Introduction
In an era where technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday life, parents seek innovative solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of their infants. One such solution is the baby monitor, a tool designed to offer real-time audio monitoring of a baby's activities and vitals remotely. This case study documents our process creating an audio suite for Masimo’s Stork baby monitor devices and app.
For more than 30 years, Masimo has been dedicated to developing technologies and solutions that improve patient outcomes, reduce the cost of care, and improve lives – both in the hospital and beyond its walls. Masimo measurements, devices, sensors, and automation and connectivity solutions are trusted by doctors and hospitals around the world to help them provide the best care for their patients.
In this case study we delve into some of the challenges we faced throughout this project and explain how we took them on. The devices include a camera and home hub which are linked to the app, all of which need bespoke notifications, alarms, tones and audio modifiers to clearly and accurately convey information to the user.
"We aim to stay true to the identity of the brand and create audio assets that can be used ubiquitously for any and all kinds of media to support and enhance the brand’s communication and its identity on the market."
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Max Juras, Head of Music & Partner
Client
"We aim to stay true to the identity of the brand and create audio assets that can be used ubiquitously for any and all kinds of media to support and enhance the brand’s communication and its identity on the market."
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Max Juras, Head of Music & Partner
Challenges
A number of challenges were presented to us during the course of this project:
Creating a homogenous audio suite for the Stork devices and their companion app which is not only audibly pleasing but also effective at communicating the messages and parameters that are derived from Stork’s monitoring of a child’s vitals. These sounds also have to penetrate the broad spectrum of noise pollution common to a typical home environment (tv, open window noise, home appliances).
Optimising and testing the sounds for three different speaker configurations with discreet frequency and loudness profiles. The camera, hub and app sounds need to maintain a shared sonic aesthetic and sound homogenous despite the different limitations of their respective hardware.
Designing an intuitive audio landscape that allows parents to easily navigate the devices and app maintaining continuity throughout the app and devices whether user interface sounds, alarms or notifications.
Aligning the alarms, notifications and modifiers with a global audio standard known as IEC 60601-1-8 developed by Professor Judy Reed Edworthy in her paper “The Recognizability and Localizability of Auditory Alarms: Setting Global Medical Device Standards” among others. The aim of adhering to this standard is to develop more effective and meaningful auditory alarms for a global medical device safety standard which would alleviate ‘alarm fatigue’ and improve the overall experience relating to sounds for medical devices.
Adhering to the afore-mentioned standards comes with a specific challenge related to the sonic space we were confined to when creating the alarms. Our process was limited by these constraints to a relatively unique set of parameters regarding length and timings as can be read about further in Judy’s writings.
Process
Our team collaborated with Masimo to translate their science in a creative way into functional audio for Stork. Brainstorming with them we formulated a robust plan that targets all key areas of their audio needs. After an initial back and forth of ideas and producing a treatment of our preliminary plan we begin iterating on sonic ideas to send to the client for review. This initial process is extra valuable to us with regards to allowing us to learn and growing our skills through interacting with the different needs and demands of our client’s projects. We view every project and new client as a new challenge for us to adapt and we thrive when invited into different approaches and ways of working.
We utilised a number of soft, warm timbres such as marimba and pianos to reflect the delicate nature of the application while still retaining a recognisable and suitably alerting sound. In order for the home-user to gain familiarity with the devices and the highest factor of recognisability of the sound source, all alarms would be playing the Masimo brand notes; with different pace and sounds pertaining to the different categories, to differentiate them from each other.
We iterated from more melodic and tuneful alarms and notifications to more static, traditional ones and landed somewhere in-between, retaining a warm and comforting timbre while adhering to IEC 60601-1-8 standards with regards to timings and frequencies. Again more specifics about the standards can be read about more in Judy’s work.
Challenges
Creating a homogenous audio suite for the Stork devices and their companion app which is not only audibly pleasing but also effective at communicating the messages and parameters that are derived from Stork’s monitoring of a child’s vitals. These sounds also have to penetrate the broad spectrum of noise pollution common to a typical home environment (tv, open window noise, home appliances).
Optimising and testing the sounds for three different speaker configurations with discreet frequency and loudness profiles. The camera, hub and app sounds need to maintain a shared sonic aesthetic and sound homogenous despite the different limitations of their respective hardware.
Designing an intuitive audio landscape that allows parents to easily navigate the devices and app maintaining continuity throughout the app and devices whether user interface sounds, alarms or notifications.
Aligning the alarms, notifications and modifiers with a global audio standard known as IEC 60601-1-8 developed by Professor Judy Reed Edworthy in her paper “The Recognizability and Localizability of Auditory Alarms: Setting Global Medical Device Standards” among others. The aim of adhering to this standard is to develop more effective and meaningful auditory alarms for a global medical device safety standard which would alleviate ‘alarm fatigue’ and improve the overall experience relating to sounds for medical devices.
