In this interview, Tuure Tuunanen reflects on the reception and evolution of his paper "A Design Science Research Methodology for Information Systems Research" on design science research methodology. He highlights the paper's aim to provide a simple and useful method for doctoral students conducting their studies. While the paper introduced several ideas, such as different starting points for research projects, the main focus remains on the nominal process model, which describes different stages of the research process. Tuunanen notes that although the model was meant to be iterative, this aspect may not have been emphasized enough initially. He also discusses the challenges of describing research iterations and cycles, citing a complex project he and Ken Peffers worked on. Despite some considerations for potential improvements, Tuunanen expresses satisfaction with the paper's overall impact and readability, acknowledging that it reflects the thinking of its time and has stood the test of time well

Seckler discusses the introduction of design science research into the entrepreneurship and innovation field, highlighting its potential for real-world impact. He explains the mission of the Center for Design Science, which aims to publish design science research, build a community around it, and connect researchers with real-world challenges. Seckler then discusses his paper "Design Science in Entrepreneurship: Conceptual Foundations and Guiding Principles", co-authored with René Mauer and Jan vom Brocke. The paper addresses critical questions about design science's status as a scientific approach and provides guiding principles for conducting and reviewing design science research. Seckler expresses pride in the paper's contribution to legitimizing design science in entrepreneurship and innovation research but acknowledges that he would elaborate more on the scientific method if he were to rewrite it today.

Munir Y. Mandviwalla reflects on the origins of his paper "Generating and justifying design theory" during his PhD and its development over time. Initially sparked by a desire to merge his background in behavioral research with engineering principles, Mandviwalla explored the concept of iteration and prototyping in design science research. He discusses the evolution of the paper amid challenges and rejections, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. Mandviwalla highlights the paper's contribution to rigor and relevance in DSR, the integration of behavior and design, and the exploration of stopping rules. Looking back, he suggests areas for improvement, such as refining typologies of innovation and reconsidering documentation methods.

In the interview, Venable describes the key idea behind the paper "FEDs: A Framework for Evaluation in Design Science Research", which focuses on providing guidance for researchers conducting evaluations in design science research. The key idea is the development of a two-dimensional framework that distinguishes between artificial and naturalistic evaluation, as well as formative and summative evaluation. This framework helps researchers understand the types of evaluations they should conduct at different stages of their DSR projects. Additionally, the paper introduces four archetypical trajectories of evaluation progression and provides a set of steps to guide researchers, particularly novices, through the evaluation process.

Her renowned paper, "Positioning and Presenting Design Science Research for Maximum Impact", published in 2013, addresses gaps in understanding and applying design science research. In this interview, Gregor discusses the origins of the paper, which stemmed from a workshop conversation with Alan Hevner about the necessity of a clear framework for design science contributions. The key ideas of the paper, including the quadrants and levels of knowledge, aim to guide researchers in effectively demonstrating and justifying their contributions. Gregor emphasizes that the framework not only helps in articulating research value but also enhances the visibility and influence of design science research within the broader academic community.

In this interview, Abbasi discusses his influential paper, "Pathways for Design Research on Artificial Intelligence", published in Information Systems Research in 2022. The paper, developed with insights from co-authors and years of editorial experience, addresses the challenges and opportunities in integrating AI with design science research. Abbasi emphasizes the need for a robust framework to guide researchers in creating impactful AI-driven design research, aiming to enhance both theoretical contributions and practical applications within the academic community.

In this interview, Winter discusses his recent paper, "Dealing with Complexity in Design Science Research: A Methodology Using Design Echelons", published in MIS Quarterly in June 2024. Co-authored with Tuure Tuunanen and Jan vom Brocke, the paper introduces a new approach to managing complexity in design science research through the concept of design echelons. Winter explains that this methodology addresses the increasing complexity of artifacts and processes in design research, offering a framework that allows researchers to focus on specific components of a design project without losing sight of the overall complexity. The paper aims to legitimize the publication of intermediate artifacts and provide a new lens for tackling intricate design challenges, with the goal of advancing the rigor and impact of design science research.

In this interview, Maedche discusses his influential paper, "Conceptualization of the Problem Space in Design Science Research", co-authored with Shirley Gregor, Stefan Morana, and Jasper Feine. Published five years ago, the paper introduces a model to help researchers effectively articulate and structure the problem space in design science research. Maedche explains that the model was designed to address challenges in clearly defining and communicating problems, focusing on stakeholders, their needs, and deriving requirements. He emphasizes the value of standardized conceptualizations to make design research processes more consistent and impactful.

