Influences of a key on soundwalk exploration with a textile sonic map

Sonic maps are an increasingly popular form of exploring soundscapes, and are a possible means of communicating the experience of a soundwalk. We describe how a printed key influenced exploration of an interactive textile sonic map. We explain the technology behind the map, employing capacitive sensing and real-time audio processing. The sonic map contained 18 binaural recordings extracted from a soundwalk. Thirty participants explored the map. The strengths and limitations of the interfaces were established, and participants’ modes of exploration were identified. Results show how the use of the key map levelled the location preference. The participants’ experience with the interface suggested possible uses of e-textiles for soundscape awareness promotion and studies, and in the field of interactive audio.