Edinburgh Napier University

  This technical report introduces the concept of the auditory contract, the unspoken agreement between users and smart devices to interpret sound as meaningful and trustworthy. It proposes ten practical guidelines for designing sound in the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on clarity, inclusivity, cultural context, and shared acoustic space. The report includes twelve real-world examples to support accessible, emotionally appropriate, and context-aware design. Intended for designers, developers, and researchers, it bridges ethical design principles with actionable practice.