Adhering to the afore-mentioned standards comes with a specific challenge related to the sonic space we were confined to when creating the alarms. Our process was limited by these constraints to a relatively unique set of parameters regarding length and timings as can be read about further in Judy’s writings.
Process
Our team collaborated with Masimo to translate their science in a creative way into functional audio for Stork. Brainstorming with them we formulated a robust plan that targets all key areas of their audio needs. After an initial back and forth of ideas and producing a treatment of our preliminary plan we begin iterating on sonic ideas to send to the client for review. This initial process is extra valuable to us with regards to allowing us to learn and growing our skills through interacting with the different needs and demands of our client’s projects. We view every project and new client as a new challenge for us to adapt and we thrive when invited into different approaches and ways of working.
We utilised a number of soft, warm timbres such as marimba and pianos to reflect the delicate nature of the application while still retaining a recognisable and suitably alerting sound. In order for the home-user to gain familiarity with the devices and the highest factor of recognisability of the sound source, all alarms would be playing the Masimo brand notes; with different pace and sounds pertaining to the different categories, to differentiate them from each other.
We iterated from more melodic and tuneful alarms and notifications to more static, traditional ones and landed somewhere in-between, retaining a warm and comforting timbre while adhering to IEC 60601-1-8 standards with regards to timings and frequencies. Again more specifics about the standards can be read about more in Judy’s work.
"Makewaves tech is part of Makewaves audio. We specialise in conceptualising, developing and meticulously crafting audio and haptics for a diverse range of applications and functionalities that elevate user interaction and experience an
With a team of experienced sound designers, composers and audio technicians, we strive to enhance the user experience across a vast array of devices, tools and media providing reassuring, and engaging auditory feedback."
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Magnus Arwenhed, Creative Lead & Partner
Paradoxically, the more constraints that were applied to us by the standards the more creative we became. When working within a limited framework the result is often more creative and conceptual. In the process of investigating the possibilities of working to the standards we discovered new techniques for manipulating organic recordings digitally to more resemble artificially generated sounds while maintaining the unique timbres bespoke to our recordings.
In between the notifications of the subtle and more urgent alarms the modifier auditory icons needed play in order for the parent to quickly gain an understanding of what the deviation from the optimal levels the modifier alert is related to. We decided the sounds had to be of an abstract character but still close enough, sonically, to what they represent and distinct enough to, illustrate which of the parameters they relate to. So for these we created sonic analogies of the main aspects of the sounds we associate with the heart, breathing, temperature and oxygen levels.
Process
Our team collaborated with Masimo to translate their science in a creative way into functional audio for Stork. Brainstorming with them we formulated a robust plan that targets all key areas of their audio needs. After an initial back and forth of ideas and producing a treatment of our preliminary plan we begin iterating on sonic ideas to send to the client for review. This initial process is extra valuable to us with regards to allowing us to learn and growing our skills through interacting with the different needs and demands of our client’s projects. We view every project and new client as a new challenge for us to adapt and we thrive when invited into different approaches and ways of working.
We utilised a number of soft, warm timbres such as marimba and pianos to reflect the delicate nature of the application while still retaining a recognisable and suitably alerting sound. In order for the home-user to gain familiarity with the devices and the highest factor of recognisability of the sound source, all alarms would be playing the Masimo brand notes; with different pace and sounds pertaining to the different categories, to differentiate them from each other.
We iterated from more melodic and tuneful alarms and notifications to more static, traditional ones and landed somewhere in-between, retaining a warm and comforting timbre while adhering to IEC 60601-1-8 standards with regards to timings and frequencies. Again more specifics about the standards can be read about more in Judy’s work.
Paradoxically, the more constraints that were applied to us by the standards the more creative we became. When working within a limited framework the result is often more creative and conceptual. In the process of investigating the possibilities of working to the standards we discovered new techniques for manipulating organic recordings digitally to more resemble artificially generated sounds while maintaining the unique timbres bespoke to our recordings.
In between the notifications of the subtle and more urgent alarms the modifier auditory icons needed play in order for the parent to quickly gain an understanding of what the deviation from the optimal levels the modifier alert is related to. We decided the sounds had to be be of an abstract character but still close enough, sonically, to what they represent and distinct enough to, illustrate which of the parameters they relate to. So for these we created sonic analogies of the main aspects of the sounds we associate with the heart, breathing, temperature and oxygen levels.
For the power on sound we took the starting point of Masimo’s audio ident (also created by us). We opted for classic instruments including strings and piano to mirror the clean, sophisticated branding of Masimo in other aspects of their media. The sound is a positive, uplifting and affirmative sound to signify the safety and security of the Masimo brand and its devices.
