Envision and the Museum of Craft and Design launch Ally, the most accessible AI assistant, for visitors who are blind or low vision.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands / San Francisco, CA — July 22, 2025. Envision, a leader in assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision, has launched a pilot of its AI assistant Ally in partnership with the Museum of Craft and Design. This collaboration brings Ally—the most accessible and conversational AI assistant—to one of San Francisco’s most dynamic cultural spaces to help make art more inclusive, intuitive, and enjoyable for all.
Now live at the Museum of Craft and Design’s Beau McCall: Buttons On! exhibition, Ally is changing how people experience art—one conversation at a time.
Envision CEO and co-founder Karthik Mahadevan said: “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.”
Designed with accessibility at its core, visitors simply scan a QR code at the museum’s entrance to access Ally and then point their phone’s camera at an artwork to have Ally describe it. Visitors can then ask Ally any questions at their own pace and in their own way. Examples include: “What am I looking at?” “What materials did the artist use?” “Can you describe the colors for me?”
Since exhibition texts and wall labels have been built directly into Ally, it understands what it is “looking at” and gives thoughtful, natural answers on the spot. It can offer detailed insights and visual descriptions without visitors having to search, scroll, or select anything. It’s like having a knowledgeable guide who can offer insight in a way that works for you.
“Ally perfectly complements our vision to make art accessible to everyone, and launching it during the Beau McCall: Buttons On! exhibition was an ideal fit,” said Sarah Beth Rosales, Marketing and Communications Director at the Museum of Craft and Design. “It’s intuitive, voice-first design offers a seamless user experience that enhances engagement for every visitor. We’re excited by the possibilities Ally opens—not only in advancing accessibility in the arts but also in deepening the overall experience for all audiences.”
Ally works on any smartphone—no special device or setup required. Whether you’re blind, have low vision, use hearing aids, or just want a more immersive and personal way to explore, Ally adapts to your pace and your curiosity.
Visitors who’ve tried Ally say it doesn’t just improve the experience; it redefines what it means to connect with art. “It’s just not possible to experience art without this type of assistance,” said one visitor. “It goes above and beyond other devices. The descriptions felt so comprehensive—it was like I had my sight back. I loved it.” Garee Dunning from San Francisco shared, “I didn’t have to try and find a label on the wall or block someone’s view. I could just stand back and listen. It really changed everything.” Lynn Stelmah, who has hearing loss, also benefited from Ally’s seamless audio delivery, “The information streamed right into my hearing devices—I didn’t have to strain to hear a docent or miss anything.”
If you’re in San Francisco, don’t miss this chance to visit the Museum of Craft and Design and try Ally for yourself. Available until September 14. Just scan a QR code in the museum, take a photo of any artwork, and start a conversation. Ally will meet you where you are—no instructions, no barriers, just meaningful connection.
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
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Media Contacts
Envision: Rea Haddad – Rea@letsenvision.com
Museum of Craft and Design – Sarah Beth Rosales, sbrosales@sfmcd.org
Ally for museums media pack
ally.me/museums
Ally/MCD promotional Video
Press Kit Folder
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-centeredled 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.
The Museum of Craft and Design is committed to creating an accessible, inclusive experience for all visitors. As part of an evolving accessibility roadmap, the museum partners with community advisors—including members of the Disability community—to guide this work. Exhibition materials are available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Arabic, with large print, translations, and audio tours accessible via QR code. Select works include visual descriptions and haptic elements, developed in collaboration with artists to support multisensory engagement. Lean more here.
