We have developed Sonic Straws, a set of interactive cups that play different sounds when drinking any beverage through its two straws, adding a multisensory layer to the experience of sharing a beverage.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Sonic-Straw_01.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
Sonic Straws demonstrates that adding interactive sound can enhance the social experience of sharing a beverage, with users in an in-the-wild study reporting that the system supported self-expression via playful drinking actions, facilitated pleasurable social drinking moments, and promoted reflection on drinking practices.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Laydown-Track-SonicStraws.00_07_31_15.Still041.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
Sonic Straws combines human-computer interaction technology and consists of two untethered 3-D cups and associated straws that play different sounds (that the user can also change), depending on whether they are sipping from one, the other, or both straws.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Laydown-Track-SonicStraws.00_01_00_11.Still002.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
Our work highlights that “gustosonic” experiences, where sound enriches the drinking experience, can be an exciting way to combine technology and food. The resulting research suggests that such a gustosonic approach could amplify entertainment experiences around drinking and possibly even eating. Furthermore, it could highlight the joy coming from sharing a beverage, while also providing inspiration on how to facilitate mindful engagement with what one drinks. Ultimately, we aim to contribute to the enrichment of drinking and dining experiences through playful design.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Head.png?resize=960%2C573&ssl=1)
Prior work
See also our previous interactive food work called iScream! and WeScream!
Publications
Wang, Y., Li, Z., Khot, R., Mueller, F. Toward Understanding Playful Beverage-based Gustosonic Experiences. Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies (PACM IMWUT/Ubicomp). Volume 6. Issue 1. March 2022. Article No.: 33. pp 1–23. ACM. Video.
Acknowledgements
We thank everyone who has helped, especially Rohit Khot and the School of Design at RMIT University.