Any link to some usability study on dashboard menu?

I am working on designing dashboard screens for a directory of tiny house enthusiasts(the site will also have social features like making friends, following people etc.)

Here's a screen that I designed - https://imgur.com/a/RzP9SgP

There are items on the left panel and once someone selects an item, it shows the sub-items on the main screen.

Is there any usability study that points out what pattern works for dashboard menus (like having sub-items also on the left panel or showing it on the main screen itself)?