On a Saturday morning, leftover tasks from Friday evening made me sick. I could not feel relaxed until I finished them up. When I felt irritated, the sound of hoo-hoke-kyo came out. It was a song by Uguisu (Japanese Bush Warbler). The clear and resounding voice of the Uguise swept away my irritations and cleared my mind. The singing of the Uguisu (Japanese Bush Warbler) calms me and makes me feel like I am in a peaceful forest. It naturally helps dissipate frustration with a challenging task, acting as therapy.
Sounds Soothing Our Mood
It is not just music and natural sounds that have this effect, though. Sounds in our living environment can also have a soothing effect on our mood. For instance, music can calm us and make us forget our stress or anger.
Notification Melodies
In Japan, communication is not limited to human speech; melodies also convey important information. For example, at JR train stations, subways, and various other railway lines, specific melodies indicate train departures. These melodies effectively inform passengers about train schedules without causing disruption, especially during the busy morning and evening rush hours.
Unlike the US school bell, the school chime has a distinct and calming sound. This chime uses the melody of Westminster Chimes and has been used in elementary and junior high schools across the country for over fifty years. Its soothing sound helps to create a peaceful atmosphere and prepares students to start and end their classes at school.
Sounds Stimulating Our Appetite
Apart from what we see and smell, sounds also play a significant role in communicating how delicious the food is. For instance, the sound of a carbonated drink can create a refreshing feeling even before taking a sip. Another example is the sizzling sound of a steak being cooked. The sizzling sound evokes the juicy juices coming out of a grilled steak.
Since sound plays an essential role in making images vivid, the Japanese language contains many onomatopoeias that symbolize sounds and voices in nature and the state and movement of things through sound.
The Power of Sensory Signals in Enhancing User Experience
A well-designed cue can greatly improve user experience, but sound alone significantly influences our perception. By incorporating various sensory inputs, including visuals and sounds, we can make our interaction with products and services more memorable.