For this design conjecture, I propose the idea of a custom app that delivers historical narration through GPS-triggered content as visitors explore the park.
As visitors walk through different areas of the park, their app provides stories related to that specific location. These stories will be split into sub-categories on the app interface. This would include an Indigenous Legend, which would be landmarks and areas of significance whether relating to spiritual significance or a location Indigenous people used for agriculture for instance. There would also be historical events that occurred on the land, such as treaties, battles, or important cultural gatherings. Ecological changes would be another section, linked to how different communities of Indigenous peoples used, and preserved the land. This would include the following stakeholders Ohio Department of Natural Resources staff, frequent park visitors, Indigenous people, and historians.
The app would offer audio, text, and even augmented reality (AR) content to visualize past landscapes that are no longer present.
This conjecture creates a layered, narrative experience that deepens visitors’ understanding of the park’s significance while also offering convenience and accessibility.
Pitfalls of this conjecture:
- Who would design the inner workings of the app?
- Do people want to use their phone throughout their time being spent at the park?
- How would we get Indigenous people on board to help design the app?
