Designing for Mutability in Information Systems Artifacts

Abstract

This paper aims to extend understanding of the nature of information systems and technology (IS/IT) artifacts and the manner in which information systems design theories address the mutable nature of these artifacts. The term 'semizoa' is introduced to refer to IS/IT artifacts as mutable systems that exhibit some of the characteristics of living creatures and that are only in part designable. It is shown that the mutability of semizoa can be both constrained and enabled in IS design theories, using concepts of homeostasis, situated action, autopoiesis, learning, evolution, emergence and redesign. Consideration of the range and nature of these characteristics provides a source of ideas for systems designers in designing for specific IS meta-requirements. In addition, we show that IS design theories should include a reflective structural component dealing with the mutability of not only the system state but also its structure (schema). The paper contributes by addressing the lack of attention to the distinctive characteristics of IS/IT artifacts and by extending current ideas of design theories and theorising.

Action Design Research

“…It emphasizes that the ensemble artifact will reflect not only the preliminary design (see Principle 2) created by the researchers but also its ongoing shaping by organizational use, perspectives, and participants (see Garud et al 2008;Iivari 2003) (see Principles 3 and 4 respectively), and by outcomes of authentic, concurrent evaluation (see Principle 5). These refinements include not only trivial fixes but also substantial changes to the design, meta-design, and metarequirements (Walls et al 1992) that culminate in changes to the artifact, similar to the idea of mutations described by Gregor and Iivari (2007). Anticipated as well as unanticipated consequences prompt these refinements during the BIE iterations, which provide an opportunity for the ADR team to generate and evolve design principles throughout the process.…”

Yes, I Do: Marrying Blockchain Applications with GDPR

“…As outlined in the previous stage, we first developed an industry-specific framework that incorporates requirements from both the energy sector and the GDPR. To generalize from the industry specific context and to address the first iterations' shortcomings, we refined our artifact by making substantial changes to the design, meta-design, and meta requirements [36,48,49]. The iterative discussion with practitioners, law experts, and researchers represented an integral part of continuous reflection and learning.…”

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“…As the costs for adapting a more generic solution artifact to a specific design problem are higher than those for adapting the more specific solution artifact, developing situational artifacts reduces the cost of adaptation (Winter, 2011). Gregor & Iivari (2007) introduce the term "semizoa" to define design artifacts that exhibit the characteristic of mutability to some degree, that is, they grow, change (or are changed), and exhibit adaptive behaviour. Adaptive maturity models are also referred to as situational maturity models (Mettler & Rohner, 2009).…”