Design science research
Build an artefact that contributes knowledge
Design science research develops and evaluates purposeful artefacts, including constructs, models, methods and software, to address an important problem and contribute transferable design knowledge. It links a practical problem with a research contribution, rather than treating implementation alone as sufficient. Evaluation can use qualitative, quantitative or integrated evidence, chosen to fit the claim.
Choose it when the central question asks how a useful solution can be designed and why its design works, with access to a realistic problem, relevant literature and credible evaluation opportunities.
Strengths
- Produces usable solutions and explicit design knowledge
- Supports iterative learning from artefact performance
Limitations
- An impressive prototype can conceal a weak research contribution
- Evaluation in one setting may poorly represent deployment
Know the boundary
Software development becomes design science only when construction and evaluation support an explicit research contribution.