Dealing with Complexity in Design Science Research: Using Design Echelons to Support Planning, Conducting, and Communicating Design Knowledge Contributions

Tuunanen, T.; Winter, R.; vom Brocke, J.

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

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 sociotechnical 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 “echelons”—meaning decomposing 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.

Details about the publication

JournalMIS Quarterly (MISQ)
Volume48
Issue2
Page range427-458
StatusPublished
Release year2024
DOI10.25300/MISQ/2023/16700
Link to the full texthttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/381116475_Dealing_with_Complexity_in_Design_Science_Research_A_Methodology_Using_Design_Echelons
Keywordsdesign science research; methodology; research project complexity; design knowledge development; organizing logic; design echelon; echelon-specific validation

Authors from the University of Münster

vom Brocke, Jan
Chair for Information Systems and Controlling (AW)