# Design Dimensions of Co-Located Multi-Device Audio Experiences
###### Abstract  
The widespread distribution of mobile computing presents new opportunities for the consumption of interactive and immersive media experiences using multiple connected devices. Tools now exist for the creation of these experiences; however, there is still limited understanding of the best design practices and use cases for the technology, especially in the context of audio experiences. In this study, the application space of co-located multi-device audio experiences is explored and documented through a review of the literature and a survey. Using the obtained information, a set of seven design dimensions that can be used to characterise and compare experiences of this type is proposed; these are _synchronisation, context, position, relationship, interactivity, organisation_, and _distribution_. A mapping of the current application space is presented where four categories are identified using the design dimensions, these are _public performances, interactive music, augmented broadcasting_, and _social games_. Finally, the overlap between co-located multi-device audio and audio-augmented reality (AAR) experiences is highlighted and discussed. This work will contribute to the wider discussion about the role of multiple devices in audio experiences and provide a source of reference for the design of future multi-device audio experiences.  
multi-device; audio; applications; augmented-audio reality; design Article  
Design Dimensions of Co-Located Multi-Device Audio Experiences  
1 Audilolab, Department of Electronics, University of York, York YO10 5 DD, UK; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
2 Bang & Gufusen a/s, 7600 Straser, Denmark; [EMAIL_ADDRESS]  
3 BBC Research & Development, Salford M50 2 LH, UK; kristian.hentschel@bbc.  
method for spatial or immersive audio playback and can also enable straightforward participatory interaction within experiences. In the last five years, the way these devices can be utilised in the design of audio experiences has started to be established through case studies and early demonstrations [4; 5]. However, in order to develop the application space further, more work is needed on experience characterisation and design to identify new experience opportunities and to increase our conceptual understanding of the experiences. This is necessary, as much of the research on multi-device experience design until now has focused on the visual modality. Furthermore, the work across multi-device audio experiences suffers from an inconsistent use of terminology, making navigating the literature quite difficult. Consequently, this work addresses the following questions.  
1. What are the defining characteristics of co-located multi-device audio experiences?
2. How do these characteristics manifest in different applications?  
A survey was carried out to obtain a dataset which included descriptions of co-located multi-device audio experiences. The survey was then analysed to retrieve information on design aspects and attributes. A set of resulting design dimensions was generated and presented to aid the understanding and characterisation of co-located, multi-device audio experiences. In addition, the application space was reviewed and mapped into example categories using a method in which use-cases can be categorised and new instances can be discovered.  
This paper is organised as follows. In Section 2, a review of the current state of multi-device experience design is given, alongside a brief summary of the development of the multi-device audio medium, including relevant production tools and applications. Within Sections 3 and 4, the methodology for the survey and the results are detailed. The design dimensions are presented and discussed in Section 5, followed by an analysis and review of the applications in the dataset in Section 6. In Section 7, the use of the design dimensions, and the overlap between the applications and audio-augmented reality (AAR) applications is discussed. Finally, a summary of the work is provided and future work discussed in Section 8.