Föreläsning 10a

Question 1

What is Design Science Research (DSR)?

Answer 1

A research methodology centered around the design, creation, and evaluation of an artifact.

Question 2

What is an artifact in DSR?

Answer 2

It is the man made object/solution created to address a problem and used to demonstrate how a new idea, method, or technology can solve a real-world issue.

Question 3

What types of artifacts are used in DSR?

Answer 3

• Constructs (e.g., concepts, models, vocabularies)
• Models (e.g., representations or frameworks for understanding a problem or solution)
• Methods (e.g., algorithms, procedures, techniques)
• Instantiations (e.g., software systems, prototypes, tools)

Question 4

What distinguishes DSR from non-scientific design?

Answer 4

DSR involves academic qualities such as novelty, relevance, analysis, documentation, and peer-review, whereas non-scientific design may not.

Question 5

What are the six steps in Peffers’ DSR methodology (DSRM)?

Answer 5

1. Problem Identification and Motivation - research gap
2. Definition of the Objectives for a Solution - RQ
3. Design and Development - Design and create artifact using for example - tools - prototyping - etc.
4. Demonstration - Demonstrate use of artifact by for example, experimation - case study - etc.
5. Evaluation - Evaluate the artifact according to predefined. Can be qualitative or quantitative
6. Communication - Write the paper/thesis to communicate the problem, artifact, evaluation, and contributions

Question 6

What are typical evaluation criteria in DSR?

Answer 6

Accuracy, Performance, Functionality, Usability, Consistency, Accessibility.

Question 7

What are the three DSR cycles suggested by Hevner?

Answer 7

Relevance cycle - improve upon motivation and goals
Rigor cycle - add knowledge and scope of innovation
Design cycle - after evaluation, go back and improve the design

Question 8

What is a Construct in DSR?

Answer 8

A concept that defines the vocabulary of the problem domain.

For example, database, user role, sensor … ,
or more abstract concepts such as usability, performance, safety …

Question 9

What is a Model in DSR?

Answer 9

Based on given Constructs –
describe (using flowcharts, diagrams etc) systems or processes
* E.g. device interaction in a new kind of home automation system.

Question 10

What is a Method in DSR?

Answer 10

A procedure or algorithm that uses constructs and models to achieve goals.

E.g. a method for how to implement and evaluate usability of an artifact

Question 11

What is an Instantiation in DSR?

Answer 11

A working implementation or prototype of constructs, models, and methods.

Question 12

What is one advantage of DSR?

Answer 12

It produces a tangible end-product that can lead to business opportunities.

Question 13

What is a drawback of DSR?

Answer 13

• It may be hard to generalize artifacts
• May require high technical skill – the artifact may end up esoteric to some audiences

Question 14

What is a typical use case for DSR in academia?

Answer 14

Developing and evaluating innovative IT artifacts such as tools, platforms, or systems.

Question 15

Based on a smart door for cats, describe the different artifact types

Answer 15

• Constructs
• Cat, Sensor/Camera, Controller, Smartphone …
• Feasibility, Performance, (Cat) safety …
• Models
• Describe some of the systems/processes – e.g. cat identification & door opening, or the process of registering a new household cat
• Methods
• Depends on what we are evaluating, for example –
• Feasibility: how to demonstrate that it “works”
• Performance: how/what to measure, e.g. latency
• Safety: a method to show that cats (or humans) are not harmed
• Instantiations
• Explain what this step would entail in real life.