MFA THESES EXHIBITIONS

ABDUL BASHIRU YUSSIF | VIRTUAL REALITY AS PEDAGOGICAL SPACE

DEGREE AWARD DATE: SPRING 2026

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

The “Virtual Reality as Pedagogical Space: A Usability Study of an Interactive Exhibition for Culturally Based Design Education” explores how immersive technologies, particularly virtual reality, can transform the way design is taught, experienced, and understood. At its core, the project is driven by the idea that learning becomes more impactful when it shifts from passive observation to active participation. Rather than presenting information as something to be consumed, this project creates an environment where users can step into the learning experience and engage with it directly.

The exhibition takes the form of an interactive virtual reality installation that integrates principles of experiential learning with design thinking. Users were invited to navigate a digital space where they encounter design concepts, cultural narratives, and visual elements in a spatial and interactive format. This approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing users to not only learn about design but to experience it in a more intuitive and embodied way.

A key aspect of the project is the integration of Akan ethnicity content and design perspectives. By embedding these cultural elements within the virtual environment, the work challenges conventional design education frameworks that often overlook non-Western contributions. The project highlights the richness, depth, and relevance of the traditional visual semiology while presenting it through a contemporary technological medium.

Ultimately, this work positions virtual reality not just as a tool, but as a medium for rethinking education. It reflects a broader interest in how design, technology, and culture can come together to create more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences. The goal is for viewers to not only observe the work but to actively engage with it, reflect on it, and reconsider how knowledge itself can be experienced.

THESIS PAPER