Towards critical design science research

Abstract We argue for combining the forces of Design Science Research (DSR) and the critical research traditions. In Information Systems (IS) research, design science research (DSR) has gained momentum during the past decade, while critical research has characterized IS research thorough the years, in the margins at least. However, critical DSR remains a blind-spot in IS research. Critical research provides invaluable insights into and critiques of power, politics, oppression, and domination in IS development and use as well as advocates the empowerment of the oppressed, while critical DSR could distinctively contribute to the critical agenda through design and technology. Inspired by the developments in Human Computer Interaction research, we introduce critical DSR into the IS discourse. We show there is more diversity to DSR than currently acknowledged and identify various fascinating — and critical — DSR approaches. A categorization showing this variety is proposed and a research agenda for critical DSR outlined