Metaverse Design Framework: A Sociotechnical Stack Model

Why It Matters

Understanding the metaverse as a sociotechnical system is crucial for designers and engineers aiming to create immersive and functional virtual environments. This framework provides a structured approach to conceptualize the complex interplay of technology, social dynamics, and user interaction within these emerging digital spaces.

Key Finding

The research proposes a new model for designing the metaverse, viewing it as a layered system that combines technology and social factors, and provides a structured way to understand its components and applications.

Key Findings

• The metaverse can be conceptualized as a sociotechnical stack, encompassing virtual world literature.
• Key design elements of the metaverse can be identified and synthesized.
• A novel framework linking the sociotechnical fabric to metaverse applications has been established.

Research Evidence

Aim: To develop a comprehensive definition and design framework for the metaverse, integrating existing virtual world research and exploring its sociotechnical aspects and design elements.

Method: Hybrid research methodology: Bibliometric analysis and qualitative case study analysis.

Procedure: Conducted a bibliometric analysis of virtual world literature, followed by a qualitative analysis of case studies from four major metaverse platforms. Emergent themes from the qualitative analysis were mapped to the theoretical lens of affordances to create a novel metaverse design framework.

Context: Virtual worlds and the metaverse.

Design Principle

Design virtual environments with a layered, sociotechnical perspective, considering the interplay between technology, user behavior, and social structures.

How to Apply

Use the proposed sociotechnical stack model as a conceptual tool to analyze existing virtual worlds or to plan the architecture of new metaverse projects.

Limitations

The study's findings are based on existing literature and case studies, and may not fully capture the rapidly evolving nature of the metaverse.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: This research suggests that to build the metaverse, we need to think of it like a layered system (a 'stack') that includes both the technology and how people interact within it. This helps us understand and design these virtual worlds better.

Why This Matters: Understanding the metaverse as a sociotechnical system is important for any design project involving virtual or augmented reality, as it highlights the need to consider user behavior and social interaction alongside technological development.

Critical Thinking: How might the proposed sociotechnical stack model need to evolve as the metaverse becomes more decentralized and user-generated content plays a larger role?

IA-Ready Paragraph: This research provides a valuable framework for understanding the metaverse as a sociotechnical stack, integrating virtual world literature and identifying key design elements. This approach is crucial for developing comprehensive and user-centered virtual environments, as it emphasizes the interplay between technological infrastructure and social dynamics. By considering these layered aspects, designers can create more robust and engaging metaverse experiences.

Project Tips

• When researching virtual worlds, consider both the technical aspects and the social dynamics.
• Use case studies of existing platforms to identify common design patterns and challenges.

How to Use in IA

• Reference the sociotechnical stack model when defining the scope and theoretical underpinnings of your virtual environment design project.
• Use the identified design elements and affordances as a basis for your user research and design iterations.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of the metaverse beyond just its technological components, by discussing its social and interactive dimensions.
• Clearly articulate how your design choices address the sociotechnical aspects of the virtual environment.

Independent Variable: Design elements of the metaverse, sociotechnical factors.

Dependent Variable: Metaverse design framework, theoretical linkages.

Controlled Variables: Virtual world literature, case study platforms.

Strengths

• Integrates existing virtual world research into a new metaverse concept.
• Employs a rigorous hybrid methodology combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Critical Questions

• To what extent does the proposed framework account for emergent behaviors and unforeseen social dynamics within the metaverse?
• How can this framework be practically applied to guide the development of specific metaverse applications or platforms?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the affordances of a specific metaverse platform and map them to the sociotechnical stack model to propose design improvements.
• Develop a conceptual model for a niche metaverse application, explicitly addressing its sociotechnical layers and user interactions.

Source

Building the Metaverse · Journal of Global Information Management · 2023 · 10.4018/jgim.321755