Researchers and practitioners often face challenges in structuring
larger design projects and, therefore, struggle to capture, discuss, and reflect on
essential components that should be considered. These first steps are, however,
of great importance because decisions such as in terms of selecting an underpinning (kernel) theory, following certain development approaches, or specifying
knowledge
... [Show full abstract] sources impact the resulting design solution. To provide a frame for
developing one of the dominant forms of prescriptive knowledge in information
systems (IS), we present the ‘Principle Constructor’ that seeks to support the iterative endeavor of formulating design principles. This so-called visual inquiry
tool is grounded in previous research on design knowledge and an empirical analysis of IS articles that present principles, built according to available guidance
for this class of tools, and evaluated through several workshops. Doing this, we
provide an underlying structure with building blocks for creating design principles and complement research on their anatomy and development procedures.