Outputs (110)

The Apple & Biscuit Show – Episode 17: “Why Hearing Means Feeling: Designing Sound for the Real World” (2025)
Digital Artefact
McGregor, I. (2025). The Apple & Biscuit Show – Episode 17: “Why Hearing Means Feeling: Designing Sound for the Real World”. [Podcast]

This podcast episode features Dr Iain McGregor in conversation with Dr Neil Hillman and Jason Nicholas, discussing the role of perceptual audio in shaping trust, safety, and meaning. Topics include the use of sound in protest, public broadcasting, an... Read More about The Apple & Biscuit Show – Episode 17: “Why Hearing Means Feeling: Designing Sound for the Real World”.

Library of Inspiration: Engaging Young Minds (2025)
Presentation / Conference Contribution
Meharg, D., Cathro, S., Stewart, F., Darzentas, D., Mcgregor, I., & Donald, I. (2025, June). Library of Inspiration: Engaging Young Minds. Presented at Interaction Design and Children (IDC) Conference 2025, Reykjavík, Iceland

This demo showcases the Library of Inspiration, an initiative making STEM learning more accessible, engaging, and inclusive, particularly for underrepresented children. Freely available, take-home technology kits distributed via school libraries, ena... Read More about Library of Inspiration: Engaging Young Minds.

Perceptually Aware Communication in High-Risk Environments: A Conceptual Framework (2025)
Report
McGregor, I. (2025). Perceptually Aware Communication in High-Risk Environments: A Conceptual Framework. Edinburgh Napier University

This paper presents a conceptual framework for perceptually optimised audio communication in high-risk and acoustically challenging environments. Drawing on principles from sound design, auditory ergonomics, and professional communication systems, th... Read More about Perceptually Aware Communication in High-Risk Environments: A Conceptual Framework.

Adaptive Sound Ethics Framework: Consent, Tone, and Respect in Feedback Design (2025)
Report
McGregor, I. (2025). Adaptive Sound Ethics Framework: Consent, Tone, and Respect in Feedback Design. Geneva, Switzerland (Zenodo is hosted by CERN): Edinburgh Napier University

This technical report outlines an ethical framework for adaptive sound feedback systems grounded in behavioural consent, emotional tone sensitivity, and user autonomy. It introduces novel concepts including passive consent loops, quiet mode, tone mis... Read More about Adaptive Sound Ethics Framework: Consent, Tone, and Respect in Feedback Design.

The Auditory Contract: Designing Trustworthy Sound in IoT (2025)
Report
McGregor, I. (2025). The Auditory Contract: Designing Trustworthy Sound in IoT

This technical report introduces the concept of the auditory contract, the unspoken agreement between users and smart devices to interpret sound as meaningful and trustworthy. It proposes ten practical guidelines for designing sound in the Internet o... Read More about The Auditory Contract: Designing Trustworthy Sound in IoT.

Stethoscope 2.0: How Everyday Devices Could Help Doctors Listen Differently (2025)
Report
McGregor, I. (2025). Stethoscope 2.0: How Everyday Devices Could Help Doctors Listen Differently

Traditional diagnostic tools like the stethoscope have long helped clinicians detect signs of illness through direct contact and active listening. In an era of ubiquitous sensing, the diagnostic potential of devices already in common use, smartphones... Read More about Stethoscope 2.0: How Everyday Devices Could Help Doctors Listen Differently.

Stabilising Sound: A Perceptual Audio Framework for Balance Support Inspired by Vestibular Stimulation (2025)
Report
McGregor, I. (2025). Stabilising Sound: A Perceptual Audio Framework for Balance Support Inspired by Vestibular Stimulation. Edinburgh Napier University

This note outlines a proposal for a perceptual audio system that may help stabilise balance and reduce fall risk using low-frequency sound cues delivered through everyday listening devices. It is inspired by recent findings showing that 100 Hz audito... Read More about Stabilising Sound: A Perceptual Audio Framework for Balance Support Inspired by Vestibular Stimulation.

Perceptually Adaptive Alarm Systems Using Doppler-Based Pitch Modulation (2025)
Report
McGregor, I. (2025). Perceptually Adaptive Alarm Systems Using Doppler-Based Pitch Modulation. Edinburgh Napier University

This technical note presents a novel alarm system design that uses Doppler-based pitch and amplitude modulation to help people better understand emergency situations through sound alone. By embedding intuitive rising and falling pitch cues into famil... Read More about Perceptually Adaptive Alarm Systems Using Doppler-Based Pitch Modulation.

Sound Dominates, We Just Forgot to Listen (2025)
Other
McGregor, I. (2025). Sound Dominates, We Just Forgot to Listen

This public commentary explores the under-recognised role of sound in perception, memory, protest, and shared space. Challenging the assumption that humans are primarily visual beings, the piece argues that sound is more immediate, socially shared, a... Read More about Sound Dominates, We Just Forgot to Listen.

Perceptual Calibration and Passive Adaptation in Under-Pillow Audio Systems for Sleep and Care Environments (2025)
Report
McGregor, I. (2025). Perceptual Calibration and Passive Adaptation in Under-Pillow Audio Systems for Sleep and Care Environments

This technical report outlines a perceptually grounded calibration model for under-pillow and near-field audio systems. The approach enables real-time tuning based on how sound is actually perceived through materials like foam and fabric. It supports... Read More about Perceptual Calibration and Passive Adaptation in Under-Pillow Audio Systems for Sleep and Care Environments.