How Thoughtful Sound Design Can Quiet Our Noisy World

The interview with sound‑experience designer Eddie Gandelman, originally published on Design Observer, explores the dangers of modern noise pollution and how empathetic sound design can foster a more harmonious auditory environment.

Everyday spaces are filled with harsh artificial sounds—barcode scanners, self‑checkout voices, sudden alarms—that trigger stress responses by activating the sympathetic nervous system, raising heart rate and cortisol levels.

Gandelman warns that producing such stressful or even harmful sounds is almost unethical, especially when thousands of devices layer their noises together. In medical settings, alarm fatigue from up to a thousand alerts per shift has contributed to over 500 deaths in five years.

Sound design is often an afterthought in product development, sacrificed for speed, leading to “needle‑like” noises that disrupt attention. Gandelman, a musician‑turned‑designer, believes that fully considering auditory experience can replace chaotic, jarring sounds with pleasant, musical interactions.

In a studio conversation, he discusses how intentional sound design—balancing urgency with subtlety, using natural elements like wood taps and bird calls—can improve brand identity and user well‑being, rather than relying on volume to capture attention.

He cites a medical‑robot project requiring 20‑30 coordinated alerts that convey urgency without causing auditory overload, illustrating the need for thoughtful auditory hierarchies.

Looking ahead, Gandelman envisions quieter, more natural soundscapes where technology blends seamlessly with nature, using recorded organic sounds processed digitally to retain warmth while adding a futuristic edge.