Moreover, many studies reviewed draw on knowledge formats that synthesize descriptive-explanatory and prescriptive-normative knowledge. First, explicit (re)framing efforts appear to be highly instrumental in challenging a given theoretical paradigm and thereby reduce the risk of being constrained to it these findings confirm the generative nature of design activity. A state-of-the-art review of how DS is applied by management researchers results in two main findings. To clearly distinguish these two perspectives, we talk about theorizing in relation to theory-of and framing related to theory-for. A key challenge here is the dual role of theory: one can develop a 'theory of' any empirical phenomenon to explain its characteristics and outcomes, or alternatively, develop a 'theory for' generating this phenomenon, focused on solving problems and enlarging possibilities. Research informed by DS is challenging because it involves 'mixing oil with water', using a famous phrase of Herbert Simon. Design science (DS) approaches have been emerging in engineering, management and other disciplines operating at the interface between design research and the natural or social sciences.
