Logic for Design Science Research Theory Accumulation

The paper introduces a structured logic for iterative and incremental accumulation of a design theory during a research project and across research programs. The logic is proposed to help researchers understand the links between parallel search spaces related to a particular design and linking to theoretical knowledge bases produced by previous search processes. The proposition rests on the notion that representing the structure and logic of design science research (DSR) theory using CIMO enables the elements of the knowledge base to be more easily evaluated, combined, and transferred between related search spaces. We view DSR theory development as an iterative and incremental social process and propose a structured logic as a means to better understand, but also guide, DSR theory development over time.