Deploying design science research in sparse resource settings: Some lessons from design projects in Tanzania

Design science research (DSR) has become a well-accepted research paradigm in information system research. DSR aims at solving people’s obstacles by creating solutions and thus bringing about human development. In this paper, we present lessons learned from design projects conducted in Tanzania since 2015. These projects focused on solving Tanzanian challenges in a number of sectors: street vending businesses, women traders, small-scale farmers, micro traders, and education. We reviewed six projects carried out in Tanzania using documentary review and open-ended questionnaires. The findings revealed how researchers reinforce the DSR framework, and the motives, challenges, and lessons learned from the application of DSR in sparse resource settings to inform future designs. The findings of the current study will help existing and future IT designers, policymakers, curriculum developers, researchers, and other information and communications technologies for development stakeholders to come up with appropriate solutions for inclusive development.