Voice-led interactive exploration of audio

The dominance of digital audio distribution and rapid growth in smart speaker technology present new challenges for interactive exploration of audio-only media. Smart headphones are an emergent technology whose unique affordances for accessing, interacting with and displaying content are only starting to be explored.

This research project developed a working prototype of a voice-led interactive application for navigating the BBC’s Glastonbury 2019 highlights on smart speakers and smart headphones, called the Auditory Archive Explorer. The voice-led interaction design and two prototype versions were evaluated using a mixed-methods user experience research approach. The two iterations featured identical content, but alternate modes of audio presentation. Mono playback was used in the case of the smart speaker. Full binaural synthesis (i.e. static placement of sound sources in virtual 3D space using head-tracking) augmented the smart headphone experience.

Twenty-two people were selected to participate in a research study to evaluate the prototype, after an open call to register interest.

In the report (downloadable above) we share the background motivation, conception, engineering, implementation, research study design, data analysis and conclusions, for anyone interested in voice interaction design and smart audio devices.

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• BBC R&D - Designing Navigation for Smart Speakers and Voice Devices
• BBC R&D - Voice Interfaces
• BBC R&D - The Inspection Chamber
• BBC R&D - The Unfortunates: Interacting with an Audio Story for Smart Speakers
• BBC R&D - Emotional Machines: How Do People Feel About Using Smart Speakers and Voice-Controlled Devices?
• BBC R&D - Talking with Machines
• BBC R&D - User Testing The Inspection Chamber
• BBC R&D - Prototyping for Voice: Design Considerations
• BBC R&D - Prototyping for Voice: UI
• BBC R&D - Prototyping for Voice: Methodology
• Tech Radar - The BBC is working on an interactive audio drama for Alexa and Google Home
• The Verge - BBC is making interactive radio plays for Alexa and Google Home
• BBC R&D - Singing with Machines
• BBC R&D - Better Radio Experiences

This publication is part of the Internet Research and Future Services section

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