From Movement to Sound and Back: A Workshop on Movement-Based and Sonification Design Approaches

_{Workshop at CHI2026 Barcelona, 15 April, 2026 – 14.15-18.00}

From Movement to Sound and Back: movement sonification in artistic expression during workshop (left) and performance (right) Middle: using the Movement-Sonification toolkit as basis for the performance.

Keynote by Sarah Fdili Alaoui

Overview

Movement and sound are intrinsically connected; movement makes sound and sound makes movement. In this playful workshop we aim to unite sonification researchers, music enthusiasts, sound engineers, with movement experts such as SportsHCI researchers, and beyond to engage in a hands-on exchange.
The aim of the workshop is to understand how sound can guide movement, and how movement in turn can guide sound design. We will use movement-based design approaches to reflect on the sound design, and use sonification approaches to further understand movement.
We will use a novel movement sonification tool aiding non-sound experts to easily generate and explore movement sonifications.

Intended Audience

We welcome HCI researchers with a background in movement-based design, sonification and audio design, SportsHCI, and beyond, to join the workshop. We also welcome attendees with expertise in soma design and performance arts. In general participants from all stages in the academic career are welcome.

Long (2x 90 min) Workshop – 15 April, 2026 – 14.15-18.00

This half-day workshop features two interactive 90-minute sessions designed to spark exploration and collaboration. The program will include a keynote presentation, along with short demos or video showcases from participants. Following the presentations, we’ll introduce the sonification toolkit and break into small groups to experiment with movement and sonification strategies—each with a specific focus on either movement design or sonification design. The workshop will conclude with group discussions to reflect on the creative process, share insights, and examine the challenges encountered along the way.

Call for Participation

Movement and sound are inherently interwoven: movement generates sound, sound motivates movement. This workshop explores how sonification design approaches and movement-based design approaches can enhance, accelerate, and amplify each other. How can movement inform sonification design? And how can sonifications help movement-based design approaches?
In this hands-on workshop participants will be introduced to a movement-sonification toolkit and explore designing for sound through movement and designing for movement through sound.
We invite HCI researchers that work within the scope of designing interactive systems with emphasis on sound and or movement.
To apply please fill out the following google form.

Organizers

Michael Reichmann – University of Salzburg, Austria
Vincent van Rheden– University of Salzburg, Austria
Hakan Yılmazer – Koç University, Turkey
Daniel Hug – Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland
Hongyue Wang – Exertion Games Lab, Monash University, Australia
Nina Schaffert – University of Hamburg / BeSB GmbH, Germany
Maria F. Montoya – Exertion Games Lab, Monash University, Australia
Laia Turmo Vidal – KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Alexander Meschtscherjakov – University of Salzburg, Austria
Florian “Floyd” Mueller – Exertion Games Lab, Monash University, Australia