Advancing service design research with design science research

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 577-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Grenha Teixeira ◽  
Lia Patrício ◽  
Tuure Tuunanen
Keyword(s):  
Design Research ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Service Design ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Support Service ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Present Design

Purpose Service design is a multidisciplinary approach that is key to service innovation, as it brings new service ideas to life. In this context, the development of new service design methods and models for creating new service futures is an important stream of service design research. Such developments can benefit from a systematized research methodology that builds on existing knowledge and robustly evaluates the suitability of research contributions. To address this challenge, the purpose of this paper is to present design science research (DSR), an established methodology from the information systems field, and examine how it can be useful for service design research by supporting the development of new artifacts, such as service design constructs, methods and models. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents DSR and related literature and shows how DSR can support service design research through a step-by-step approach. A methodology to develop prescriptive-driven solutions for classes of problems, DSR can support service design research in developing rigorous and relevant research. One illustrative example of a service design research effort using the DSR approach is presented. Findings Building on DSR’s robust methodological background, this paper discusses how DSR can support service design research, namely, through the development of new methods and models, and how DSR can be adapted to leverage service design research participatory, iterative, human-centric and creative approach. Originality/value This paper provides an overview of DSR and proposes it as a methodology to conduct service design research, offering step-by-step guidance on the application of DSR in service design research and discussing how it can be adapted according to the specific characteristics of service design research and drive future research.

Design science research with focus groups – a pragmatic meta-model

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Telmo Antonio Henriques ◽  
Henrique O’Neill
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Meta Model ◽  
Is Implementation ◽  
Practical Guidelines

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to present a pragmatic and systematic approach to conduct and document Design Science Research (DSR) activities with Focus Groups (FGs), exploring its continuous usage and providing traceability between problem, requirements, solutions and artefacts.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to conduct the research and produce the meta-model for DSR with FG, a DSR approach was adopted using a conceptual model for Action Design Research already available. The artefact is the result from a specific literature review to define requirements, a careful design and a refinement stage where it was widely used and tested in real IS implementation projects.FindingsRigorous and committed stakeholder engagement is a critical success factor in complex projects. The main outcome of this research is a specific meta-model for DSR with FG that delivers new insights and practical guidelines for academics and professionals conducting and documenting real-world research and development initiatives deep-rooted in stakeholders' participation.Research limitations/implicationsThe meta-model has been endorsed as a practical and useful artefact by the stakeholders participating in the IS projects where it was adopted. However, to fully demonstrate its capabilities and to become more robust, the model has to be further used and tested in other application situations and environments.Originality/valueThe usage of FGs in DSR has already been proposed as an effective way, either to study artefacts, to propose improvements in its design or to acknowledge the utility of those artefacts in field use. The paper provides a sound contribution to this line of research by presenting a meta-model that integrates process and data, as well as a set of practical templates and forms that may be used by researchers and practitioners to conduct their projects.

A visual tool for identity communication strategy

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 831-854
Author(s):  
Dina Elikan ◽  
Yves Pigneur
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Tool ◽  
Scientific Approach

Purpose Being able to communicate a clear identity to different stakeholders is crucial for SMEs and startups in today’s world, which is characterised by accelerated innovation, growing competition and increasingly connected consumers. However, this can be a complex task for small organisations. The purpose of this paper is to propose a visual tool that supports entrepreneurs in SMEs and startups to collaboratively develop their identity communication strategy. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a design science research approach. The authors propose the design of a tool as well as some preliminary qualitative evaluations. The authors conducted three iterations between design and evaluation, where the results of the evaluations are implemented in the design. Findings The authors demonstrate how to design strategic tools for allowing teams to co-design their identity communication strategy and present the tool. The authors also evaluate its use and find out through the preliminary evaluations that it could be easy to use and useful for practitioners. Originality/value The originality of this paper lays in the novelty of the tool and its development. Such a tool addressing identity communication strategy has not been developed with a scientific approach until now.

scholarly journals Towards a Stakeholder-Oriented Blockchain-Based Architecture for Electronic Health Records: Design Science Research Study

10.2196/13585 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. e13585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Heinrich Beinke ◽  
Christian Fitte ◽  
Frank Teuteberg
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Data Security ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Recommendations For Action ◽  
Electronic Health

Background Data security issues still constitute the main reason for the sluggish dissemination of electronic health records (EHRs). Given that blockchain technology offers the possibility to verify transactions through a decentralized network, it may serve as a solution to secure health-related data. Therefore, we have identified stakeholder-specific requirements and propose a blockchain-based architecture for EHRs, while referring to the already existing scientific discussions on the potential of blockchain for use in EHRs. Objective This study aimed to introduce blockchain technology for EHRs, based on identifying stakeholders and systematically eliciting their requirements, and to discuss the key benefits (KBs) and key challenges (KCs) of blockchain technology in the context of EHRs. Methods The blockchain-based architecture was developed in the framework of the design science research paradigm. The requirements were identified using a structured literature review and interviews with nine health care experts. Subsequently, the proposed architecture was evaluated using 4 workshops with 15 participants. Results We identified three major EHR stakeholder groups and 34 respective requirements. On this basis, we developed a five-layer architecture. The subsequent evaluation of the artifact was followed by the discussion of 12 KBs and 12 KCs of a blockchain-based architecture for EHRs. To address the KCs, we derived five recommendations for action for science and practice. Conclusions Our findings indicate that blockchain technology offers considerable potential to advance EHRs. Improvements to currently available EHR solutions are expected, for instance, in the areas of data security, traceability, and automation by smart contracts. Future research could examine the patient’s acceptance of blockchain-based EHRs and cost-benefit analyses.

