A design-driven sonification process for supporting expert users in real-time anomaly detection: Towards applied guidelines

INTRODUCTION: We present early results of an ongoing investigation into the use of sound for real-time monitoring of anomalous behaviour in digital and digital/physical systems. OBJECTIVES: We aim to define design guidelines to both support authors in the process of creating sonifications that are both efficient and engaging and the transition of sonification into a mass medium for the representation of data in everyday life. METHODS: Through two Design Actions, we apply Design Research to the definition of the use case, the interaction paradigm and the experimental protocol for real-world evaluation of sonification tools. RESULTS: Two Design Actions are described. Methodologies and results of the first experimental phase are presented in detail along with their influence on the second phase, currently ongoing. CONCLUSION: We sketch a tentative design-driven process for sonifications for the real-time monitoring of anomalous behaviour in digital and digital/physical systems.