Audio interfaces should be designed based on data visualisation first principles

Audio mixing interfaces (AMIs) commonly conform to a small number of paradigms. These paradigms have
significant shortcomings. Data visualisation first principles should be employed to consider alternatives. Existing AMI
paradigms are discussed and concepts of image theory and elementary perceptual elements outlined. AMIs should be evaluated by usability experiments however performing these properly is time-consuming. There are many data visualisation options and combinations. Collaboration with others would enable a greater range to be explored. Better understanding data visualisation will benefit audio and music interface development in general.