Configuration of design activities and design theorizing

Abstract:

This session will touch on two important topics in Information Systems (IS) design research: configuration of design activities and design theorizing. Those who have conducted design research are aware of the challenge in dealing with multiple stakeholders. As the complexity and diversity increase, shared understanding is essential for design research project success. Established design research methodologies need complementary tools to support design researchers in configuring their design activities and representing them faithfully, two dimensions that contribute to a shared understanding. We will explore and discuss Baustein, an instance of such tools. Baustein is an ensemble of card-deck, ready-made configurations, and a manual to promote shared understanding among different stakeholders. Baustein has been evaluated by 110 IS design researchers. We will also discuss the idea of design theorizing and focus on design principle as a vehicle of design knowledge. 

The content draws on a working paper and the following two papers:

Gregor, S., Chandra Kruse, L., & Seidel, S. (2020). The anatomy of a design principle. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 21(6), 1622-1652.

Chandra Kruse, L., Purao, S., & Seidel, S. (2022). How designers use design principles: Design behaviors and application modes. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 23(5), 1235-1270.

Short bio:

Leona Chandra Kruse is a Professor at the University of Agder in Norway. She is also the research leader for the Department of Information Systems. Leona is interested in what it means to be human in the digital age. Her research focuses on how people use information systems for work and leisure and how the technologies should be designed to provide people with support, pleasure, and security. She examines legacy and emerging digital technologies, such as decision support systems, digital companions, non-fungible tokens, and immersive technologies, as well as innovative ways of appropriating these technologies, such as virtual wine tasting, hybrid work, and multisensory experiential offerings.