fp10 [routine design vs. design science research]

Audio: http:./mp3/fp10.mp3

One issue that must be addressed in design-science research is differentiating routine design or system building from design research. The difference is in the nature of the problems and solutions.

Routine design is the application of existing knowledge to organizational problems, such as constructing a financial or marketing information system using best practice artifacts (constructs, models, methods, and instantiations) existing in the knowledge base.

On the other hand, design-science research addresses important unsolved problems in unique or innovative ways or solved problems in more effective or efficient ways.

The key differentiator between routine design and design research is the clear identification of a contribution to the archival knowledge base of foundations and methodologies.