Product sound evaluation

Abstract

This study focuses on product sound evaluation as a part of the product sound design process. Within the scope of a small study it will seek to clarify which physical characteristics would be desirable to find within the spectrum of the sound of a hairdryer for household use. Three hairdryer models for domestic use of medium high end segment were chosen for the project. The main selection criterion for the three models was that they had the same retail price. The maximum price difference between models was 2. The study focuses on two fronts: a sensory evaluation was conducted to find out how the public respond to the sound of these hairdryers and a psychoacoustic analysis of the spectrum of the sound was carried out in order to analyze its parameters. Both, the sensory evaluation and the psychoacoustic analysis of the sound are described in more detail in their respective sections. Formerly recordings of the hairdryers were performed in a semi-anechoic chamber to be used in both phases of the project.