Forward or Backwards

Forward or Backwards explores the ideas, inventions and systems that shape everyday life. Its explainer and history videos connect how things work with how they developed, why they matter and the choices they create. The subjects range from electricity grids, computer chips and space technology to money, global trade, transport and the changing world of work.

Start with a main topic, then choose a subtopic to find the videos that interest you. Topics and subtopics are arranged alphabetically, while videos appear from newest to oldest. You can also search All films, or follow the learning collections on photography and information security.

Each video has its own page with an embedded player, an explanation of its subject and, where available, chapter links, illustrated video notes, a downloadable PDF, and sources and credits. Related topic links help you explore connections across subjects. The aim is to make complex developments understandable, give their history some context and help you judge what progress might mean.