Article,
The role of theory and theorising in Design Science research
Proceedings of DESRIST, (2006)
Abstract
The literature on Design Science (or Design Research) has been mixed on the
inclusion, form, and role of theory and theorising in Design Science. Some authors
have explicitly excluded theory development and testing from Design Science,
leaving them to the Natural and Social/Behavioural Sciences. Others propose
including theory development and testing as part of Design Science. Others propose
some ideas for the content of IS Design Theories, although more detailed and clear
concepts would be helpful. This paper discusses the need and role for theory in
Design Science. It further proposes some ideas for standards for the form and level of
detail needed for theories in Design Science. Finally it develops a framework of
activities for the interaction of Design Science with research in other scientific
paradigms.
