Abstract
This research proposes and validates a design theory for digital platforms that support online communities (DPsOC). It addresses ways in which digital platforms can effectively support social interactions in online communities. Drawing upon prior literature on IS design theory, online communities, and platforms, we derive an initial set of propositions for designing effective DPsOC. Our overarching proposition is that three components of digital platform architecture (core, interface, and complements) should collectively support the mix of the three distinct types of social interaction structures of online community (information sharing, collaboration, and collective action). We validate the initial propositions and generate additional insights by conducting an in-depth analysis of an European digital platform for elderly care assistance. We further validate the propositions by analyzing three widely used digital platforms, including Twitter, Wikipedia, and Liquidfeedback, and we derive additional propositions and insights that can guide DPsOC design. We discuss the implications of this research for research and practice.
Highlights
Digital platforms play a crucial role in enabling and sustaining online communities
Given the pervasiveness and increasing importance of online communities, there are compelling needs for such design theories. To fill this gap, building upon Gregor and Jones (2007) and the literature on online communities and platforms, we propose a framework guiding the development of a design theory of digital platforms supporting online communities (DPsOC) (Figure 1)
We develop a design theory framework (Figure 1) that defines meta-level theoretical elements for DPsOC and that shows the role of expository instantiation in developing testable propositions
Summary
Digital platforms play a crucial role in enabling and sustaining online communities. While platforms have become important for product and technology development in a wide range of industries, the recent pervasive penetration of digital technology has significantly elevated the importance of platforms especially in IT-enabled products and services (Yoo et al, 2012). Platform designs draw upon principles that address a family of generic functional requirements that meet the needs of multiple, heterogeneous user communities (Evans et al, 2006). Considering the increasing importance of online communities and the crucial role of digital platforms in enabling and sustaining them, organizations need to identify effective design principles for digital platforms supporting online communities (DPsOC)
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