Volvo

Volvo is one of the most well-known car brands in the world with sales in over 100 countries. Since their inception in 1927, they have become the world leader in safety technology and innovation.

Industry:

Automotive & Mobility

Services:

UX Sound Design

Overview

The sound design and acoustics of a car have steadily gained importance within the automotive industry, prompting major car manufacturers to recognize the need to put more attention and focus into such touchpoints. Volvo was no exception.

They contacted Sonic Minds as they wanted to create a premium sound design experience, by having all interactions and information in their cars to substantiate the interior’s feeling and quality.

In modern luxury vehicles, auditory cues serve as a critical bridge between digital interface feedback and physical craftsmanship, ensuring every click, chime, and alert reinforces the tactile quality of the cabin.

The challenge

Together with the client, we did a study and vehicle research on Volvo’s competitors and their current sound design. It resulted in the creation of alert and warning sounds, all reflecting luxury, and Scandinavian design to match the cars’ new interior of leather and cedarwood.

A primary acoustic challenge in automotive environments is engineering sounds that achieve critical alert functionality without compromising driver comfort or introducing acoustic fatigue into a quiet, refined sanctuary.

The solution

By utilizing this collected data we set out to create a custom sound experience for the vehicle that embodies Volvo’s values and brand identity.

Through careful analysis and creative design a sound environment was created that reflects Volvo’s commitment to safety, innovation and Scandinavian design principles.

Vehicle warning & alert sounds

Custom auditory cues designed to communicate vital driver information while maintaining a serene and harmonious cabin atmosphere.

Delta Senselab acoustic testing

All the sounds went through meticulous testing, in collaboration with our audio testing partner Delta Senselab. This ensured an alert level suitable for a defined function, annoyance, safety, comfort, friendliness, and perceived loudness.

The result

The resulting product sounds established a unified, premium audio landscape across Volvo’s vehicle fleet. By seamlessly harmonizing acoustic feedback with physical materials like leather and cedarwood, Volvo delivered an elevated in-cabin experience that reinforces their heritage of safety, Scandinavian elegance, and human-centric design.