Ontology for assessment studies of human–computer-interaction in surgery

•We developed an investigation model for assessment studies of HCI in surgery.•We compared four top-level ontologies for model implementation: OCHRE, BFO, GFO, DOLCE.•GFO was selected for investigation model implementation in the form of a new ontology.•The investigation model and its ontology provide a modular study guideline.•Investigation model ontology is a tool to create knowledge bases of HCI assessment.