A Renaissance of Context in Design Science Research

Foundational theorems for sciences of the artificial highlight that the object of design is not form alone, but ensembles of form and context. However, traditional methods, frameworks, and guidelines for design science research (DSR) strongly focus on developing artifacts as forms while downplaying their contextual reference. This undue emphasis on forms leads design researchers to develop incomplete design theories. Based on drawing on the foundational literature on design as science, we advocate for a renaissance of context, leading us to propose selective adaptations of core methods and frameworks that constitute DSR. We evaluate our approach by reviewing papers that account for most of these adaptations implicitly. Further research can draw on our results to develop IT artifacts and design theories as ensembles of context and form while discussing implications for additional methods and frameworks in DSR

Context in Design Science Research: Taxonomy and Framework

One of the open methodological concerns for design science research (DSR) in information systems is how to think about and deal with the notion of context. This paper takes an important step toward clarifying the notion of context and elaborates how it can be dealt with from a DSR perspective. In particular, we present a coherent theoretical account of context grounded in Pragmatism. Moreover, we also reify this understanding into a Context Taxonomy and Context Framework for DSR. Altogether, we intend to provide a sound foundation and a fruitful platform for DSR that is more attuned to the particularities of context

Utilizing Geographic Information Systems for Condition-Based Maintenance on the Energy Distribution Grid

The energy distribution grid is a critical infrastructure challenged with shifting requirements induced by the skyrocketing importance of green energy. Particularly, legacy assets—such as medium-voltage switchgear cabinets and circuit breakers—need to be maintained to prevent energy outages and reduce resource consumption. While related research has abundantly presented algorithms for condition-based maintenance, no design knowledge is available to prescribe how an information system for this purpose ought to be designed. In a design science research project, we develop an information system for condition-based maintenance of legacy assets in the medium voltage distribution grid that utilizes geospatial data. Our design integrates Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) functionality with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a Machine Learning System (MLS) for predicting outages. We demonstrate a current proof-of-concept and conclude by presenting a set of theoretical hypotheses that can guide the evaluation once the system is available

Location-Based Service and Location-Contextualizing Service: Conceptualizing the Co-creation of Value with Location Information

Location-Based Service (LBS) is an established concept and enables providers and customers to co-create value-in-use, building on location information on humans or mobile objects. LBS, however, is not the only way to co-create value by using location information, as LBS does not target immovable objects, such as infrastructure. Informed by a literature review, we set out to conceptualize Location-Contextualizing Service (LCS) as a class of service complementing LBS. LCS focuses on improving existing service, based on enabling users with static positions to contextualize and analyze data on immovable objects. We describe the conceptual properties of LCS vis- ́a-vis LBS and outline why we see Geographic Information System (GIS) as a crucial class of systems to enable LCS. We discuss why LCS highlights new aspects and shifts research priorities that constitute the LBS and GIS fields today

Usage of Local Online Platforms in Retail: Insights from retailers\u27 expectations

Many high street retailers currently face unprecedented challenges arising from the competition with online retail sellers and city centers losing their attractiveness to customers. Aiming to retain footfall to their stores, retailers and local service providers are exploring how digital technology, such as digital platforms, can be harnessed to provide new touchpoints. However, little is known about how high street retailers are using digital platforms and, in particular, Local Online Platforms (LOPs), which are restricted to a geographic area, mostly a city. To address this gap, we conduct qualitative research to investigate the usage of LOPs. Interviews with 19 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) retailers reveal that they will use digital online platforms, preferentially LOPs, as long as entry barriers are kept low in order to acquire new customers, promote loyalty and strengthen local cooperation between SMEs on the high street. We outline our plans to validate our hypotheses with behavioral data in forthcoming interviews and surveys. This research in progress will thus inform the next research efforts aimed to provide practical insights on the design, adoption, and usage of LOPs to benefit both software designers and SME retailers