Towards Ontology-Based Design Science Research for Knowledge Accumulation and Evolution

Abstract

The potential of design science research (DSR) to contribute to real-world problems solving and innovation has been considered as an opportunity for IS researchers to demonstrate the relevance and significance of DSR paradigm. While most DSR studies have been informed on single design and development projects, future research needs to consider knowledge sharing and accumulation across multiple projects. This paper argues for combining the forces of design science research and ontology studies to foster knowledge creation and evolution. We propose a new approach to DSR by adopting ontology engineering as a knowledge sharing mechanism in which researchers assemble knowledge parts throughout the study. We develop a framework for understanding, conducting and evaluating ontology-based design science research, then present the roadmap and guidelines for its conduct and evaluation. This paper concludes with a call for a more collaborative endeavor to design studies in IS research.