The Science Museum Audio Eyes app has been designed with and for blind and partially sighted visitors.
It unlocks audio descriptions in a selection of major galleries at the Science Museum in London, describing the environment, key objects and tactile displays.
The app helps independent discovery – it does not give a step-by-step route, but responds to your movements in the gallery. It includes over 100 descriptions.
Currently the app is available in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, a suite of five galleries on level 1 of the museum exploring the history of medicine, and in the Information Age gallery on level 2, which explores how information and communication technologies have transformed our lives.
How to use the app
This app only works in the specific galleries at the Science Museum described above. It picks up Bluetooth signals around the gallery, which automatically trigger audio notifications on your iPhone.
We recommend listening to the app introduction before visiting the museum so you can familiarise yourself with how to use it. This introductory information also describes how to locate the galleries.
The app requires approximately 500MB of memory space. As it features audio content and bespoke gestures, it is very difficult to use with voice-over turned on. If you would prefer not to download the app onto your own device, you can borrow a device with the app installed from the Information Desk near the entrance to the Science Museum.
Tips for the best experience
1. Turn Bluetooth on in your Settings.
2. Remove any metal covers from your phone, as they can affect the signal.
3. Pause as you move around the galleries to give the device enough time to pick up the signals.
4. Visit at quieter times, before 11.00 or after 14.30, avoiding weekends and school holidays.
This is an innovative project using new Bluetooth beacon technology. If you have any feedback, please get in touch with us at [email protected]