Short answer
Designers should actively explore how sound can be a primary driver of narrative and emotion, rather than a secondary enhancement.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FILM AND MEDIA ARTS (2022)
- Method
- Practice-based research and theoretical conceptualization.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Treating sound not just as background, but as an active 'sonorous object' with narrative agency, can profoundly enhance storytelling. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FILM AND MEDIA ARTS. Using Practice-based research and theoretical conceptualization., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should actively explore how sound can be a primary driver of narrative and emotion, rather than a secondary enhancement.
Son-en-Scène: Elevating Sound to a Core Narrative Element
Treating sound not just as background, but as an active 'sonorous object' with narrative agency, can profoundly enhance storytelling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FILM AND MEDIA ARTS · 2022
Key Findings
- 01Sound can be conceptualized as 'sonorous objects' with narrative agency, akin to elements in musique concrète.
- 02The concepts of 'sound-prop,' 'sound-actor,' and 'sound-motif' provide a framework for analyzing and creating sonic dramaturgy.
- 03Acousmatic listening and the 'montage of attractions' are relevant to understanding sound's impact on storytelling.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should actively explore how sound can be a primary driver of narrative and emotion, rather than a secondary enhancement.
How to apply
When designing audio for any media, consider how individual sounds can be given specific roles (prop, actor, motif) to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.
Project actions
- 01Consider the 'character' of your sounds.
- 02How can a sound act as a 'prop' to move the story forward?
- 03Can a sound become a 'motif' that recurs and gains meaning?
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a novel theoretical framework for sound design.
- +Connects disparate fields (musique concrète, Foley, film theory).
Limitations
Quantifying the subjective impact of 'son-en-scène' can be challenging.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the 'son-en-scène' concepts relies on their ability to be consistently applied and recognized by designers and audiences. Reliability would be assessed by the consistency of interpretation across different designers or audience members.
Think critically
To what extent can sound alone, without visual cues, drive a narrative, and how does this relate to the concept of 'son-en-scène'?
Design Principles
"Sound is an active narrative element, not merely an accompaniment."
This approach challenges designers to move beyond functional sound design towards a more artistic and impactful use of audio. By considering sound as a 'sound-prop,' 'sound-actor,' or 'sound-motif,' designers can imbue their work with deeper meaning and emotional resonance, directly influencing the audience's perception of the narrative.
What This Means for Your Design
Think of sounds in movies like characters or important objects – they can tell the story too!
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this theory when discussing the intentional use of sound in your design project to convey meaning or emotion.
- 2.Use the concepts of 'sound-prop,' 'sound-actor,' and 'sound-motif' to analyze existing media or to justify your own sound design choices.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research introduces the concept of 'son-en-scène,' theorizing sound as an active narrative element within film. By conceptualizing sounds as 'sound-props,' 'sound-actors,' or 'sound-motifs,' designers can move beyond functional audio to create a richer, more impactful storytelling experience, treating sound as a deliberate 'sonorous object' with fictional weight.
Source
Questions About This Research
- What does the research say about son-en-scène: elevating sound to a core narrative element?
- Designers should actively explore how sound can be a primary driver of narrative and emotion, rather than a secondary enhancement. Evidence: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FILM AND MEDIA ARTS (2022).
- Why does "Son-en-Scène: Elevating Sound to a Core Narrative Element" matter for design?
- This approach challenges designers to move beyond functional sound design towards a more artistic and impactful use of audio. By considering sound as a 'sound-prop,' 'sound-actor,' or 'sound-motif,' designers can imbue their work with deeper meaning and emotional resonance, directly influencing the audience's perception of the narrative.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should actively explore how sound can be a primary driver of narrative and emotion, rather than a secondary enhancement.
- What were the main findings?
- Sound can be conceptualized as 'sonorous objects' with narrative agency, akin to elements in musique concrète.. The concepts of 'sound-prop,' 'sound-actor,' and 'sound-motif' provide a framework for analyzing and creating sonic dramaturgy.. Acousmatic listening and the 'montage of attractions' are relevant to understanding sound's impact on storytelling.
- What research method was used?
- Practice-based research and theoretical conceptualization..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2022 journal from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FILM AND MEDIA ARTS.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing audio for any media, consider how individual sounds can be given specific roles (prop, actor, motif) to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.
- What are the limitations?
- The theory is primarily conceptual and may require further empirical testing to quantify its impact on audience perception.