Building theories from IT project design: the HOPES case

Design science is increasingly attracting the interest of scholars in the field of Information Systems. Starting from a design problem, a researcher selects the kernel theories from which to derive prescriptions for the meta-requirements, the product features (meta-design), the design process (design method) and some testable design product and process hypotheses. The theoretical contribution of this research stream is related to both the new artifact and the practical guidelines for developing it. In this paper we argue that design science as a research strategy can also have an impact on the available knowledge on the social phenomenon to which the design problem refers. In fact, especially when multi-disciplinary teams participate to the design of an IT system, kernel theories can benefit from the different perspectives of actors involved. The design process of a multimedia platform providing innovative social e-services to European elderly persons and their social entourage represents the case study for supporting our hypothesis.