scholarly journals Towards a Stakeholder-Oriented Blockchain-Based Architecture for Electronic Health Records: Design Science Research Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Heinrich Beinke ◽  
Christian Fitte ◽  
Frank Teuteberg
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Data Security ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Recommendations For Action ◽  
Electronic Health

BACKGROUND Data security issues still constitute the main reason for the sluggish dissemination of electronic health records (EHRs). Given that blockchain technology offers the possibility to verify transactions through a decentralized network, it may serve as a solution to secure health-related data. Therefore, we have identified stakeholder-specific requirements and propose a blockchain-based architecture for EHRs, while referring to the already existing scientific discussions on the potential of blockchain for use in EHRs. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to introduce blockchain technology for EHRs, based on identifying stakeholders and systematically eliciting their requirements, and to discuss the key benefits (KBs) and key challenges (KCs) of blockchain technology in the context of EHRs. METHODS The blockchain-based architecture was developed in the framework of the design science research paradigm. The requirements were identified using a structured literature review and interviews with nine health care experts. Subsequently, the proposed architecture was evaluated using 4 workshops with 15 participants. RESULTS We identified three major EHR stakeholder groups and 34 respective requirements. On this basis, we developed a five-layer architecture. The subsequent evaluation of the artifact was followed by the discussion of 12 KBs and 12 KCs of a blockchain-based architecture for EHRs. To address the KCs, we derived five recommendations for action for science and practice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that blockchain technology offers considerable potential to advance EHRs. Improvements to currently available EHR solutions are expected, for instance, in the areas of data security, traceability, and automation by smart contracts. Future research could examine the patient’s acceptance of blockchain-based EHRs and cost-benefit analyses.

scholarly journals From crowd to cloud: simplified automatic reconstruction of digital building assets for facility management

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinimalan Balakrishnan Selvakumaran ◽  
Daniel Mark Hall
Keyword(s):  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
End To End

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of an end-to-end simplified and automated reconstruction pipeline for digital building assets using the design science research approach. Current methods to create digital assets by capturing the state of existing buildings can provide high accuracy but are time-consuming, expensive and difficult. Design/methodology/approach Using design science research, this research identifies the need for a crowdsourced and cloud-based approach to reconstruct digital building assets. The research then develops and tests a fully functional smartphone application prototype. The proposed end-to-end smartphone workflow begins with data capture and ends with user applications. Findings The resulting implementation can achieve a realistic three-dimensional (3D) model characterized by different typologies, minimal trade-off in accuracy and low processing costs. By crowdsourcing the images, the proposed approach can reduce costs for asset reconstruction by an estimated 93% compared to manual modeling and 80% compared to locally processed reconstruction algorithms. Practical implications The resulting implementation achieves “good enough” reconstruction of as-is 3D models with minimal tradeoffs in accuracy compared to automated approaches and 15× cost savings compared to a manual approach. Potential facility management use cases include the issue and information tracking, 3D mark-up and multi-model configurators. Originality/value Through user engagement, development, testing and validation, this work demonstrates the feasibility and impact of a novel crowdsourced and cloud-based approach for the reconstruction of digital building assets.

scholarly journals Design Science Research: Evaluation in the Lens of Big Data Analytics

Systems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Elragal ◽  
Moutaz Haddara
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Evaluation Phase ◽  
New Type

Given the different types of artifacts and their various evaluation methods, one of the main challenges faced by researchers in design science research (DSR) is choosing suitable and efficient methods during the artifact evaluation phase. With the emergence of big data analytics, data scientists conducting DSR are also challenged with identifying suitable evaluation mechanisms for their data products. Hence, this conceptual research paper is set out to address the following questions. Does big data analytics impact how evaluation in DSR is conducted? If so, does it lead to a new type of evaluation or a new genre of DSR? We conclude by arguing that big data analytics should influence how evaluation is conducted, but it does not lead to the creation of a new genre of design research.

scholarly journals Design Science Research in Practice: What Can We Learn from a Longitudinal Analysis of the Development of Published Artifacts?

