Dediè Adissem
A tree-stump-inspired Heritage Ring stands among fallen autumn leaves. Its cylindrical middle section features a tambour door with a small buckeye knob, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The hidden compartment inside encourages park visitors to engage with nature through the teachings of Indigenous Knowledge, interactive activities, and environmental stewardship.
A park visitor opens the tambour door of the Heritage Ring, revealing a hidden compartment inside. This interactive structure invites engagement with nature.
Inside the tambour door are tools for environmental stewardship, a trash grabber, trash bag and a logbook to encourage park visitors to leave their names, inspiring those who come after them to participate.
Each state park features a unique ring that can be found at a Heritage Ring along its most popular trails. For my project, I focused on Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park.
Geocaching is another component within Heritage Rings. It’s available to all park visitors within the OuterSpacial app. The app itself can still be used offline, permitting visitors to still collect Heritage Rings while off the grid.
A park visitor retrieves the tools from the hidden compartment and heads down the trail, ready to serve as a steward of their state park.
Dedié standing next to Heritage Rings.
Heritage Rings
This project addresses gaps in historical understanding and missed opportunities to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into land stewardship, park upkeep, and waste reduction. By fostering greater awareness of Indigenous lifestyles and ethics, we can empower people to become the stewards the land truly needs.
Indigenous knowledge is a rich body of wisdom, both oral and written, passed down through generations. It reflects the beliefs, skills, and deep understanding of the environment cultivated by Indigenous tribes. As the original stewards of the land we inhabit today, Indigenous people serve as a bridge between what was and what is.
This design offers a pathway to reimagine a future rooted in collaboration with nature. It inspires people to envision what’s possible when we co-create and honor one another’s perspectives and values. Together, we can cultivate enduring relationships—with each other and the natural world.
See you on the trails.
Dedié Adissem is first-generation Togolese-American. He is passionate about industrial design, furniture, fashion, and just being a maker. He believes that one of the ways to envision a better future for all is by designing alongside people, for them, and empowering their stories in the process. In his free time, Dedié enjoys talking and spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching TV shows and films.
Dedié was a mentor in the Dr. Noel Mayo Mentorship program for the past two years at The Ohio State University.
