Enhancing Practical Impact and Engagement in Design Science Research

Abstract

This paper addresses the gap between theoretical advances in Design Science Research (DSR) and their practical implementation. Despite DSR's potential for transformative impact, the challenge of translating research artifacts into tangible, real-world applications remains. We explore interdisciplinary concepts to identify actionable pathways that enhance the practical applicability and real-world engagement of DSR. Our analysis reveals four key pathways: integrating stakeholder engagement throughout the DSR process, adopting a holistic problem-solving perspective, improving artifact design with user insights, and maximizing practical impact through strategic communication. These pathways are developed through a comprehensive literature review and insights from concepts such as human-centered design, systems thinking, and engaged scholarship. Our contribution is twofold: we answer the call for greater practical applicability in DSR by outlining strategies for operationalizing interdisciplinary insights, and we propose an initial framework for a more engaged DSR practice.