10.28945/4493 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 001-023
Author(s):  
Jose O De Sordi ◽  
Marcia Azevedo ◽  
Manuel Meireles ◽  
Luis Hernan Contreras Pinochet ◽  
Carlos Francisco Bitencourt Jorge
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Evaluation Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Entry Points ◽  
Network Diagrams

Aim/Purpose: To discuss the Design Science Research approach by comparing some of its canons with observed practices in projects in which it is applied, in order to understand and structure it better. Background: Recent criticisms of the application of the Design Science Research (DSR) approach have pointed out the need to make it more approachable and less confusing to overcome deficiencies such as the unrealistic evaluation. Methodology: We identified and analyzed 92 articles that presented artifacts developed from DSR projects and another 60 articles with preceding or subsequent actions associated with these 92 projects. We applied the content analysis technique to these 152 articles, enabling the preparation of network diagrams and an analysis of the longitudinal evolution of these projects in terms of activities performed and the types of artifacts involved. Contribution: The content analysis of these 152 articles enabled the preparation of network diagrams and an analysis of the longitudinal evolution of these projects in terms of the activities and types of artifacts involved. Evidence was found of a precedence hierarchy among different types of artifacts, as well as nine new opportunities for entry points for the continuity of DSR studies. Only 14% of the DSR artifacts underwent an evaluation by typical end users, characterizing a tenth type of entry point. Regarding the evaluation process, four aspects were identified, which demonstrated that 86% of DSR artifact evaluations are unrealistic. Findings: We identified and defined a set of attributes that allows a better characterization and structuring of the artifact evaluation process. Analyzing the field data, we inferred a precedence hierarchy for different artifacts types, as well as nine new opportunities for entry points for the continuity of DSR studies. Recommendation for Researchers: The four attributes identified for analyzing evaluation processes serve as guidelines for practitioners and researchers to achieve a realistic evaluation of artifacts. Future Research: The nine new entry points identified serve as an inspiration for researchers to give continuity to DSR projects.

scholarly journals Towards Participatory Action Design Research: Adapting Action Research and Design Science Research Methods for Urban Informatics

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Bilandzic ◽  
John Venable
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Action Design Research ◽  
Urban Informatics ◽  
Research And Design

This paper proposes a new research method, Participatory Action Design Research (PADR), for studies in the Urban Informatics (UI) domain. PADR supports UI research in developing new technological means (e.g. using mobile and ubiquitous computing) to resolve contemporary issues or support everyday life in urban environments. Situated in a socio-technical context, UI requires a close dialogue between social and design-oriented fields of research as well as their methods. PADR combines Action Research and Design Science Research, both of which are used in Information Systems, another field with a strong socio-technical emphasis, and further adapts them to the cross-disciplinary needs and research context of UI.

scholarly journals A Design Science Tool to Improve Code Maintainability for Hypertext Pre-processor (PHP) Programs

10.28945/4769 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant P Trudel ◽  
Samuel Sambasivam
Keyword(s):  
Programming Languages ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Quality Aspects ◽  
Code Quality

Aim/Purpose: A design science tool to improve code maintainability for PHP programs. Background: This paper addresses this issue by providing an enhancement to an existing tool that specifically addresses and improves program maintainability for PHP programs. Methodology: This paper uses design science research which involves creating or modifying one or more artifacts. In this case, the artifact is PHP Code Sniffer, which was modified to improve code maintainability of PHP programs. Contribution: This paper provides a method of improving code maintainability of PHP programs. Findings: Code quality in terms of maintainability is a modern-day issue. No tool specifically addresses maintainability. When updating PHP code that has poor maintainability, there is a much higher likelihood that errors will be introduced than with code that is more maintainable. Recommendations for Practitioners: For PHP developers and project leaders dealing with PHP programs, running the modified PHP Code Sniffer will improve code maintainability. Recommendations for Researchers: Examine ways to improve other code quality aspects such as reliability, security, usability, efficiency, and so on. Impact on Society: PHP programs, which run the background processes behind most web pages, will be more robust, reliable, and correct. Future Research: Expand this to investigate improving maintainability for other common programming languages.

scholarly journals Designing to Inform: Toward Conceptualizing Practitioner Audiences for Socio-technical Artifacts in Design Science Research in the Information Systems Discipline

10.28945/2143 ◽  
2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Drechsler
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Explicit Consideration ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Technical Artifacts ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Theory Practice Gap

This paper identifies areas in the design science research (DSR) subfield of the information systems (IS) discipline where a more detailed consideration of practitioner audiences of socio-technical design artifacts could improve current IS DSR research practice and proposes an initial conceptualization of these audiences. The consequences of not considering artifact audiences are identified through a critical appraisal of the current informing science lenses in the IS DSR literature. There are specific shortcomings in four areas: 1) treating practice stakeholders as a too homogeneous group, 2) not explicitly distinguishing between social and technical parts of socio-technical artifacts, 3) neglecting implications of the artifact abstraction level, and 4) a lack of explicit consideration of a dynamic or evolutionary fitness perspective of socio-technical artifacts. The findings not only pave the way for future research to further improve the conceptualization of artifact audiences, in order to improve the informing power – and thus, impact on practice and research relevance – of IS DSR projects; they can also help to bridge the theory-practice gap in other disciplines (e.g. computer science, engineering, or policy-oriented sociology) that seek to produce social and/or technical artifacts of practical relevance. A revised version of this paper was published in Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline, Volume 18, 2015

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