Knowledge Contributions in Design Science Research: A Meta-Analysis.

This research analyzes patterns of artifact generation and knowledge contribution of design science researchers based on a meta-analysis of contemporary work. We derive these analyses based on prior classifications of design science artifacts and knowledge outcomes. Our analyses reveal a complex picture of what is produced and how by scholars in the design science community. The results allow us to characterize the evolution of design science research community, and point to possible gaps. We also show that empirical analyses of prior efforts are needed to complement the prescriptive work in the design science community. We hope that our findings will provide the research community a platform to reflect on their own work, improve the ability of individual researchers to position and communicate their work, and point to possibilities for building a cumulative knowledge base.