Reimagining Hospital Soundscapes through Audio Augmented Reality (AAR)

About the Project

Hospitals are among the most acoustically complex and stressful environments. Alarms overlap, conversations cross thin curtains, and background noise prevents rest. These conditions contribute to alarm fatigue for staff, anxiety for visitors, and poor recovery outcomes for patients. While medicine advances rapidly, the way sound is managed in clinical settings has changed very little.

This PhD project investigates how Audio Augmented Reality (AAR) can be used to transform hospital soundscapes. By transferring alarms and auditory cues into a personalised virtual layer, delivered through wearable or near-person devices, auditory information can be targeted more effectively. Staff could receive role-specific notifications, spatially mapped to their true source, improving response times and reducing cognitive load. Patients could benefit from calmer and more private acoustic bubbles that shield them from unnecessary or distressing noise. Visitors could be supported by personalised auditory guidance to reduce confusion and stress.

The research will examine how AAR can enhance privacy, dignity, and wellbeing in hospitals, while also improving safety and efficiency for staff. It will investigate a range of auditory design approaches, from spatialised cues to masking and substitution techniques, with a focus on real-world clinical applicability. Even small changes, such as replacing intrusive or distressing sounds with restorative alternatives, may have significant effects on patient recovery and staff wellbeing.

The project is designed to be flexible, giving the student scope to define a distinctive research pathway while remaining grounded in clinical relevance. Possible approaches include:

• Soundscape analysis: ethnographic observation and acoustic measurement of hospital environments to identify key stress points, patterns of alarm overlap, and privacy issues.
• Prototype development: creation of Audio Augmented Reality demonstrators using commercially available hardware such as open-ear headsets, spatial audio platforms, or smartphone-based AR frameworks.
• Perceptual evaluation: laboratory and simulation studies to test how users respond to redesigned auditory displays, measuring outcomes such as cognitive load, accuracy of alarm identification, and perceived stress.
• Applied trials: exploratory evaluations in healthcare environments, working with staff and patients to assess acceptability, usability, and real-world effectiveness.

Throughout the project, the student will have the freedom to select and combine these methods in line with their own expertise and emerging findings. They will be supported to publish results in high-quality journals and conferences in human–computer interaction, auditory display, and healthcare innovation.

The expected contribution is a set of tested design principles and prototypes showing how Audio Augmented Reality can make hospitals quieter, safer, and more supportive. The findings will be of value not only to academic researchers but also to healthcare providers and technology developers who are seeking new approaches to digital health and patient-centred care.

Academic qualifications

Have, or expect to achieve by the time of start of the studentship a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, ideally in Audio Engineering/Sound Design, Human–Computer Interaction/Interaction Design, Cognitive Psychology, Computer Science with a good fundamental knowledge of Auditory Perception, Digital Signal Processing, Human Factors, User-Centred Design and Research Methods

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a research programme
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in applying technology to real-world challenges
• Commitment to ethical and responsible research practice

Desirable attributes:

• Experience in audio programming or prototyping
• Background in healthcare, psychology, or ergonomics
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Creative approach to design and problem solving

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about:
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title