Synesthetic Computing: A Cross-Modal Framework for Visualizing Algorithmic Complexity Through Auditory Feedback

Posted: Oct 28, 2025

• Dr. Elara Vance
• Prof. Kenji Tanaka
• Dr. Sofia Rodriguez

Abstract

The conventional paradigm of algorithm visualization has remained predominantly visual for decades, despite growing evidence that multi-sensory approaches can enhance comprehension and engagement. Traditional flowcharts, complexity graphs, and execution traces, while mathematically precise, often fail to convey the intuitive essence of computational processes. This paper introduces Synesthetic Computing, a radical departure from established visualization methods that leverages the human capacity for cross-modal perception to create richer, more accessible representations of algorithmic behavior. Our work is motivated by three fundamental limitations of current visualization approaches: their visual bias excludes individuals with visual impairments, their static nature fails to capture the temporal dynamics of computation, and their abstract representations often obscure the aesthetic and rhythmic patterns inherent in well-designed algorithms. By translating computational complexity into structured auditory experiences, we enable users to 'hear' algorithms in action, revealing patterns and inefficiencies that might remain hidden in conventional visual representations.