Short answer

Adopt a design science research methodology that clearly defines your ontological and epistemological stance, and employs constructive methods for the rigorous development and evaluation of IT artifacts.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: Journal of the Association for Information Systems (2007)
Method: Conceptual analysis and philosophical inquiry
Evidence: Strong effect

Design science research in Information Systems necessitates a structured approach encompassing ontology, epistemology, and methodology to ensure the rigorous and transparent creation of IT artifacts. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2007 study published in Journal of the Association for Information Systems. Using Conceptual analysis and philosophical inquiry, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a design science research methodology that clearly defines your ontological and epistemological stance, and employs constructive methods for the rigorous development and evaluation of IT artifacts.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Design Science Research: A Framework for Rigorous IT Artifact Creation

Design science research in Information Systems necessitates a structured approach encompassing ontology, epistemology, and methodology to ensure the rigorous and transparent creation of IT artifacts.

Journal of the Association for Information Systems · 2007

Key Findings

01Information Systems as a design science requires a well-defined ontology, particularly for IT artifacts.
02Prescriptive knowledge of IT artifacts is distinct from and irreducible to descriptive theoretical knowledge.
03Constructive research methods are essential for disciplined, rigorous, and transparent creation of IT artifacts.
04Design science research in Information Systems is not value-free.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When embarking on a design project for a new information system or IT artifact, explicitly define the philosophical foundations of your research and employ constructive methods to build and test your solution.

Project actions

01Clearly articulate the problem your design aims to solve and the underlying assumptions about the 'world' it operates in (ontology).
02Define how you will gain knowledge about the effectiveness and usability of your design (epistemology).
03Utilize constructive methods, meaning you will build and test your design iteratively.

Method & Evidence

AimWhat are the fundamental ontological, epistemological, and methodological principles that should guide Information Systems as a design science?

MethodConceptual analysis and philosophical inquiry

ProcedureThe paper analyzes the core components of design science research, including its ontological assumptions, epistemological stance on knowledge creation, and the necessity of constructive research methods for building and evaluating IT artifacts.

ContextInformation Systems research and development

Variables

IVMethodological approach (e.g., design science vs. ad-hoc development)

DVRigor, transparency, and quality of IT artifacts

CVDomain of Information Systems, type of IT artifact

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a strong theoretical foundation for design research.
+Emphasizes rigor and transparency in artifact creation.

Limitations

Applying abstract philosophical concepts like ontology and epistemology can be challenging for practical design projects.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would be assessed by the consistency of the constructive process, while validity would be judged by the extent to which the created artifact meets its intended purpose and the claims made about it.

Think critically

How can the abstract concepts of ontology and epistemology be practically applied to guide the iterative development of a user interface?

Design Principles

"The creation of novel technological artifacts should be guided by a transparent and rigorous design science research framework."

This research paradigm provides a robust framework for developing and evaluating novel technological solutions. By emphasizing a clear understanding of the underlying principles and a disciplined creation process, it elevates the development of IT artifacts from mere invention to scientifically grounded innovation.

What This Means for Your Design

To make new technology (like apps or software), you need a clear plan for what you're building, how you know it's good, and how you'll actually build it. It's not just about making something; it's about doing it in a structured, scientific way.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this paper when discussing the theoretical underpinnings of your design process, particularly if you are developing a novel artifact or system.
2.Use its principles to justify the methodology chosen for your design project.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The development of this design project aligns with the principles of design science research, as outlined by Iivari (2007). This approach necessitates a clear understanding of the ontological assumptions underpinning the problem domain and the epistemological framework for evaluating the artifact's efficacy. Consequently, a constructive research methodology was employed, focusing on the disciplined and transparent creation and testing of the proposed IT artifact.

Source

Journal of the Association for Information Systems

A Paradigmatic Analysis of Information Systems As a Design Science

journal · 2007

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about design science research: a framework for rigorous it artifact creation?: Adopt a design science research methodology that clearly defines your ontological and epistemological stance, and employs constructive methods for the rigorous development and evaluation of IT artifacts. Evidence: Journal of the Association for Information Systems (2007).
Why does "Design Science Research: A Framework for Rigorous IT Artifact Creation" matter for design?: This research paradigm provides a robust framework for developing and evaluating novel technological solutions. By emphasizing a clear understanding of the underlying principles and a disciplined creation process, it elevates the development of IT artifacts from mere invention to scientifically grounded innovation.
How can designers apply this research?: Adopt a design science research methodology that clearly defines your ontological and epistemological stance, and employs constructive methods for the rigorous development and evaluation of IT artifacts.
What were the main findings?: Information Systems as a design science requires a well-defined ontology, particularly for IT artifacts.. Prescriptive knowledge of IT artifacts is distinct from and irreducible to descriptive theoretical knowledge.. Constructive research methods are essential for disciplined, rigorous, and transparent creation of IT artifacts.. Design science research in Information Systems is not value-free.
What research method was used?: Conceptual analysis and philosophical inquiry.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2007 journal from Journal of the Association for Information Systems.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When embarking on a design project for a new information system or IT artifact, explicitly define the philosophical foundations of your research and employ constructive methods to build and test your solution.
What are the limitations?: The paper focuses on the philosophical underpinnings and may not detail specific technical implementation of constructive methods.