Audaura
2025 - 10 weeks timespan
Group of 4
The Sonic Library Explorer
Audaura was a multidisciplinary project focused on reimagining the library experience through sound. The challenge was to design for a "shared, multi-use, parasitic space" with a sonic element. Our team conceived and developed a concept for an ambisonic (8D audio) headset system for the Malmö City Library. This device adds a dynamic sonic layer to the library environment, encouraging visitors to explore beyond their usual spots and discover new books and media through immersive, directional soundscapes and shared audiobook moments.
Process
Our human-centered process began with extensive ethnographic fieldwork at the Malmö City Library, including cultural probes, interviews with visitors and staff, and contextual inquiries. We discovered key insights: visitors often stay in their "spot," librarians lack time to give personalized recommendations, and many are unaware of the library's full offerings, including audiobooks.
We synthesized our findings using methods like Kolko's "Insight Combination" and physicalizing data with post-its and whiteboards. This led to our core "How Might We" question: "How might we turn purposeful visits into moments of inspiration that encourage readers to explore beyond their immediate needs?"
The development phase involved iterative prototyping to explore different aspects of the design:
Buxtonian Sketching & Wizard of Oz: We used coded prototypes to simulate the sensuous experience of an 8D soundscape, testing volume levels and sound distinguishability.
Body Storming: We acted out social interactions to understand the nuances of sharing an audiobook with strangers in a semi-public space.
Annotated Photos & Miniature Simulation: We created a scaled-down model of the library to test the design's behavior and user flow, observing how people navigated using sound cues.
This process culminated in a final design with three core functions: a Theme Finder (navigate by section-specific soundscapes), an Eaves Dropper (share and listen to others' audiobooks), and Weekly Recommendations (audio tips from librarians left in specific spots).
Tools Used
3D Print / Lasercutting
TouchDesigner
Adobe Suite & Procreate (Visualisations, Sketches)
iMovie (video editing)
Results
The final outcome was a detailed, well-grounded design concept for the "Audaura" system. We produced a fully realized user flow, a physical prototype for exhibition using a miniature library, and a comprehensive presentation outlining the design's connection to Place-Specific Computing (PSC) and the body. User testing with our prototype confirmed our key assumption: visitors are curious to change their path when they hear a new sound, proving the concept's potential to encourage exploration.
The project demonstrated how game audio design principles can be translated into a public space to create an engaging, exploratory experience that is both social and personal. Audaura offers a visionary model for how libraries can leverage technology to foster discovery and community in the digital age.
Audaura
2025 - 10 weeks timespan
2025 - 10 weeks timespan
Group of 4
Group of 4
The Sonic Library Explorer
Audaura was a multidisciplinary project focused on reimagining the library experience through sound. The challenge was to design for a "shared, multi-use, parasitic space" with a sonic element. Our team conceived and developed a concept for an ambisonic (8D audio) headset system for the Malmö City Library. This device adds a dynamic sonic layer to the library environment, encouraging visitors to explore beyond their usual spots and discover new books and media through immersive, directional soundscapes and shared audiobook moments.
Process
Our human-centered process began with extensive ethnographic fieldwork at the Malmö City Library, including cultural probes, interviews with visitors and staff, and contextual inquiries. We discovered key insights: visitors often stay in their "spot," librarians lack time to give personalized recommendations, and many are unaware of the library's full offerings, including audiobooks.
We synthesized our findings using methods like Kolko's "Insight Combination" and physicalizing data with post-its and whiteboards. This led to our core "How Might We" question: "How might we turn purposeful visits into moments of inspiration that encourage readers to explore beyond their immediate needs?"
The development phase involved iterative prototyping to explore different aspects of the design:
Buxtonian Sketching & Wizard of Oz: We used coded prototypes to simulate the sensuous experience of an 8D soundscape, testing volume levels and sound distinguishability.
Body Storming: We acted out social interactions to understand the nuances of sharing an audiobook with strangers in a semi-public space.
Annotated Photos & Miniature Simulation: We created a scaled-down model of the library to test the design's behavior and user flow, observing how people navigated using sound cues.
This process culminated in a final design with three core functions: a Theme Finder (navigate by section-specific soundscapes), an Eaves Dropper (share and listen to others' audiobooks), and Weekly Recommendations (audio tips from librarians left in specific spots).
Tools Used
3D Print / Lasercutting
TouchDesigner
Adobe Suite & Procreate (Visualisations, Sketches)
iMovie (video editing)
Results
The final outcome was a detailed, well-grounded design concept for the "Audaura" system. We produced a fully realized user flow, a physical prototype for exhibition using a miniature library, and a comprehensive presentation outlining the design's connection to Place-Specific Computing (PSC) and the body. User testing with our prototype confirmed our key assumption: visitors are curious to change their path when they hear a new sound, proving the concept's potential to encourage exploration.
The project demonstrated how game audio design principles can be translated into a public space to create an engaging, exploratory experience that is both social and personal. Audaura offers a visionary model for how libraries can leverage technology to foster discovery and community in the digital age.