Dealing with Complexity in Design Science Research: A Methodology Using Design Echelons
Journal
MIS Quarterly
ISSN
0276-7783
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2024-06
Author(s)
Research Team
IWI1
Abstract
Design science research (DSR) aims to generate knowledge about innovative solutions to real-world problems. Consequently, DSR needs to deal with the complexity related to problem and solution spaces involving socio-technical phenomena that people perceive differently and are subject to constant change. This complexity poses challenges to sequential, process-based approaches—specifically, the existing DSR methodology. We designed a DSR methodology that extends existing approaches by adding a complementary organizing logic to address complexity. Based on the theory of hierarchical, multilevel systems, we suggest organizing DSR based on the concept of “echelon”—meaning to decompose DSR projects into smaller logically coherent self-contained parts—and suggest a set of five design echelons that imply a hierarchical organizing logic for DSR projects. The echeloned DSR (eDSR) methodology was developed in five iterations, involving seven design and evaluation episodes.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Volume
48
Number
2
Start page
427
End page
458
Subject(s)
Division(s)