A Design Science Approach to Collective Intelligence Systems

The inverse problem of collective intelligence is the problem of designing a collective intelligence system that is fit to overcome a given challenge. In this paper we propose a design science approach to this problem. We carry out the first steps of the design science research process showing the relevance of the problem and the objectives of a tool supporting the solution. While this can be seen as progress towards an agenda and methodology for long-termed research, as an immediate result we also present a conceptual model of the collective intelligence domain which provides new insight into the ontology of collective intelligence. The conceptual model may inform the design of collective intelligence systems independent of the supporting tool. It also illustrates the difference between collective intelligence systems and traditional information systems.