Problematizing in IS Design Research

Abstract

This paper is based on the interest to see how problems are addressed in information systems design research. Problems addressed by design research are often implicit, sometimes open, and sometimes even underdeveloped. Problem-solving processes, action research and in a broader sense, engaged scholarship all encompass the explicit addressing of problems and investigation problem situations. Such a problem-orientation is to a lesser degree part of design research. In this paper, we will investigate how we can provide a better understanding of problematizing in design research; and in particular what we may learn from other approaches with a stronger problem-orientation.

Theory-Based Problem Formulation and Ideation in mHealth

“…Nielsen's paper on problem formulation in DSR (Nielsen, 2020) examines the shortcomings of problematisation within DSR as compared to other areas. Nielsen's (2020) hypothesis centres around three key aspects that are lacking: problematisation analysis, empirical grounding, and problemsetting perspective. Problematisation analysis refers to the exploration of the underlying issue and provision of contextual information from varied perspectives (i.e.…”

“…Any DSR project must determine a problem scope that is suitable for a successful research project. Nielsen (2020) recognises the work of Venable as one of the few examples of how problematisation can be undertaken in DSR. The views and the findings outlined in this article align well with those of Nielsen (2020).…”

“…Nielsen (2020) recognises the work of Venable as one of the few examples of how problematisation can be undertaken in DSR. The views and the findings outlined in this article align well with those of Nielsen (2020). The remainder of this paper focuses on assessing problem formulation deficiencies within DSR/ADR mHealth research projects and exploring directions for improvement.…”

Reconciling the Competing Processes in a Digital Transformation Towards Sustainability

“…Thus, to manage this complexity, we adopt the view of sustainability as a process of continuously addressing new or ongoing problems (Tainter, 2011, p. 33). The different views on the role of digital technologies in sustainable development are rarely explicitly stated in the literature -these are underlying assumptions that guide problem-solving (Nielsen, 2020). Unless these underlying assumptions are checked , it is arduous to determine whether or not IS researchers should move in new directions.…”