Conjecturing is not all: Theorizing in design research by refining and connecting categorial, descriptive, explanatory, and normative theory elements

Although generating empirically grounded theoretical contributions has been an essential aim of design research from the beginning, the underlying methodology has been described as in need for further elaboration with respect to rigor. Existing methodological elaborations on theorizing in design research often focus on argumentative grammar of strengthening prescriptive conjectures. Beyond these, this paper argues that prescriptive theory elements require generating categorial, descriptive, and explanatory theory elements before the suggested argumentative grammars can be treated. With an example from a design research study for professional development, the immense work of elaborating categorial and explanatory theory elements is illustrated that is needed before concise prescriptive conjectures can be made and tested.