Walking on clouds: an immersive beacon-triggered audio experience for National Galleries of Scotland
When the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) invited Smartify to reimagine the visitor guide for their new exhibition Alfred Buckham | Daredevil Photographer, we knew this story of a true aviation pioneer deserved a flight of its own.
Buckham captured breathtaking aerial photographs by leaning out of planes with little more than courage and a camera. To celebrate his spirit, Smartify and NGS have created an immersive, hands-free audio journey that quite literally lets visitors walk on clouds.
A new way to auto-play: step on a cloud, hear a story
Throughout the exhibition, visitors will notice cloud-shaped markers on the floor. Each one works with Smartify’s beacon-triggered technology to automatically play audio when stepped on — no tapping, swiping or menu scrolling required.
This creates an ‘eyes-up’ visitor experience where the story unfolds naturally as you move through the gallery. It’s digital storytelling that blends seamlessly with the physical space.
Behind the scenes: voices and soundscapes
The audio experience was co-produced by Smartify and the NGS team, featuring:
- Richard Buckham, Alfred’s grandson, recalling the extraordinary moment he discovered his grandfather’s archive hidden in a cupboard
- Louise Pearson, NGS curator, offering expert insight into the images and the daring life behind them
- A bespoke soundscape that transports listeners back to the early days of flight and photography
The result is more than a guide. It’s a cinematic sound experience that captures the thrill and wonder of Buckham’s work.
Tested for seamless storytelling
To ensure smooth performance across all devices, Smartify conducted rigorous cross-device testing. Each beacon was fine-tuned for consistency, delivering the same seamless experience whether visitors use the latest smartphone or an older model.
Reliability and accessibility were core design goals, essential for any public-facing digital installation.
Eyes-up, immersive and inclusive
This project reflects a growing movement in museum technology: creating digital experiences that enhance rather than distract. By freeing visitors from screens, Smartify’s beacon-based approach encourages them to connect more deeply with the art around them.
It’s a model with wide-ranging applications for cultural institutions looking to:
- Build hands-free, location-aware experiences
- Guide visitor flow through exhibition spaces
- Layer interpretation and multimedia storytelling throughout galleries
- Deliver accessible and inclusive engagement for all audiences
Interested in creating innovative digital experiences for your exhibitions? Contact the Smartify team to explore what’s possible.
Alfred Buckham | Daredevil Photographer runs at the Portrait in Edinburgh until 19 April 2026.