Combinations of menu types, interaction methods, and performance metrics in virtual reality: a systematic review.

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) applications rely on menu interfaces to support effective interaction. However, evidence on how menu type, interaction method, and performance metrics relate to VR menu evaluation remains fragmented. This review synthesised 40 empirical studies published between 2013 and 2025 using descriptive mapping, cross-tabulation, and thematic synthesis. The findings showed that research has been concentrated on a limited set of dominant combinations, particularly radial menus used with ray-casting, and that evaluation has relied mainly on accuracy and task-completion time. Ergonomic indicators, including workload, comfort, fatigue, and cybersickness, received less consistent attention. The review further showed that current evaluation practice remains more developed for short-term performance than for long-term ergonomic quality. The findings indicate that VR menu evaluation should move beyond efficiency alone and adopt a more comprehensive perspective that considers menu type, interaction method, and performance metrics together to better support usable, ergonomically sustainable interface design.