Explore the DSR-Academy

DSR-Academy Interviews

Interview - 24 01 2024 - DSR-Academy

TUURE TUUNANEN

Tuure Tuunanen is a professor of Information Systems at the University of Jyväskylä since 2012. Tuunanen has held various academic positions in New Zealand, the USA, and Finland, and currently serves as the director of the Finnish hub for digitalization.

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.

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Interview - 19 02 2024 - DSR-Academy

CHRISTOPH SECKLER

Christoph Seckler is an assistant professor at ESCP Business School, where he focuses on design science and its application to real-world problems. He is deeply passionate about the potential of design science to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, leading him to co-found the Center for Design Science in Entrepreneurship at ESCP.

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.

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Interview - 09 04 2024 - DSR-Academy

MUNIR Y. MANDVIWALLA

Munir Mandviwalla, a professor of Management Information Systems (MIS) at Temple University for nearly 30 years. Munir is also a co-founder of the Temple University spinoff PRO Community and is actively involved in projects with industry, particularly with a focus on design science.

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.

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Interview - 11 04 2024 - DSR-Academy

JOHN VENABLE

John Venable, an adjunct associate professor at Curtin University, introduces himself. Originally from the United States, he has been living in Australia for over 26 years. With a background in qualitative and critical research methods, he completed his PhD in design science research in 1994, before the term "design science" became widely recognized.

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 (DSR). 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 guide to researchers, particularly novices, through the evaluation process.

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Interview - 22 05 2024 - DSR-Academy

SHIRLEY GREGOR

Shirley Gregor, Professor Emerita at the Australian National University, is renowned for her contributions to artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and the philosophy of science and technology, and is recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide.

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.

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Interview - 25 06 2024 - DSR-Academy

AHMED ABBASI

Ahmed Abbasi, Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations at the Mendoza College of Business, is a prominent figure in artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and information systems. With nearly one hundred publications in leading journals and conferences like MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research (ISR), and IEEE Intelligent Systems, Abbasi is recognized as a top contributor to the field.

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.

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Interview - 01 07 2024 - DSR-Academy

ROBERT WINTER

Robert Winter, Professor of Information Systems at the University of St. Gallen and Director of the Institute for Information Systems, is a leading expert in design science research. With a prolific career, Winter has significantly contributed to the evolution of methodologies and approaches within the field.

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.

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Interview - 03 07 2024 - DSR-Academy

ALEXANDER MAEDCHE

Alexander Maedche, Professor of Information Systems at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and head of the Human-Centered Systems Lab, is a key figure in design science research. With a strong focus on the human-in-the-loop paradigm, Maedche has made significant contributions to understanding how humans interact with and influence the design process.

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.

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Interview - 08 07 2024 - DSR-Academy

MONICA CHIARINI TREMBLAY

Monica Chiarini Tremblay is a Professor of Business at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business, William & Mary. With a background in engineering and extensive industry experience at ExxonMobil, Tremblay transitioned to academia, where she has become a recognized expert in Design Science Research (DSR) and healthcare analytics.

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.

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Interview - 09 07 2024 - DSR-Academy

MATTHEW MULLARKEY

Matthew Mullarkey is a Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida's Muma College of Business, where he also serves as the Director and Co-Founder of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. With a diverse background in the military, automotive, and medical device industries, Mullarkey transitioned into academia, where he has made significant contributions to Design Science Research (DSR).

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.

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Interview - 17 10 2024 - DSR-Academy

RICHARD BASKERVILLE

Richard L. Baskerville is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Computer Information Systems in the Robinson College of Business at the Georgia State university, renowned for his extensive contributions to the field of Design Science Research (DSR) and its underlying philosophies. With a career spanning decades, Baskerville has explored the intersections of systems development, organizational change, and innovative methodologies in IS research.

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.

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Interview - 19 11 2024 - DSR-Academy

JAN VOM BROCKE

Jan vom Brocke is a distinguished Professor of Information Systems at the University of Münster and Director of the ERCIS – The European Research Center for Information Systems. Renowned for his impactful contributions to both academia and practice, he has shaped how organizations leverage design knowledge for innovation and problem-solving, with a strong focus on addressing complex real-world challenges.

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.

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Interview - 20 11 2024 - DSR-Academy

HAMED ZOLBANIN

Hamed Zolbanin is an Assistant Professor of Business Analytics at the University of Dayton, where he focuses on leveraging machine learning and data analytics to address critical challenges in information systems and decision-making. His research integrates machine learning with design science principles to solve complex, real-world problems, positioning him as an emerging voice in this evolving field.

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 (DSR), 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.

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