Too Much Beeping

Something that drives Doc crazy is the amount of sounds emanating from some multi-function printing devices. We have one such machine (the brand shall remain nameless) in Doc's office that beeps so much it drives the nearby office workers crazy. Leave an original on the glass? Beep. beep, beep. Out of paper or toner? Beep, beep, beep. Paper jam? Beep, beep beep. Job completed? Beep, beep beep.

And we're not talking a pleasant tone here, we're talking the kind of annoying ring that usually signals your burrito is done in the microwave, or you've just entered your local 7/11. Doc believes these little annoyances are what contribute to job stress, and they are certainly distracting.

Of course, there has to be some way to indicate that something is wrong or to serve as a gentle reminder that you forgot your original. But I would think the sounds could be a lot more pleasant and less jarring. But maybe I'm wrong and the printer manufacturers have done all kinds of studies and discovered that only a sharp, alarming beep will do. I hate to think that's the case.

If you are a machine designer and know about these things, then explain to Doc why a simple and pleasant harmonious tone (like when you start up your computer) won't do the job. Do we really have to beep, beep, beep? It's enough to drive an office worker to distraction.