2025…Here We Go…
2025 will mark 17 years of my journey in audio branding and UX sound design. Over the years, I’ve witnessed countless shifts driven by industry changes and the rapid pace of technology, and each brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. If 2024 is any indicator, we’re on the cusp of several smaller trends that have been quietly building momentum—and they’re set to make a significant impact in 2025 and beyond. These shifts may call for rethinking mindsets, evolving business models, and redefining how we collaborate and work together in this ever-changing landscape.
UX Sound Takes the Wheel
We’ve been seeing this shift for a very long time and have reason to believe that in 2025, brands will shift their focus from standalone audio logos to fully integrated UX sound design as they recognize the power of sound to enhance functionality and user experience. Audio logos will still remain valuable for brand identity, especially in CPG, insurance and pharmaceuticals industries, but brands are starting to see that the real impact lies in crafting cohesive sound ecosystems that that extend beyond marketing. From subtle interface sounds that provide seamless feedback to dynamic, adaptive audio cues that respond to user behavior, brands will prioritize sound as a critical component of their product design systems. This approach not only reinforces brand values, serving as core assets for digital and TV advertising, but also enhances usability, accessibility, and overall customer satisfaction.
Unexpected Markets Embrace Sound
In the early days, tech giants and household names like Google, Amazon, Apple, State Farm, and McDonald’s led the charge into audio branding and UX sound design. However, a notable shift is underway. Unexpected markets such as farming, lift trucks, and medtech are now recognizing the value of sound as a vital element in their design systems as they build more design forward platforms, signaling a growing interest in leveraging audio to enhance functionality and brand identity. This presents a unique opportunity to design audio ecosystems that improve user interactions, enhance safety, and build stronger emotional connections with their audiences.
The Rise of the Small Studio and IC
Brands are increasingly shifting from larger agencies to smaller studios or individual experts in the creative space. This trend reflects a desire for more agile, tailored collaboration, and embedded teams where decision-making is faster, communication is clearer, and the work is highly specialized. Smaller teams often bring deep expertise and a more personal approach, allowing brands to create unique, high-quality solutions without the overhead of a large agency. In 2024 alone, I’ve had four new clients move from their audio brand agency to work with my studio to achieve a more efficient workflow. The reality is that a small studio or seasoned individual with 15+ years of experience can deliver higher-quality work in half the time compared to a large agency relying heavily on junior-level talent to drive projects – Brands are starting to take notice.
Surrounded By Sound
As technology moves beyond screens (think AR, VR, and XR), sound will play a crucial role in supporting multi-sensory interfaces. Spatial audio and 3D sound design will help orient users, providing navigational cues or reinforcing actions in virtual and hybrid environments. This is particularly relevant for immersive UX systems in gaming, automotive, and wearable tech that have invested in more robust audio platforms.
Focus on Accessibility
UX sound design will increasingly be leveraged to enhance accessibility. Whether through audio-based navigation for visually impaired users, confirmation sounds for actions, or cognitive-friendly sound cues, inclusive design practices will ensure that sound supports all users in meaningful ways. In our work with both Peloton and Serve Robotics, we’ve prioritizes designing accessible design languages and carried out extensive accessibility testing to ensure that sound supports supports a range of users. This will be most important for emerging technologies in 2025 and beyond.
Regulatory Compliance for Sound in Key Industries
In sectors like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics, there will be an increased emphasis on sound safety and compliance. UX sound designers will need to ensure that alert systems and notifications meet certain regulatory standards while balancing user-friendly design. This shift may impact aesthetics of design, but will also provide much needed guardrails so that we can design clearly understandable sound ecosystems that support a range of users.
AI Assistance
In my opinion, AI tools aren’t quite there yet for full music and sound creation. Maybe for country pop, but other genre’s not quite there yet…
With AI-driven tools, brands will be able to create dynamic soundscapes that adjust in real time based on user behavior, preferences, or environmental context, enhancing their overall experiences. AI will also streamline the creative process, offering rapid prototyping for mood boarding, automated sound testing, and data-driven insights to refine audio strategies. While AI will enhance efficiency, the human touch will remain essential for crafting emotionally resonant and authentically branded sound identities in 2025 – Beyond that is to be determined…