Development of an activity theory-based framework for the analysis and design of socio-technical systems

Abstract

The design of socio-technical systems is a challenging task due to diverse stakeholders and complex processes that have to be mapped into software. Following a socio-technical approach for information system analysis and design results in more user-friendly systems accompanying various benefits for associated stakeholders. However, there is a lack of theories and methods which consider technical, social and organisational factors. Researchers recommended activity theory as a rich framework to study socio-technical systems. While the benefits trigger increased use of activity theory, there seems to be a shared heritage of disadvantages linked to its nature and hence its application. This article introduces a novel conceptual activity theory framework to resolve these problems and evaluates it within a case study in the context of innovation management. For the development of the framework a design science research methodology approach is followed.

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