A lab for sound that doesn't exist yet
AboutThe Sonic Futures Lab is a university research group exploring how sound shapes our relationship with emerging technologies and products — from AI agents and wearables to spatial computing, vehicles, and interfaces we haven't named yet.
Working with designers, users, and industry partners, we build speculative prototypes and run controlled studies to surface new opportunities, challenge assumptions, and understand how people might respond to future sound-driven interfaces and experiences — before they are built.
The lab sits inside the School of Information Technology at Carleton University, and is directed by Dr. KC Collins. Its work feeds directly into the Sonic UX Methods toolkit and into evidence-based consulting practice.
Research themes
ThemesSpeculative sonic design
Using future-facing prototypes and sonic metaphors as boundary objects to think through technologies that don't exist yet.
Sound & artificial intelligence
How voice, tone, and non-speech audio shape trust, agency, and perceived intelligence in AI-driven systems.
Playful & embodied interaction
Game-like sonic micro-experiences that test engagement, learning, and emotional response.
Robotics
How sound will influence our relationships to future robot companions and caregivers.
Accessible & inclusive audio
Multimodal alternatives, cultural sensitivity, and designing for the full range of hearing and listening contexts.
Sound in everyday environments
Repetition, fatigue, bystanders, and the shared acoustic commons of products in real-world settings.
How we work
ApproachOur research loop
- Frame the question — research starts from the question, not the method.
- Speculate and prototype: workshops, sonic sketches, and rapid audio prototypes make abstract futures testable.
- Test with people, using controlled studies and validated instruments.
- Analyse honestly — transparent methods, reported limitations, open materials wherever possible.
- Translate findings into methods, publications, and guidance teams can act on.
What partners get
- Evidence, not opinion — data you can put in front of stakeholders and defend.
- Reduced design risk: test sonic directions before committing to production.
- Access to methods developed and validated in the lab, adapted to your product context.
- Graduate researchers trained in sensory science and UX research.
All studies involving human participants are reviewed and approved by the Carleton University Research Ethics Board.
Projects
In the labPlayful Sonic Interactions
A prompt deck for sound designers, generative pieces that compose themselves inside rules, and games where listening is the mechanic. Explore →
Sonic Future City · in development
A new project starting now. The page is up, the work is not. Watch this space →
Outputs
Prototypes, publications & toolsSpeculative prototypes
Recent & forthcoming
🤝 We welcome collaborations with academic, government and industry partners
Joint studies, sponsored research, student internships, guest talks, or a conversation about whether sound is the right question for your problem — get in touch!
🎧 Take part in a study
The lab regularly recruits listeners for studies on product sound, audio interfaces, and emerging technologies. No audio expertise required — we want ordinary ears.
Contact the lab
Sonic Futures Lab
c/o Dr. KC Collins
School of Information Technology
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
Work with us
- Sponsored & joint research projects
- Graduate student supervision & internships
- Participant recruitment for studies
- Guest lectures, workshops & talks
- Consulting via SoundDr.