Designing for Context Versus the Lock-in Effect of ‘Free’ Global Digital Platforms: A Case of SMEs from Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reports on the design and evaluation of an app that was designed using the newly created elaborated action design research method and critical realism to overcome the social and economic structural challenges that SMEs in Nigeria face. The results show that even though the app took into account the full range of SME dynamic capabilities and proved valuable, SMEs remained dependent on the affordances of the existing global digital platforms. The findings point to the lock-in effect of freely available digital platforms and that SMEs tend to default to their path dependency (and therefore the existing global digital platforms) rather than explore local digital innovations. The paper suggests that intentional efforts from powerful actors such as government might be necessary to overcome the path dependency and lock-in effect of freely available global digital platforms. The paper identifies the extra efforts required to sustain local digital innovation in the face of well-resourced global digital platforms. The paper further reveals the utility of the new elaborated action design research method for designing for context. Six (6) design principles for designing for SMEs in resource-constrained contexts were also elicited.

Identifying reusable services from collaborative activities using activity theory (AT): The Activity-Based Service Identification Framework (ASIF)

“…This research adopted an elaborated action design research (EADR) method to guide the creation and design of the proposed artefact. EADR is a problem-driven design science approach [61], [62] that uses independent iterative investigation (problem formulation, artefact creation, evaluation, reflection and learning) activities on top of various design cycles [63]. The EADR cycle consists of diagnosis, design, implementation and evolution stages [63].…”

What is digital transformation? Investigating the metaphorical meaning of digital transformation and why it matters

“…DT is associated with engaging and connecting with stakeholders (customers, employers, suppliers, regulators, shareholders) through multiple channels, in a way that encapsulates a process or collection of processes such as marketing, selling, delivering of goods and services and communication (Eller et al, 2020;Reis et al, 2018) . The more advanced solutions considered are AI, machine learning and 3D printing (Tolani, Owoseni, & Twinomurinzi, 2020).…”

“…Specific examples of tools used are Google suite, Calendly, Slack, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom, WhatsApp and Telegram, and many of the tools have free subscription packages for SBs which motivate usage (Owoseni & Twinomurinzi, 2020). The more advanced solutions considered are AI, machine learning and 3D printing (Tolani, Owoseni, & Twinomurinzi, 2020).…”