CHI EA '25: Proceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
Yokohama - Japan

25 April - 1 May 2025

The Audible Giant: Transforming Tiny Sounds into Human-Scale Experiences

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Ismael Rasa, Burcu Nimet Dumlu, Matthias Hoppe, Carlos Garcia Fernandez, Takatoshi Yoshida, Kouta Minamizawa

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Abstract.

Humans are giants compared to the objects in their environments, and this difference influences how we interact with and perceive those objects. The Audible Giant explores a shift in perspective by scaling objects from their original 1:1 scale to human scale, thus enabling humans to experience the world of objects through auditory immersion.

We designed a miniature floor where objects inhabit their true scale, capturing the sounds of their movements, impacts, and vibrations. These sounds are then transmitted and amplified through a human-scale floor, creating an auditory experience that transforms human perception. This system bridges the gap between human and object scales, allowing humans to inhabit the world of objects and perceive them as equals.

By distorting barriers of size and scale, our project aims to redefine the relationship between humans and their surroundings, encouraging a deeper appreciation of everyday objects through sound.

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Keywords: Sound Interaction, Multi-Scale, Human-Floor Interaction