Concept
Auditory-first design prioritizes sound as the primary design axis, with all gameplay decisions emerging from auditory perception rather than visual layout.
Core Principles
1. Perceptual Clarity
Each sound must convey a single, unambiguous meaning.
2. Spatial Consistency
Sound positioning must remain predictable to support mental mapping.
3. Hierarchical Audio Layers
Critical gameplay sounds override ambient or decorative audio.
4. Feedback Immediacy
Player actions must result in immediate auditory responses.
5. Learnability
Sound patterns should be internally consistent and teachable over time.
Benefits
Auditory-first design:
- Improves accessibility
- Enables eyes-free interaction
- Enhances immersion through embodied listening
Challenges
Designers must balance richness with cognitive load and avoid auditory clutter.