Originally Mori’s uncanny valley hypothesis (1970) was related to our emotional reaction on the appearance of a Robot. Over time research has extended the hypothesis into other domains such as motion. During the talk another domain, sonic interface design, is explored. In other words: how does Uncanny Valley sound? Evoking emotional evaluation and cognitive workload, uncanny sounds carry a great potential to express meaning. Therefore uncanny valley sounds can, as a design pattern, be used successfully for interaction design. If so, also opposing design patterns, based on what is to be expected, can be used with success. This is demonstrated with the sound design for Philips Healthcare’s Kittenscanner (Dutch Design Award 2006). With the help of the persuasive sound design children are guided thru their MR/CT scanning procedure. The talk ends with a small insight into the role of audio as feedback and motivating adaptive music to stimulate runners to improve their running skills in the Nano4Sports research project of FHICT, Fontys sports academy, TU/e, KU Leuven (B), the university of Ghent (B) and iMec.
Research coordinator, lecturer and researcher at the Applied Games Research Group of Fontys University of Applied Science in Eindhoven (the Netherlands). His work and research focusses on the cross over between design, perception and technology. Tom was educated as musician, music theorist and composer and worked in the video games, entertainment and advertisement industry and, as interaction designer, for product design and innovation.