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Towards a paradigmatic shift in IS: designing for social practice

Published: 07 May 2009 Publication History

Abstract

The paper elaborates on the theoretical foundation of Information System understood as a field of design science. Revisiting Hevner's et al. seminal paper [44], we elaborate on theoretical and conceptual shortcomings. Theoretically, we state a somehow limited perception of pragmatist thinking. Conceptually, we criticize a limited definition of the IS research field and argue in favour of an (obligatory) evaluation of IT artifacts in real world settings. To develop the design science paradigm beyond these shortcomings, we present a theoretical framework which takes the interrelation of IT artifacts and social practices as a central focus of research. Such an epistemological and ontological opening of the design science perspective leads to methodological implications. We exemplify methodological shifts by taking the Canonical Action Research (CAR) method as a problematic example. Design probes are discussed as a method which holds considerable promises under a reframed paradigm. The consequences of the theoretical and methodological reflections for a socially relevant IS design science are discussed finally.

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    DESRIST '09: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology
    May 2009
    288 pages
    ISBN:9781605584089
    DOI:10.1145/1555619
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    Author Tags

    1. action research
    2. design probes
    3. design science
    4. epistemology
    5. information systems
    6. methodology
    7. ontology
    8. social relevance
    9. theories of practice

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