In this interview, Tremblay discusses her work on using focus groups in DSR, particularly as detailed in her influential paper, "Focus Groups for Artifact Refinement and Evaluation in Design Research". She explains the unique challenges of employing focus groups in this context, such as maintaining objectivity and managing group dynamics. Tremblay also reflects on the broader impact of her research and her vision for the future of DSR, especially in light of emerging technologies like large language models.

In this interview, Mullarkey delves into his influential paper, "An Elaborated Action Design Research Process Model", co-authored with Alan Hevner and published in the European Journal of Information Systems. The paper presents an enhanced process model for Action Design Research (ADR), which addresses the iterative and complex nature of solving real-world problems. Mullarkey explains the challenges and insights that shaped the development of this model, underscoring its versatility and impact across various fields. He also reflects on the model’s growing adoption worldwide, particularly its applications in disciplines like accounting and healthcare.

In this discussion, Baskerville reflects on his seminal work, "Genres of Inquiry in Design-Science Research", published in the MIS Quarterly. The paper categorizes distinct genres of inquiry within DSR, offering a framework that bridges diverse research approaches with practical problem-solving. He emphasizes the importance of versatility in DSR methodologies for addressing complex challenges and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The conversation highlights the paper’s impact on the DSR community and its enduring relevance in guiding innovative research.

In this interview, vom Brocke discusses his seminal paper, "Accumulation and Evolution of Design Knowledge and Design Science Research: A Journey through Time and Space" which explores the trajectory of design knowledge and its ongoing refinement within the context of DSR. The paper provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how design knowledge evolves over time and across disciplines, emphasizing the importance of cumulative and iterative research practices. Vom Brocke shares the key challenges and milestones encountered during the development of this work, highlighting its implications for scholars and practitioners seeking to create impactful, enduring contributions. He also reflects on the broader influence of this research, particularly its role in shaping the future of design-oriented disciplines such as information systems, business process management, and organizational innovation.

In this interview, Zolbanin discusses his paper, "A Process Model for Design-Oriented Machine Learning Research in Information Systems," published in the Journal of Strategic Information Systems. The paper outlines a structured framework combining design science research, action design research (ADR), and CRISP-DM principles to enhance the rigor of machine learning applications. Zolbanin highlights how the model addresses key challenges, providing clear steps for data preparation, artifact development, and evaluation, and reflects on its potential to unify standards for ML studies in information systems.

In this interview, Hevner reflects on the 20th anniversary of his seminal MIS Quarterly paper, "Design Science in Information Systems Research," a cornerstone of the field that introduced a framework balancing scientific theory and practical artifact design. He discusses its lasting impact, with over 20,000 citations, and its relevance in shaping modern DSR practices, including iterative processes, rapid evaluation, and collaboration in response to technological advancements like generative AI and blockchain. Hevner also highlights the future of DSR, emphasizing ethical design and inspiring young researchers to pursue meaningful, interdisciplinary work that addresses real-world challenges.

Hevner invites colleagues and young researchers to connect with him at ahevner@usf.edu, emphasizing his commitment to supporting impactful research and fostering collaboration in design science.

Jan Marco Leimeister is a Full Professor and Director at both the University of St. Gallen and the University of Kassel in Germany, and a leading figure in Design Science Research. With a background in information systems and a focus on theory-motivated design, Leimeister has dedicated his career to bridging empirical research and practical application, driving innovation through user-centered IT solutions and behavioral insights.

In this interview, Leimeister reflects on his influential 2009 paper, "Leveraging Crowdsourcing: Activation Supported Components for IT-Based Idea Competition," published in the Journal of Management Information Systems, which introduced a framework for improving user engagement in idea competitions through theory-driven design. With thousands of citations, the paper underscores the value of combining psychological insights with IT system design to enhance motivation and user participation. Leimeister discusses the evolution of DSR, the importance of integrating design science into mainstream IS research, and the challenges of balancing theoretical rigor with practical impact in the face of emerging technologies like AI and crowdsourcing.

Dominik Siemon is an Assistant Professor at LUT University in the Department of Software Engineering and a rising figure in Design Science Research. With a background in information systems and a focus on AI-based systems and collaborative technologies, Siemon has dedicated his career to understanding how people interact with intelligent systems and to advancing the DSR methodology by improving practical impact and knowledge flow.

