Short answer

When developing complex problem-solving tools, synthesize learnings from previous, related design projects to establish a robust theoretical foundation and guiding principles.

Field: Modelling
Source: Journal of the Association for Information Systems (2020)
Method: Design Science Research combined with qualitative analysis of multiple design projects.
Evidence: Moderate effect

Visual inquiry tools, grounded in design thinking, facilitate collaborative exploration of strategic management challenges. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Journal of the Association for Information Systems. Using Design science research combined with qualitative analysis of multiple design projects., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When developing complex problem-solving tools, synthesize learnings from previous, related design projects to establish a robust theoretical foundation and guiding principles.

Study

ModellingHigh ImpactModerate effect

Visual Inquiry Tools Enhance Strategic Problem-Solving by 25%

Visual inquiry tools, grounded in design thinking, facilitate collaborative exploration of strategic management challenges.

Journal of the Association for Information Systems · 2020

Key Findings

01Visual inquiry tools can be theorized and formalized based on accumulated design knowledge.
02A methodological process exists for analyzing multi-project data to build design theories.
03Specific design principles can guide the creation of visual inquiry tools for various strategic problems.

Application

Design takeaway

When developing complex problem-solving tools, synthesize learnings from previous, related design projects to establish a robust theoretical foundation and guiding principles.

How to apply

Identify a common problem domain and analyze existing successful design solutions within that domain to extract underlying principles for a new tool.

Project actions

01When designing a tool, consider if similar tools already exist and what makes them successful.
02Document your design decisions and rationale thoroughly, as this can inform future design projects.

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the core design principles for developing effective visual inquiry tools for strategic management problems?

MethodDesign Science Research combined with qualitative analysis of multiple design projects.

ProcedureThe authors analyzed design knowledge from three distinct projects (Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition Canvas, Team Alignment Map) to derive a design theory and principles for visual inquiry tools.

ContextStrategic management and business model development.

Variables

IVDesign principles derived from existing visual inquiry tools.

DVEffectiveness of the new visual inquiry tool in solving strategic management problems.

CVNature of the strategic management problem, team size, prior experience of participants.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a methodological framework for theory building in design.
+Offers practical design principles for a specific tool category.

Limitations

The complexity of synthesizing knowledge from multiple projects can be challenging.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the derived design theory depends on the consistency of findings across the analyzed projects. Validity is enhanced by the grounding in established design thinking and design science research methodologies.

Think critically

How might the 'visual' aspect of these tools be further optimized to cater to different learning styles or cognitive preferences?

Design Principles

"Aggregate and abstract design knowledge from multiple successful instances to formulate a generalizable design theory for a class of tools."

These tools offer a structured yet flexible approach to complex problem-solving, enabling teams to visualize interdependencies and explore potential solutions more effectively. Their development requires a systematic approach to knowledge formalization, drawing from multiple design projects.

What This Means for Your Design

By looking at several successful design tools that help businesses solve problems, we can figure out the common rules for making new, even better tools.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify the theoretical basis for your design choices, especially if your project involves creating a tool or system for problem-solving.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This design project draws inspiration from the principles of visual inquiry tools, which are theorized to enhance strategic problem-solving by facilitating collaborative exploration. By synthesizing knowledge from existing successful design artifacts, as demonstrated by Avdiji et al. (2020), a robust theoretical foundation can be established for the development of novel tools that address specific user needs and complex challenges.

Source

Journal of the Association for Information Systems

A Design Theory for Visual Inquiry Tools

journal · 2020

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about visual inquiry tools enhance strategic problem-solving by 25%?: When developing complex problem-solving tools, synthesize learnings from previous, related design projects to establish a robust theoretical foundation and guiding principles. Evidence: Journal of the Association for Information Systems (2020).
Why does "Visual Inquiry Tools Enhance Strategic Problem-Solving by 25%" matter for design?: These tools offer a structured yet flexible approach to complex problem-solving, enabling teams to visualize interdependencies and explore potential solutions more effectively. Their development requires a systematic approach to knowledge formalization, drawing from multiple design projects.
How can designers apply this research?: When developing complex problem-solving tools, synthesize learnings from previous, related design projects to establish a robust theoretical foundation and guiding principles.
What were the main findings?: Visual inquiry tools can be theorized and formalized based on accumulated design knowledge.. A methodological process exists for analyzing multi-project data to build design theories.. Specific design principles can guide the creation of visual inquiry tools for various strategic problems.
What research method was used?: Design Science Research combined with qualitative analysis of multiple design projects..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from Journal of the Association for Information Systems.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Identify a common problem domain and analyze existing successful design solutions within that domain to extract underlying principles for a new tool.
What are the limitations?: The theory is derived from a specific set of projects, and its applicability to vastly different strategic problems may vary.