Thesis Defence: Interactive Digital Narrative Design for Education and Advocacy

Obiajulu Anna Maria Nwosisi, supervised by Dr. Aleksandra Dulic, will defend their thesis titled “Interactive Digital Narrative Design for Education and Advocacy” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Digital Arts & Humanities theme.

An abstract for Obiajulu Anna Maria Nwosisi’s thesis is included below.

Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in-person defences.

Abstract

In recent years, interest has grown in the use of interactive digital narratives (IDNs) as tools for education and social transformation, raising the question of how interactivity can extend the narrative change approach to education, social change, and advocacy. While existing scholarship has largely focused on evaluating interactive digital narratives for their effectiveness in teaching content or influencing behaviour, limited research articulates formal design principles for their construction.

Through critical analysis of existing literature, IDNs, and the development of three original IDN works, this research investigates how interactive digital narratives can be intentionally designed to shape cognitive, behavioural, and affective change. Using a research-creation methodology, the study draws on theories from game design, narrative psychology, learning sciences, systems thinking, and theatre studies. The findings are synthesized into a formal design model for educational and persuasive IDNs. This model offers practical guidance for narrative change practitioners, campaigners, and educators seeking to design interactive experiences with transformative intent.