Design Science Research according to Peffers et al
Process description
Problem identification and motivation
Description
Define the specific research problem and justify the value of a solution. Since the problem definition will be used to develop an effective artifactual solution, it may be useful to atomize the problem conceptually so that the solution can capture the problem’s complexity. Justifying the value of a solution accomplishes two things: it motivates the researcher and the audience of the research to pursue the solution and to accept the results and it helps to understand the reasoning associated with the researcher’s understanding of the problem. Resources required for this activity include knowledge of the state of the problem and the importance of its solution.[1]
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Objectives of a solution
Description
Infer the objectives of a solution from the problem definition. The objectives can be quantitative, e.g., terms in which a desirable solution would be better than current ones, or qualitative, e.g., where a new artifact is expected to support solutions to problems not hitherto addressed. The objectives should be inferred rationally from the problem specification. Resources required for this include knowledge of the state of problems and current solutions and their efficacy if any.[1]
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Design and development
Description
Create the artifactual solution. These artifacts are theoretical structures, templates, processes, or instantiations with each narrowly defined. This task involves deciding the desired functionality of the artifact and its design of the artifact. Tools needed to shift from goals to design and production include theoretical expertise that can be brought to bear as a solution.[1]
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Demonstration
Description
Demonstrate the artifact's effectiveness in solving the problem. It may include its use in experimentation, simulation, case study, proof, or other related activity. Resources needed for the demonstration include a good understanding of how the tool can be used to solve the problem.
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Evaluation
Description
Observe and measure how well the artifact supports a solution to the problem. This activity involves comparing the objectives of a solution to actual observed results from the use of the artifact in the demonstration. It requires knowledge of relevant metrics and analysis techniques.
Depending on the nature of the problem venue and the artifact, evaluation could include such items as a comparison of the artifact's functionality with the solution objectives from activity 2 above, objective quantitative performance measures, such as budgets or items produced satisfaction surveys, client feedback, or simulations. At the end of this activity, the researchers can decide whether to iterate back to step 3 to try to improve the effectiveness of the artifact or to continue on to communication and leave further improvement to subsequent projects. The nature of the research venue may dictate whether such iteration is feasible or not.[1]
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).
Communication
Description
Communicate the problem and its importance, the artifact, its utility and novelty, the rigor of its design, and its effectiveness to researchers and other relevant audiences, such as practicing professionals, when appropriate. In scholarly research publications, researchers might use the structure of this process to structure the paper, just as the nominal structure of an empirical research process (problem definition, literature review, hypothesis development, data collection, analysis, results, discussion, and conclusion) is a common structure for empirical research papers. Communication requires knowledge of the disciplinary culture (Peffers et al. 2007).
Examples
Further Readings
Peffers, K., Tuunanen, T., Rothenberger, M. A., and Chatterjee, S. 2007. “A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research,” Journal of Management Information Systems (24:3), Taylor & Francis Ltd, pp. 45–77. (https://doi.org/10.2753/MIS0742-1222240302).