Characterization of Next-generation Car Sounds

Automotive companies are interested in understanding what attributes of naturally occurring, generated, and modified sounds make them more or less desirable to drivers and passengers. In this research, we investigated the perception of proposed next-generation car sounds and other sounds that could occur within a car interior or in other contexts. A pilot study was conducted to determine sound preferences when people are presented with the current sound, a very different sound, and something in between the two. Intentional sounds (e.g., turn indicators) and consequential sounds (e.g., car doors closing) are considered in four different contexts. Because of the focus on next-generation cars, responses from millennials (purchasers of cars over the next 40-50 years) are of particular interest. Compared to previous generations, millennials are more risk prone, adapt faster to new technologies, enjoy more interactive multimedia and prefer personalization and customization. The very different sounds are inspired by music preferences of the millennial generation (e.g. music and film). We also examined the influence of visual information and perceived functionality on those sound preferences. This research may shed light on how to integrate the generational differences of end-users into the design of future car sounds.