Design Science Research Strengthened: Integrating Co-creation and Co-design

Abstract

Design science research (DSR) is a well-known methodology that uses design as a tool for the development of both practical research resulting in an artefact solution, and theoretical scientific knowledge resulting in improved design processes. In this paper, we advocate strengthening the DSR methodology by including elements of co-creation and co-design in order to produce meaningfully contextualised solutions and to foster a stronger sense of ownership and social acceptance of a developed technological artefact solution within ICT4D. In our work, the inclusion of co-creation and co-design within DSR takes place in all of the stages of the design cycle, influencing also the relevance and rigour cycles as well as the impact of the artefact in the broader socio-technical context. Here we illustrate the practical implementation of these ideas through the involvement of women entrepreneurs from rural Tanzania in the development of a mobile application. This paper contributes to the body of research on the meaningful application of DSR processes to ICT4D.