”Ally was built to unlock the world through conversation. By launching an Ally at the Museum of Craft and Design, we’re not just adding accessibility—we’re transforming how people connect with art. This pilot shows that great design is inclusive design. And that benefits everyone, not just those who are blind or have low vision”
~Karthik Mahadevan, CEO and co-founder of Envision
Editor’s Note
Museums have always been places of discovery, but true inclusion has long remained an aspiration rather than a reality for many blind and low-vision visitors. That is why I am thrilled to spotlight Ally, Envision’s conversational AI assistant, in this month’s Cane EnAbled feature. Fresh from a highly praised pilot at San Francisco’s Museum of Craft and Design, Ally is setting a new benchmark for accessibility—enabling everyone to independently explore, question, and truly engage with art in real time.
As former Bold Blind Beauty intern Jonathan Rubinov shared:
“If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to check out the Ally app—available now on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. As someone who’s been using it extensively, I can confidently say I’m blown away by how capable, intuitive, and intelligent it is. From providing detailed descriptions of any image you upload to effortlessly searching the web, Ally helps you get things done in a flash. This isn’t just another app—it’s revolutionary assistive technology that’s already making a meaningful impact, and I truly believe it can empower even more people to live and work independently.”
By harnessing the power of intuitive, AI-driven guidance, Ally empowers visitors to connect with exhibitions in ways that once seemed unimaginable—transcending barriers not just for the blind community, but for all who value access and autonomy. As we move forward, Ally shows what can be achieved when technology prioritizes both innovation and inclusion. I am excited to see how this breakthrough influences the future of arts engagement for everyone.
Stephanae McCoy
Editor-in-Chief, Bold Blind Beauty
Revolutionizing Museum Accessibility and Engagement
A new era of museum engagement is dawning thanks to Envision’s groundbreaking AI assistant, Ally. Fresh off a highly successful pilot at the Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) in San Francisco, Ally, the most accessible AI assistant, is transforming how every museum-goer interacts with art, moving beyond traditional accessibility to create a truly inclusive and interactive experience
Ally, the most accessible and conversational AI assistant, empowers visitors to independently explore exhibitions like never before. By simply scanning a QR code at the museum’s entrance and pointing their smartphone camera at an artwork, visitors can engage in a natural conversation with Ally.
“Ally was built to unlock the world through conversation,” says Karthik Mahadevan, CEO and co-founder of Envision. “This pilot shows that great design is inclusive design. And that benefits everyone, not just those who are blind or have low vision”.
How Ally makes art accessible and interactive for everyone:
Conversational Guidance: Ally provides thoughtful, natural answers to any questions visitors have, from “What am I looking at?” to “What materials did the artist use?”. Exhibition texts and wall labels are built directly into Ally, enabling it to understand what it’s “looking at” and offer detailed insights and visual descriptions on the spot.
Empowering Independence: For visitors who are blind or have low vision, Ally provides rich descriptions and contextual insights, allowing them to engage with art in a way previously unimaginable. One visitor shared, “It goes above and beyond other devices. The descriptions felt so comprehensive—it was like I had my sight back”.
Seamless for All: Ally works on any smartphone – no special device or setup required. It adapts to anyone’s pace and curiosity, including elderly visitors and those with hearing loss, who can receive information streamed directly into their hearing devices. Sighted visitors also benefit from a screen-free, voice-first experience.
Overwhelmingly Positive Results: The pilot at MCD’s “Beau McCall: Buttons On!” exhibition received rave reviews. 100% of participants reported that Ally improved their museum experience, noting how descriptions of lighting, textures, materials, and story helped bring the art to life.
See Ally In Action
Ally is currently available at the Museum of Craft and Design until September 14th and represents a significant leap forward in making cultural spaces truly inclusive. Envision is now inviting more museums to pilot Ally, offering a web-based, hardware-free solution that can be deployed in just a few days.
We believe Ally’s impact on making art accessible and interactive is a compelling story for your audience. We’d be delighted to arrange an interview if needed to discuss this innovative technology further.
To learn more about bringing a custom Ally experience to your museum or cultural space, visit ally.me/museums. Download Ally on iOS, Android, or try it online at ally.me.
About Envision
Envision is a global leader in assistive technology for blind and low-vision people, empowering millions through AI-powered tools that turn visual data into meaningful spoken information. Trusted by users worldwide, Envision combines cutting-edge AI with a deep commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and user-centered design. Whether through the award-winning Envision app, smart glasses, or Ally—the most accessible AI assistant—Envision’s technology is transforming how people connect with the world around them. For more information, visit www.letsenvision.com.
About the Museum of Craft and Design
The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) is San Francisco’s only museum devoted to craft and design. Founded in 2004, MCD showcases designers, makers, and artists through an exciting and distinctive series of craft and design-focused exhibitions and public programs. MCD explores the creative process and current perspectives in craft and design through inspired exhibitions and experiential programs. Learn more at sfmcd.org.
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PiccyBot Image Descriptions
- The header image depicts a scene from an indoor museum, specifically focusing on the dynamic interplay of art and technology. In the foreground, there is a middle-aged man standing slightly to the left. He wears a checkered, light purple shirt, demonstrating a sense of casualness as he examines an exhibit on his smartphone, likely accessing information or engaging with an audio guide. He has greying hair and wears glasses, giving him a knowledgeable and inquisitive appearance.
- To the right of the man, there is a large, abstract artwork mounted on the wall, which features a multitude of shapes and bright colors, including yellows, greens, and hints of orange. The texture of the piece seems rich and intricate, possibly constructed from mixed media, which invites viewers to contemplate its composition closely. The overall visual impact of the artwork adds vibrancy to the setting, enhancing the cultural atmosphere of the museum.
- In front of the man, at his feet, lies a well-groomed, light-colored dog that appears relaxed, showcasing the gentle texture of its fur. The presence of the dog adds a warm, friendly element to the scene, suggesting a casual outing rather than a strictly formal museum visit.
- The background includes a subtly lit wall, which is likely painted in a neutral shade, allowing the art to take center stage without any distractions. The scene is illuminated softly, creating a serene and contemplative mood conducive to museum exploration. The overall atmosphere feels educational and inviting, encouraging curiosity and engagement with the art.
- In the foreground, there is an ornamental design or graphic element with the text “MUSEUM CRAFT DESIGN,” prominently displayed but partially obscured. An artistic, flowing line, presumably in an orange hue, winds through the text, symbolizing creativity and movement in design. This combination adds a modern flair to the traditional museum setting.
- Thumbnail & Video Description: Thumbnail & Video Description: A bold graphic set on a deep blue background features the prominent white text “MUSEUM CRAFT DESIGN” in two lines, with “CRAFT” partially obscured for a playful effect. To the right, the word “ally” is written in bright orange, flowing script, its line curving dynamically across the design.
- The video features Ally, a personal AI guide, introducing museum visitors to button-themed art pieces created in 2024. A man explores the exhibit using his phone, asking detailed questions about the artworks, including a vintage clawfoot bathtub made of buttons and a world-themed piece on a 45B side. Visitors praise the tool’s accessibility and rich descriptions, sharing a positive museum experience. The video ends with Ally thanking viewers and sharing the website ally.me/museums.
- A digital graphic with a solid blue background features a vibrant, wavy orange line curving across the center for dynamic contrast. White text above reads “find more on” with the URL “ally.me/museums” below, inviting viewers to explore museum content. The clean design and bold colors create an inviting, accessible atmosphere that emphasizes community and inclusivity.