Evolution of Knowledge Sharing: Co-Designing A Human-Centred User Interface for an Ovahimba Repository

Amid growing concerns over the erosion of traditional knowledge systems, the Ovahimba community in Namibia faces the challenge of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage across generations. As younger members migrate toward modern lifestyles, oral traditions and symbolic practices risk fading into obscurity. In response, a culturally grounded virtual reality (VR) interface is being developed to support the continuity of Indigenous Knowledge in a form that resonates with both tradition and technological progress. By embedding storytelling, communal rituals, and visual symbols within an immersive digital environment, this platform offers a culturally sensitive means of engagement. It prioritizes ethical design, data sovereignty, and technical accessibility, especially within low-resource settings. The outcome is envisioned as a living digital space—one that not only safeguards knowledge but also reinforces identity and intergenerational connection in a rapidly evolving world.