Understanding software design practice is critical to understanding moderninformation systems development. New developments in empirical softwareengineering, information systems design science and the interdisciplinarydesign literature combined with recent advances in process theory andtestability have created a situation ripe for innovation. Consequently, thispaper utilizes these breakthroughs to formulate a process theory of softwaredesign practice: Sensemaking-Coevolution-Implementation Theory explains howcomplex software systems are created by collocated software development teamsin organizations. It posits that an independent agent (design team) creates asoftware system by alternating between three activities: organizing theirperceptions about the context, mutually refining their understandings of thecontext and design space, and manifesting their understanding of the designspace in a technological artifact. This theory development paper defines andillustrates Sensemaking-Coevolution-Implementation Theory, grounds its conceptsand relationships in existing literature, conceptually evaluates the theory andsituates it in the broader context of information systems development.
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