Validating a Design Theory

Interesting Excerpt from: A new approach of innovative design: an introduction to CK theory by A Hatchuel, B Weil.

4.1.How can we validate a design theory?
It seems to us that the validation of a design theory is similar to the validation of other theories like decision theory or problem solving theory. In all these cases three criteria can be used. Each of them is probably not enough, however taken together they can be more convincing. i) First criteria: the theory constitutes a good unification of previous theories about the same object. ii) Second criteria : the theory clarifies hidden properties of its object that were not visible in the previous theories and this new insight contributes to embed the theory in a more universal body of knowledge. iii)Third criteria: the theory clarifies some pragmatic issues and even offers new ways to treat them with robust expectations.