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.