In this interview, Siemon discusses his ongoing research project on enhancing practical impact and engagement in DSR. His work explores the design knowledge knot, a framework based on Hevner's three-cycle view, which aims to clarify how design knowledge moves between theoretical insights and practical artifacts. Siemon's research highlights the complexity and individuality of DSR projects, emphasizing the need to understand the creative mechanisms that link meta-requirements, design principles, and artifact creation. He reflects on the evolving nature of DSR, the balance between rigor and relevance, and the importance of empowering young researchers to confidently engage with the design process.

Ricarda Schlimbach is a Professor for Information Systems and Digital Management at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences. With a background in mechanical engineering and over a decade of experience in the automotive industry, Schlimbach brings a practical, problem-solving mindset to her academic work. Her research focuses on using design science research to develop innovative learning tools, including learning companions, chatbots, and gamified systems, with the goal of enhancing both teaching and student engagement.

In this interview, Schlimbach discusses her paper, "A Teaching Framework for the Methodically Versatile DSR Education of Master's Students," which presents a framework for introducing master's students to DSR through a combination of diverse research methods. By assigning different approaches—such as expert interviews, quantitative analysis, and literature reviews—to research groups working on a shared central problem, students gain a deeper understanding of how research methods interact and complement each other. Schlimbach reflects on the importance of iterative learning, encouraging students to view DSR as a continuous process rather than a fixed method. She also emphasizes the need for quality over quantity in DSR research and the value of combining rigorous theory with practical problem-solving.

Stefan Seidel is a Professor of Information Systems at the University of Cologne. He studies how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are implicated in organizational and institutional change and innovation. Stefan’s work has been published in leading journals, including MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research, Journal of Management Information Systems, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, and several others. He also serves as a Senior Editor for MIS Quarterly.

In this interview, Seidel discusses his paper, "Design Principles for Sense Making Support Systems in Environmental Sustainability Transformations," which explores how to design systems that support organizational sense-making during sustainability transformations. The paper presents a process of deriving design principles from sense-making theory, implementing them in a real-world setting, and refining them through iterative cycles of testing and analysis. Seidel reflects on the challenge of balancing generalizability and specificity in design principles and emphasizes the importance of team composition, interdisciplinary collaboration, and treating design principles as tentative, evolving forms of knowledge. He highlights the need for cumulative tradition in DSR, encouraging researchers to engage more deeply with existing design knowledge.

Picture ©: Alexander Conrads

Edona Elshan is an Assistant Professor at the Vrije University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on the future of software development and how to empower citizen developers—non-experts in large organizations—to contribute to digital transformation. Elshan’s work has been published in leading journals, including the Journal of Management Information Systems and Information Systems Frontier, with a strong focus on applying design science research to practical and theoretical challenges in software development and AI-based systems.

In this interview, Elshan discusses her paper, "Leveraging Low Code Development of Smart Personal Assistants: An Integrated Design Approach," which explores how domain experts can design AI assistants without programming expertise. The paper investigates low-code development platforms and proposes a framework to reduce the cognitive load for domain experts, enabling them to design AI assistants more effectively. Elshan reflects on the challenge of balancing rigor and relevance in DSR, the importance of creating reusable design principles, and the need for better knowledge transfer to practice. She emphasizes the value of identifying meaningful, real-world problems as a foundation for impactful DSR research.

Leona Chandra Kruse is a Professor of Information Systems at the University of Agder. Her research focuses on how people use information systems for work and leisure, with an emphasis on designing technologies that enhance support, security, and user experience. Kruse is part of the CHERISH research group, which aims to leverage sociotechnical digital design for human flourishing. Her current projects include immersive training in healthcare, digital workflow solutions for small businesses, and learning with conversational AI.

In this interview, Kruse discusses her paper, "Research Perspectives: The Autonomy of a Design Principle," co-authored with Shirley Gregor and Stefan Seidel and published in the Journal of the Association for Information Systems. The paper proposes a schema for specifying design principles for IT-based artifacts and sociotechnical systems, offering guidance on how to create and describe design knowledge. Kruse reflects on the importance of considering both the technical and social aspects of design, the challenge of balancing generalizability and specificity in design principles, and the need for cumulative knowledge in DSR. She emphasizes that design principles should serve as guidance rather than rigid standards, encouraging researchers to focus on practical impact and knowledge transfer.