A design theory is prescriptive and not explanatory or predictive in nature. Walls et al. (1992) proposed that an ISDT should “be a prescriptive theory which integrates normative and descriptive theories into design paths intended to produce more effective information systems.” Walls et al. (1992) believe that the purpose of a design theory is to support the achievement of goals. Thus, a design theory describes how to achieve a goal and not what the goal should be. They state that designing in IS involves designing products, work practices, information, and technology. In addition, many of the elements of information systems are artifacts that have to be designed. Walls et al. define four levels of usage for ISDTs. They are: 1) ISDT is used as a cloak of theoretical legitimacy, 2) ISDT is used as a common language and framework, 3) ISDT is used as a way of generating new insights about the characteristics of a new class of information systems, and 3) the richness of ISDT itself is enhanced. Thus, ISDT theories allow the developing of a new class of artifacts.

In an IS design research study, the design theory specifies the design of a prototype for the new system that helps in the delivery of goals in a more efficient and effective way and ultimately benefit the end-users. Generally, the design processes involve 3 iterative steps: First, build the kernel theories using the ISDT framework. Second, develop the meta-requirements, meta-design for the system using the kernel theories. Third, test and enrich the ISDT theory by evaluating the design artifacts (including the design product and processes), whether the artifact achieves the research goals.

I think the ground breaking of ISDT is its systematic approach for designing any IS system. This differentiate from the traditional way in which systems are often initiated, designed and developed based upon poor defined user requirements that were collected in a limit time and costs. For practitioners ISDTs are beneficial because they increase development reliability and the likelihood of success by providing principles, derived from kernel theories, that limit the range of system features and development activities to a more manageable set (Markus et al., 2002). ISDT approach also helps fostering exploring transdeciplinary theories and knowledge and use them as kernel theories for building the artifact. Both the principles and the artifact generated as part of an ISDT are also open to empirical testing and thus can form a basis for further research.

Walls, J. G., Widmeyer, G. R., & El Sawy, O. A. (1992). “Building an Information System Design Theory for Vigilant EIS.” Information Systems Research 3: 36-58.

Markus, M. L., Majchrzak, A. & Gasser, L. (2002) A Design Theory for Systems that Support Emergent Knowledge Processes. MIS Quarterly, 26, 179-212.