SoundAI: Exploring culture-sensitive and environmentally-conscious applications for AI-supported sound-driven design

In an earlier study, we explored the intersection between human perception of sound, Machine Listening, and their potential societal and environmental impact with experts in computer science, art and philosophy, design, and ethics. As a follow-up work, we explored SoundAI applications through two MSc design student projects at TU Delft on the topics of building cultural bonds by generating new community soundscapes and increasing awareness on biodiversity by focussing on other-than-human noise sensitivity. This paper presents these two use cases with societal, environmental, and ethical considerations, and suitable AI techniques. The proposed applications manifest themselves as promoting accessibility, environmental awareness, and community well-being while mitigating ethical risks in privacy and ownership. These two design explorations allow us to imagine early AI applications for sound with their opportunities and limitations. It is our intention that SoundAI responds to the real needs of individuals, natural habitats, and other species to make a positive societal and environmental impact.