Are there any guidelines for positioning of sound buttons (play, pause, mute)?
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What platform is this for? Web, moble, desktop? What are you making?– jonshariatApr 26, 2011 at 20:00
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@jonshariat Web generally. I am making a social game.– RedDragonApr 26, 2011 at 20:09
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Oh then I would add that you dont want to play audio right off the bat. Many people play at work, school, library, coffee shop.– jonshariatApr 26, 2011 at 20:11
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Is this for video files or just sound files?– bendurApr 26, 2011 at 20:13
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@Ben D For background music.– RedDragonApr 26, 2011 at 20:14
2 Answers
I'm not sure what the standard is for this, but when I'm annoyed by sound I always look in the upper left, then right-hand corners for a mute button.
Failing that, I look for a settings area.
You should also consider where you have put other user controls, and whether or not it makes contextual sense to group this with them.
General Guidelines:
Play and pause should toggle
Volume control should be separate from mute (dragging the volume down is not clear on how to stop the sound)
Play button should be in close proximity to the timeline.
UI design should blend into the background of what is being viewed.
Small, but big enough click area for users to miss with their selecting device.
For many different design patterns of audio controls, check out this wonderful collection by Toxboe on http://www.UI-Patterns.com
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Thanks for your answer, but I need information on positioning. I have seen the buttons in corners, on top, in the botton etc. Apr 26, 2011 at 20:10
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Check out my edit above, there is a great collection of ideas here -> ui-patterns.com/users/1/collections/347 Apr 26, 2011 at 20:20
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1We had a good question a while back about whether play and pause should toggle. ux.stackexchange.com/questions/1215/… Apr 26, 2011 at 20:35