What if discovering new music didn't rely on recommendation algorithms? In this episode of Inside R&D, Joseph Turner is joined by Mathieu Triay and Andrew Wood to explore Orbit, an experimental music discovery platform developed by BBC R&D and BBC Introducing. Together, they discuss the research, design, and development behind the project, and the challenge of creating a more intentional and enjoyable way to discover music.

What does a public-service approach to experience design look like? This conversation explores how Orbit is rethinking music discovery and encouraging audiences to follow their curiosity.

Follow the links below to learn more about BBC R&D’s research and the work discussed in this episode:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/orbitmusic

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2025-03-orbit-music-discovery-design

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2024-09-orbit

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2026-06-music-industry-creator-rights-data-payments

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Audiences are looking for new ways to connect with the events they love. This summer, BBC R&D trialled SIGNALS at the Wimbledon Championships, offering audiences a new and interactive way to experience live tennis.

In this episode of Inside R&D, Joseph Turner sits down with Laura Harrison, Principal Product Manager, to discuss the SIGNALS trial, exploring how the idea came to life, the journey from concept to delivery, and why interactive experiences are becoming an increasingly important part of the future of live events.

Follow the links below to learn more about BBC R&D’s research and the work discussed in this episode:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2026-05-signals-interactive-live-tv-engagement

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2026-06-signals-wimbledon-live-match-interactive

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2025-09-time-addressable-media-store

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2017-12-object-based-media

https://www.bbc.co.uk/articles/cvg360rr91zo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/historyofthebbc/research/wimbledon-and-the-bbc

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The Media Production & Technology Show is one of the key events in the industry calendar where technology, creativity and innovation converge. As you’d expect, BBC R&D was well represented across the show.

In this special episode of Inside R&D, Joseph Turner headed to MPTS 2026 with a camera and microphone, catching up with BBC R&D engineers and a former colleague now working in the wider industry.

Across three short conversations, they explore what’s changing, what’s exciting, and what’s coming next for media and technology and what that means for the BBC.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/projects/producing-audio-experiences

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/projects/personalised-accessible-audio-experiences

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications/research_article_frontiers_vr_interactive_audio_augmented_reality_participatory_performance

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2024-12-immersive-gaming-concert-experience

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications/decarbonizing-media-broadcast-streaming

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/cloud-computing-energy-monitoring-footprint

https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd/articles/2025-01-sustainability-web-energy-consumption

Find us on:
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rd
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