Description

This Master Prompt establishes the foundational theoretical, philosophical, epistemological and methodological framework for conducting rigorous Design Science Research across information systems, engineering, management, healthcare, education, manufacturing, digital technologies and interdisciplinary scientific disciplines. It examines the nature, evolution, objectives and scientific characteristics of Design Science Research, including its relationships with design science, behavioral science, action research, engineering design, pragmatism, critical realism, problem-solving research and evidence-based innovation. Particular emphasis is placed on the philosophical assumptions underlying artifact-oriented research, the distinction between explanatory and prescriptive knowledge, the relationships among theory, design, implementation and evaluation, and the development of scientifically defensible research contributions through the creation of purposeful artifacts. The framework integrates established Design Science Research perspectives, including the guidelines proposed by Hevner and colleagues, the Design Science Research Methodology associated with Peffers and colleagues, the distinction between rigor and relevance, design theory development, and contemporary discussions concerning research transparency, artifact ontology and knowledge contributions. Researchers are guided in identifying research problems, establishing theoretical foundations, reviewing relevant literature, identifying research gaps, formulating research questions and objectives, developing conceptual frameworks, selecting appropriate research methodologies and defining expected scientific contributions. The Master Prompt also addresses the relationships among research paradigms, theoretical justification, methodological coherence, practical relevance, research validity, reproducibility, ethical responsibility and scientific communication, providing a comprehensive foundation for developing rigorous, transparent, evidence-driven and publication-oriented Design Science Research investigations.