Examining the Philosophical Underpinnings of Design Science Research (DSR)

Design science research (DSR) has become a popular method in information systems research and has been warmly welcomed in other disciplines as well. The importance of DSR is evident, in terms of its contribution to knowledge, as well as the creation of artefacts to solve problems of common interest. While it has demonstrated a clear methodology for achieving research goals, the philosophical underpinnings are not widely synthesised. There are inconsistencies and voids related to the philosophical aspects of DSR. For example, there is an inconsistent argument among researchers regarding the definition of design science research in the first place. This study analysed six key texts published within the last fifteen years in design science research along with a critical discussion, with the help of the existing literature. Accordingly, the study presents suggestions for the philosophical aspects of DSR. Namely, the definitions related to DSR terms (design, design science, design science research, and research), philosophical aspects (ontology, epistemology, and axiology), and theory development approaches (inductive, deductive, abductive, and retroductive), as well as research strategies were discussed. This is recommended to take as a starting point for a formative discussion of the topic, fine-tuning ideas with a critical eye.