Lean Development in Design Science Research: Deliberating Principles, Prospects and Pitfalls

Abstract

Abstract. [Context and motivation:]As a relevant and viable research methodology that addresses the development and empirical investigation of new artifacts, design science research (DSR) has gained traction in the requirements and software engineering research community over the past decade.[Question/Problem:] In this paper, we deliberate the synergies between the lean mindset and DSR, and explore the application of lean development approaches in the planning and execution of software and requirements engineering research projects. [Principal idea:] The widespread adoption of lean approaches in many business and technology practices today provides the impetus to explore their application in the context of software and requirements engineering empirical research. Toward this, we offer a review of key principles underlying the lean mindset and provide an overview of the typical processes followed in DSR research projects. Subsequently, we reflect the potential for lean development approaches to facilitate DSR projects. [Contribution:] We propose a conceptual framework that integrates lean principles with DSR phases and outputs, and we aim to inspire future discussion on the application of the lean mindset in the planning and execution of empirical research projects.