A Theoretical Framework for Studying Service Design Practices: First Steps to a Mature Field

Drawing on literature from three main perspectives on innovation, service, and design—perspectives on service innovation (service innovation and new service development studies), perspectives on service (service science and service research frameworks), and perspectives on design (design anthropology)—this paper presents a theoretical framework and the related research questions to systematically study, position, and interpret service design practices and outcomes. The framework has been developed as part of a six-month AHRC-funded study into the contribution of design to service innovation and development.