Soundscape refers to the adaptation of music and other sound environments to a space to achieve a specific mood, state of mind, and effect. A soundscape can include background music, nature sounds, announcements, advertisements, or other sound elements that together create the desired soundscape.
Sound landscaping can be simple, like playing calm music in a café, or more complex – for example, using sound showers and surround sound to divide space and improve privacy.
Goals can vary, but in general, a soundscape aims to enhance the customer experience, create a certain mood, or boost sales. Well-executed sound design increases comfort, influences customer behavior, and promotes the development of a positive brand image. Research shows that customers in an inspiring sound environment are 10% more likely to make a purchase. At the same time, sounds create an experience that holistically shapes the customer’s perception of the company.
Background music creates impressions
Background music refers to music that is not intended to draw too much of the listener’s attention, but which has nevertheless been chosen to suit a specific space and situation. This kind of music effectively builds impressions.
For example, in a small and atmospheric café, calming background music may be chosen to create cozy and soothing impressions of the café. Impressions form both consciously and unconsciously – customers visiting the café may not necessarily pay much attention to the background music, but when they leave, they have an overall sense of calm from the visit and the general atmosphere, which makes them want to return to the same place.
Learn more about how background music in a business space creates memories »
In an open office environment, the right background music creates a pleasant working atmosphere by reducing stress and improving the overall mood. Research suggests that certain types of music, particularly instrumental or classical, can help employees focus. This can be especially beneficial for tasks that require attention and deep concentration. Background music can also mask unpleasant sounds or distractions in the work environment, such as tapping or office noise, which can improve working comfort.
When selecting background music, attention should be paid to ensuring that the music does not interfere with work tasks or customer service. It is important to choose a soundscape that supports positive feelings and suits the chosen environment, avoiding music that is too loud or disruptive.
Music and sounds in general are powerful memory-makers. Sound design is part of the overall experience that stays in the customer’s mind for a long time. In a pleasant atmosphere, the mood remains positive and the customer wants to stay longer in the space, which also makes the waiting time feel shorter.
Sounds build your brand
A strong and distinctive brand clearly separates you from competitors in the eyes of others. The brand encompasses everything the company does and how it presents itself. The company’s soundscape is one of the most significant memory-makers of the brand image, and it can influence how people perceive the company as a whole.
When selecting a soundscape, it is important to consider how the company wants to appear to customers. The music and other sounds must be in line with the company’s brand guidelines. Is the company’s brand, for example, young and dynamic, or reliable and trustworthy? For example, a young-oriented gym may need an energetic soundscape that keeps the beat, while a cozy cocktail bar may work better with sounds that create a serene atmosphere.
In addition, different spaces have different needs. The soundscape should also reflect the purpose of the space. For example, in reception and retail spaces the soundscape can be more dynamic, while in workspaces it can be calmer and more conducive to concentration.
Combining brand and soundscape is a balance between art and science, where company identity and customer experience meet. A well-executed soundscape supports the brand and creates a positive and unified impression of the company.
Read more about how background music strengthens your brand and saves money? »
Personalized sounds and privacy protection
Sound landscaping is not limited to background music, but can be used to create any soundscape in a space – for example, the sounds of the sea in a seafood restaurant or the patter of rain in a massage parlor. The sounds break the silence and calm the space. With different sound showers, the sounds mix with each other.
Sound shower refers to a targeted sound environment, where the desired sounds or music can be precisely targeted to a specific area using speakers. Sound shower is an excellent way to divide a space, as it prevents sounds from being heard in areas where they are not needed. At the same time, they protect privacy. For example, in the reception areas of a medical clinic, speakers can reduce the hearing of private conversations in the lobby. Targeted sound reproduction can prevent conversations from being heard by outsiders and cover up one-on-one conversations with other sounds, without disturbing the conversation.
Read also: Calm, protect and engage: The benefits of sound landscaping in health care »
Easy to control the soundscape
With the FirstView Music service, you can choose license-free background music for your space, meaning you don’t have to pay separate royalties to copyright organizations to play it. The service allows you to remotely manage the music lists played in the space for each location.
In addition to background music, you can schedule announcements and other announcements or run audio ads to support campaigns, for example in store spaces. The ease comes from managing the entire soundscape in one service.
Our experts will be happy to help you create a soundscape that suits your business needs.
