual appliances is created. Jury forms, instructions, and a proper testing environment are chosen. Jurors are recruited and the actual jury session administered. The resulting data is processed and analyzed. Most important, recommendations for implementing the sound quality results are provided. RH Lyon Corp performs all these tasks, assuring a professional study from inception to completion.

Project Examples
Vacuum Cleaners
Vacuum cleaner users often claim that the best cleaner would be silent. However, when their preferences are evaluated this claim is contradicted. Users seem to equate some part of a vacuum cleaner's sound with power - that part they want. Some other components of the sound are unacceptable. Our jury studies of users have revealed just how vacuum cleaner sounds and component parts should be modified for optimum preference.

Electric Vehicles
Consumers believe that electric vehicles are inherently quiet. Yet they complain of irritating high-pitched tones that detract from the quality of the driving experience. Some tonal content is acceptable but how much? What engine modifications are required to achieve the acceptable mix? These questions can only be answered through carefully designed, statistically accurate studies.

Traditional Washing Machines
The sound of a washing machine can be divided up into component parts for each phase of operation. The motor, the agitator, water fill, water slosh, etc. are all distinctive sounds that combine to give the total sound signature. Some of these sounds add to the perceived quality of the washer, while some detract. Our studies indicate that the right mix of sounds adds value and improves user acceptability.

Front Loading Washing Machines
Many of us in the United States were raised with top loading washing machines, but as reduced water consumption became a priority, front loading machines were developed for residential use. These machines have distinctly different sounds than their (more familiar) top loading counterparts. Jury studies determined which modifications would assure greater acceptability from a public unfamiliar with the sounds produced by these newer washers.

Chinese Washing Machines
A new washing machine was being introduced into the Chinese market to compete with existing washing machines with names such as "Happy Wife" and "Little Duckling." By performing a jury study in Shanghai with respondents who were Chinese women, RH Lyon Corp was able to quantify the reception that the new machine would receive based on its sound.

Electronic Gas Stove Ignition
Sound is often used to convey information. This is true of the electronic ignition which ignites gas stoves. A clicking sound is introduced so the user knows that the stove is in the process of lighting the burner, rather than filling up the house with gas. But how much clicking and with what volume and repetition rate should the clicking occur? The jury study we conducted determined consumer preferences for these parameters.

Combination Ovens, Convection/Microwave
Most consumers have adapted to the sound of microwave ovens. Fewer are comfortable with convection ovens. But how will the public accept the resulting sound when these technologies are combined? By studying a prototype oven, we established design guidelines for consumer acceptance before the product was marketed.

Related Technical Briefs (Acrobat PDF)

Related Articles

Product Sound Quality - from Perception to Design
Sound and Vibration Magazine  / March 2003 issue

An Introduction to Sound Quality
Sound and Vibration Magazine  / March 2003 issue

Use of Consumer Listening Panels to Enhance Sound Quality
Appliance Engineer  / May 2001 issue

Decibel by Decibel, Reducing the Din to a Very Dull Roar
by Richard Wolkomir. Smithsonian Magazine / February 1996 issue  

Related Books

Designing for Product Sound Quality, by R. H. Lyon

Related Newsletter

RH Lyon Corp Newsletter: Spring 2003