Noise is a major public health concern in urban areas, contributing to various psychological and physical issues while diminishing overall quality of life. At the same time, no one wants a completely silent city—urban soundscapes shape a city’s unique identity, reflect economic activity, and foster vibrant social life. How can an app help residents navigate the challenges of living in noisy urban environments? Our proposal explores this question through the lens of design thinking. The work centers around the following problem statement:
- [1] Residents in noisy urban areas, especially with heavy traffic, face health issues like hypertension, sleep deprivation, and poor concentration.
- [2] Noise perception varies by individual, influencing their soundscape preferences.
- [3] Easy access to organized noise data can help them find healthier soundscapes suited to their needs.
Urban Noise
Noise ≠ Sound
Not all sound is noise! While noise is unwanted and often harmful, sound can be meaningful, enjoyable, and even essential to city life.
A City Under Noise Pressure
In Barcelona, 970,000 residents—about 57% of the population—are regularly exposed to noise levels exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. This is significantly higher than the European average, where one in five people face harmful noise pollution.
Noise Takes a Toll on Health
Urban noise is linked to serious health risks, contributing to 5% of new heart disease cases and 3% of related deaths. Emerging research also suggests potential effects on children’s cognitive development.
Not Everyone is Affected Equally
Noise exposure impacts different groups in different ways. Children are especially vulnerable, while older adults may struggle with speech comprehension in noisy settings.
Noise is Unevenly Distributed
Noise pollution is spatially polarized, concentrated in urban and industrial zones while quieter areas persist in rural regions. In Barcelona, residents in Cerdà’s grid are among the most affected.
Barcelona is Taking Action
The city operates a network of environmental noise sensors to monitor and address urban noise pollution. This data helps identify and preserve peaceful areas to improve residents’ quality of life.
Limited Access to Noise Data
Despite its importance, noise data remains largely exclusive, restricting public access and limiting community-driven solutions to noise management.
SWOT Analysis
Urban noise presents both challenges and opportunities for city life. This SWOT analysis examines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to noise management, with a focus on data availability, policy efforts, and technological solutions. Understanding these factors is key to developing more effective strategies for balancing vibrant urban soundscapes with public well-being.
Market Research
DARK NOISE
Dark Noise is an ambient noise app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that offers over 50 high-quality sounds to help users sleep, focus, or relax. It features robust system integrations, including customizable widgets, Siri shortcuts, and a sleep timer, all within a beautifully designed interface.
NOISE CAPTURE
Noise Capture is a free, open-source Android application that enables users to measure and share environmental noise levels. By recording noise data along with GPS coordinates, it contributes to community noise mapping efforts, aiding in the creation of more accurate noise maps.
Sound Safe Prototype
An app that helps users identify healthier soundscapes, by providing access to organized soundscape data, allowing them to find urban environments that suit their personal preferences!
Features
NoiseProfile: Set up a profile to get a personalized experience!
NoiseMap: Access noise data easily to navigate urban soundscapes!
NoiseMetre: Evaluate the noise impacts around you with one-click!
Next Steps
