Design Science Theorizing: The Contribution of Practical Theory

Abstract

Information systems research is often conducted as engaged scholarship—collaborative work with practitioners to somehow improve the world and articulate new knowledge through gained experiences and reflection. In information systems, engaged scholarship often manifests as design science research. In this chapter, we argue that the design science discourse has been biased towards theorizing with a focus on design knowledge for a particular domain of artifacts and practices. We propose that design science also offers an opportunity to theorize instrumentalities through and for inquiry. Drawing from pragmatist epistemology as well as ideas on theorizing in management research, we adopt a case view on design science. We outline a view on the theorizing process in design science and propose practical theories as instrumental and emergent tools for design inquiry and as viable and important knowledge outcomes of design science. Finally, we discuss implications for design science research cases and how this can contribute to a cumulative knowledge evolution.