The state of design - A comprehensive literature review to chart the design science research discourse

Abstract

Design science is an increasingly popular research paradigm in the information systems discipline. Despite a recognition of the design science research paradigm, questions are being raised about the nature of its existence and its contributions. Central to this argument is the understanding of the relationship between “theoretical research” and “design research” and the necessary implications for design. In this research, we contribute to this discourse by carrying out a structured literature review in order to appreciate the current state of the art in design science research. The results identify an incongruence between the methodological guidelines informing the design and how the design is carried out in practice. On the basis of our observations on the design process, the theoretical foundations of design, and the design outcomes, we outline some research directions that we believe will contribute to methodically well-executed design science contributions in the future.