Virtual reality dashboard design method: an ontological approach

Abstract

Smart farming monitoring has become a complex global challenge, necessitating systematic approaches to maintain and monitor high-quality agricultural produce. While numerous studies have explored smart farming systems, leveraging technologies like IoT, machine learning, and big data, there remains a significant gap in research focused on Virtual Reality (VR) dashboards for monitoring purposes, particularly in smart agriculture. This study addresses the absence of a unified approach in VR dashboard design by introducing the Virtual Reality Dashboard Design Method (VRDDM) as an alternative solution to enhance the utilization or function of smart farming monitoring systems. The problem stems from the lack of a standardized method for designing VR dashboards in smart farming and the broader need for a unified VR dashboard design method across domains. Limited attention has been given to establishing a standardized design methodology, especially within the context of smart farming. This study employs the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) with inspiration from the Business Model Ontology (BMO) to develop the VRDDM, which serves as the main contribution. Additionally, Ecological Psychological Perspective (EPP) theory is incorporated to further supplement the VRDDM conceptual framework. The method is based on a narrative review of existing literature, identifying commonalities across various dashboard design-related works. These commonalities are formalized into the Virtual Reality Dashboard Design Ontology (VRDDO) using a Unified Ontological Approach (UOA), providing a structured framework to encapsulate the identified design principles. A prototype dashboard for smart farming monitoring is developed using the VRDDM to demonstrate its practical application. The evaluation phase involves soliciting feedback from stakeholders, including suggestions for additional metrics and utility improvements, to iteratively refine and enhance the method. This research contributes by facilitating a standardized ontological approach to VR dashboard design and development, streamlining the process and eliminating ad-hoc practices. The development of the VRDDM is governed by a strong theoretical foundation of EPP that are leveraged by UOA, BMO, and Unified Foundational Ontology (UFO). The results of VRDDM utilization offer theoretical and practical helps for ICT developer to better understand the VR Dashboard Design and Development from ontological lens and promoting knowledge sharing, reuse and enabling structured knowledge evolution in the VR body of knowledge.