Design science is a recognized information systems research paradigm, which is fundamentally centered on problem solving through technology design. The design process involves reflexive thinking and exploration and is usually supported by a variety of visual artifacts, which facilitate structuring, combining, and communicating design knowledge. Visual artifacts are among possible main contributions of a design science endeavor. In this study, we analyze the nature and purpose of such visual artifacts. We adopt semiotics and a theory of visualization of thought, in combination with a literature review, to elaborate a framework of design science visual artifacts. We consider three domains of analysis: intentionality, form-and-function, and visual scheme. We demonstrate the applicability of the framework using two examples. Finally, we define a set of properties that researchers should consider when creating and using visual artifacts in design science: transparency of the relationship between representation and object, self-sufficiency of the visual artifact, and consistency of knowledge communication. The proposed framework helps researchers understand what properties should be focused on when developing their visual artifacts.

设计科学是一种公认​​的信息系统研究范式，它从根本上集中于通过技术设计解决问题。设计过程涉及反思性思考和探索，通常由各种视觉工件支持，这些视觉工件有助于构建、组合和交流设计知识。视觉工件是设计科学努力的可能主要贡献之一。在这项研究中，我们分析了这种视觉伪影的性质和目的。我们采用符号学和思维可视化理论，结合文献综述，阐述了设计科学视觉工件的框架。我们考虑三个分析领域：意向性、形式和功能以及视觉方案。我们使用两个示例演示了该框架的适用性。最后，我们定义了一组研究人员在设计科学中创建和使用视觉工件时应考虑的属性：表示与对象之间关系的透明度、视觉工件的自给自足以及知识交流的一致性。所提出的框架有助于研究人员了解在开发他们的视觉工件时应该关注哪些属性。