Reflective Argument as a Design Theory

This paper presents a design theory, an explanation why to use a particular structure for the design of socio-technical systems. This theory was created from merging argumentation theory and reflective thinking. After highlighting the relevant attributes of these, the paper goes on to demonstrate three different ways this design theory has been applied in practice. The dialectic of argument and the a priori of participants are seen as significant resource to avoid an idealistic search and quantitative evaluation of all issues and options that present themselves when designing a complex socio-technical system. Some of the existing research in support this theory is summarized, as are some future research possibilities; ones that keep the IT artifact relevant.