Probing preferences between six designs of interactive sonifications for recreational sports, health and fitness

This pilot study investigates six interactive sonifications of accelerometer data in the context of outdoor sports activities. The designs investigate different techniques and theories of sonification. Through this study we also trial and develop mobile technologies for interactive sonification, and a ‘technology probe’ methodology for research in outdoor sporting situations. The sonifications were synthesised in realtime on an Apple iPod touch from the onboard accelerometers. The selections between sonifications were automatically recorded on the device during usage in trial sessions. Participants were not given any specific tasks and used it in activities that included walking, jogging, martial arts, yoga and dance moves. The participants were interviewed about the experience to find out how they could imagine using it, their suggestions for improvements, and their preferences for different designs. The general preference for the musical and the sinusoidal sonifications agrees with the data about selections collected by the probe. However the interviews also indicate that two of the most preferred designs are also among the least preferred. The results provide inspiration and guidance for the design of further interactive sonifications for sports, health and fitness activities.