The UI sounds we created are very subtle, organic, wooden knocking sounds designed to provide reassuring, warm feedback to button presses within the app while being unobtrusive. Paired with a haptic response these sounds aid the user in easily intelligible, intuitive usage of the app.
Once these sounds were approved by the client on an aesthetic level we tested them thoroughly through the Stork devices and through various mobile apps to ensure their quality and performance. This was undertaken in various home scenarios in which we took readings which dictated the mastering process and we adjusted the sounds accordingly.
The final step is of significant importance in the process: all sounds in the suite where mastered in our post-production studio, in which we make sure that each sound receives the highest possible fidelity treatment in accordance with industry loudness standards as well as best possible frequency response for the optimal sonic performance and loudness of the devices.
“What sets Makewaves tech apart is their innovative approach to audio. They leveraged advanced technologies and research driven principles to create sounds that not only met our expectations but exceeded them. The result was a collection of sounds that not only captured the essence of Trek Bicycle but also had the power to excite and delight our customers. Makewaves tech's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in audio is evident in every aspect of their work.”
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Bob Najduk, Director of Hardware, Trek Bicycle
"Working with Makewaves tech has been a revelation. As a Bio-inspired consultant, I've seen the power of sound, but the team at Makewaves tech takes it to new heights. They are a passionate collective redefining bespoke audio. Their adventurous approach turns each project into a journey of creative exploration. In a world where audio hold so much weight, Makewaves tech are a beacon of excellence."
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Prof. Franco Lodato
“What sets Makewaves tech apart is their innovative approach to audio. They leveraged advanced technologies and research driven principles to create sounds that not only met our expectations but exceeded them. The result was a collection of sounds that not only captured the essence of Trek Bicycle but also had the power to excite and delight our customers. Makewaves tech's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in audio is evident in every aspect of their work.”
-
Bob Najduk, Director of Hardware, Trek Bicycle
"Working with Makewaves tech has been a revelation. As a Bio-inspired consultant, I've seen the power of sound, but the team at Makewaves tech takes it to new heights. They are a passionate collective redefining bespoke audio. Their adventurous approach turns each project into a journey of creative exploration. In a world where audio hold so much weight, Makewaves tech are a beacon of excellence."
-
Prof. Franco Lodato
“What sets Makewaves tech apart is their innovative approach to audio. They leveraged advanced technologies and research driven principles to create sounds that not only met our expectations but exceeded them. The result was a collection of sounds that not only captured the essence of Trek Bicycle but also had the power to excite and delight our customers. Makewaves tech's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in audio is evident in every aspect of their work.”
-
Bob Najduk, Director of Hardware, Trek Bicycle
"Working with Makewaves tech has been a revelation. As a Bio-inspired consultant, I've seen the power of sound, but the team at Makewaves tech takes it to new heights. They are a passionate collective redefining bespoke audio. Their adventurous approach turns each project into a journey of creative exploration. In a world where audio hold so much weight, Makewaves tech are a beacon of excellence."
-
Prof. Franco Lodato
Let´s
work
together!
Conclusion
The challenge of creating suite of sounds for Stork was one of functionality blended with aesthetics as our work often tends to be. Through experimentation, testing and iteration we provided a modern but friendly and audibly legible set of sonic alarms, pointers and UI sounds to accompany and complement not only the functionality of the devices and app but also Masimo’s key brand values and identity.
As always, our grew through the process and gained key insights into how to best represent a brand while adhering to essential standards and also providing our expertise while consulting with the client. We were inspired to rise to the challenge and the resulting audio suite reflects our commitment to the project and the rewarding process we were thrilled to undertake.
Conclusion
The challenge of creating suite of sounds for Stork was one of functionality blended with aesthetics as our work often tends to be.
Through experimentation, testing and iteration we provided a modern but friendly and audibly legible set of sonic alarms, pointers and UI sounds to accompany and complement not only the functionality of the devices and app but also Masimo’s key brand values and identity.
As always, our grew through the process and gained key insights into how to best represent a brand while adhering to essential standards and also providing our expertise while consulting with the client.
We were inspired to rise to the challenge and the resulting audio suite reflects our commitment to the project and the rewarding process we were thrilled to undertake.
Conclusion
The challenge of creating a suite of sounds for Stork was one of functionality blended with aesthetics as our work often tends to be.
Through experimentation, testing and iteration we provided a modern but friendly and audibly legible set of sonic alarms, pointers and UI sounds to accompany and complement not only the functionality of the devices and app but also Masimo’s key brand values and identity.
As always, our knowledge grew throughout the process and gained key insights into how to best represent a brand while adhering to essential standards and also providing our expertise while consulting with the client.
We were inspired to rise to the challenge and the resulting audio suite reflects our commitment to the project and the rewarding process we were thrilled to undertake.
-Thanks for your reading!