Evaluating knowledge types in design science research : an integrated framework

As the design science research (DSR) paradigm has evolved, several frameworks and taxonomies have been proposed to aid researchers in understanding and applying DSR principles and practices to evaluate the knowledge produced. This paper attempts to integrate two such efforts, the evaluation methods taxonomy and the genres of inquiry framework, in an attempt to derive a more complete evaluation standard. The integration is based on various knowledge types, using mapping and merging techniques. Doing so results in three artifacts. The first is the integrated framework which refines the genres of inquiry framework with six recognized knowledge types (definitional, descriptive, prescriptive, explanatory, predictive, and explanatory and predictive). Evaluation criteria for each knowledge type emerge from the integration. The second contribution is a guidance scheme that helps in determining relevant evaluation criteria, based upon the type of DSR contribution and the role of the evaluator (DSR researcher, author, reader, or reviewer). Finally, the approach to the integration, including the integration algorithm, is adaptable to other contexts where criteria to evaluate different knowledge types need to be integrated.