Theory-Based Design Principles for Digital Service Innovation

The article establishes theory-based design principles for constructing tools and methods for developing innovative digital services. The research method is developed from process advice offered for this task, in the context of design science. We define the objectives for the design task (solution objectives), identify and justify suitable kernel theories (service design, open innovation, service-dominant logic), and derive the principle normative elements of the chosen theories. Convergences and contradictions in the normative elements are analysed in relation to the method design task, and the prescriptive elements are synthesised into six core design principles. Implications for both the method design task, and research and practice in general are drawn.