Janet Peng-LookingOutwards-04

The project Sorting by Ren Yuan provides an innovative intersection between sound, visualization, and algorithmic thinking. The project represents different sorting algorithms using both visuals and sounds. These pair well together to increase the appeal of the sorting algorithm. As well, it makes sorting seem very technical and complicated. I really like this project because it uses sound in a way I never expected. Sorting seems very far detached from the world of “Art and Music” so I found it surprising that this project merged the two. I believe there are three animations representing the sorting in progress. As well, I believe the sounds represent different parts in the sorting process. For example, the short beep-y sounds probably represent a comparison between two numbers being made the long swooping sound probably represents that the sorting has been completed. Using the sorting algorithm of choice, these visuals and sounds are probably mapped to different steps as the computer loops through the algorithm. It’s clear that the creator is from a more technical field because of the way the visuals and sounds end up being represented. I believe they do not represent sorting in a way that can be understood by someone without prior exposure. Therefore, the creator might have designed this with a specific audience in mind.