Journal of Information Technology
Document Type
Research Article
Abstract
The process of information systems (IS) design has been dominated by the demands inherent in providing a technical solution to a perceived problem or need. Engineering IS design methods applied in order to satisfy the problem situation tend to have a preoccupation with verifying specifications as being mathematically correct. Difficulties arise when the ideas underpinning verification are extended in an attempt to ‘prove’ the validity of a proposed design for an IS. A pure engineering approach does not facilitate a response to the subjective elements within social situations, which experience has shown to be essential in demonstrating the pertinence of new designs to those concerned. We suggest that, by applying interpretivist systems ideas, it is possible to support concerned individuals in reflecting upon crucial aspects of the inquiry, enabling those individuals to judge the relevance or ‘authenticity’ of the learning, according to their own values and beliefs. The elements of participants, engagement, authority, relationships and learning are suggested as being crucial. These make up the mnemonic PEArL, which is offered as an aide-mémoire for those concerned with IS design.
DOI
10.1080/02683960010028438
Recommended Citation
Champion, D. and Stowell, F. A.
(2001)
"PEArL: A Systems Approach to Demonstrating Authenticity in Information Systems Design,"
Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 16:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
DOI: 10.1080/02683960010028438
Available at:
https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol16/iss1/2