The development of a Design Research Canvas for data practitioners

Abstract: This paper sets out the development of a Design Research Canvas through engagements with data and decision support practitioners. This is in direct response to the lack of tools for practitioners in crossing the practice research divide. Designed, built and evaluated within the context of an Executive Education programme, version 1 of the canvas is demonstrated. Initial results depict positive utility and effectiveness in completing a Design Research project. In addition, the evaluation of version 1 guided the development of an improved version 2 of the canvas. Moreover, the canvas itself provides a useful aid for practitioners, researchers and teachers involved in Design Research. Furthermore, being itself an example of Design Research, this study highlights some key insights on the process, such as early stage evaluations.