The process of embedding new information technology artifacts into innovative design practices Ryan J. Baxter a, ⁎, Nicholas Berente b a Bentley University, 175 Forest St., AAC 289, Waltham, MA, 02452-4705, United States b University of Michigan, School of Information, 1085 South University, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1107, United States article info abstract Article history: Received 19 February 2010 Accepted 19 April 2010 The design and creation of anything innovative requires knowledge creation, which in turn often depends upon the introduction of innovative information technology (IT). Since design-related practices are deeply integrated with particular IT artifacts, it is no trivial task to migrate practice-based knowledge to unfamiliar IT artifacts. To explore the challenges associated with such migration, we develop the concept of embeddedness of IT artifacts by drawing on research that highlights the critical role of representational artifacts in knowledge, design, and distributed cognition. We then inductively analyze interview data from an in-depth case study of Frank Gehry, a world-renowned and radically innovative architect known for his use of sophisticated 3D computer- aided design (CAD) technology. By studying construction firms' transition from 2D CAD to 3D CAD, we identify four relevant themes associated with embedding new artifacts into knowledge-creating practice: (1) motivating the new artifact; (2) anchoring the new artifact in the old; (3) experimenting with the new artifact; and (4) confidence in using the new artifact. Through the generation of a process theory of embedding, we elaborate on how this perspective complements and extends research on IT adaptation and assimilation, and discuss the relevance of continuing to develop the IT embeddedness perspective given the continuing need for increased levels of IT-enabled innovation. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Embeddedness IT-enabled innovation IT adaptation IT assimilation Design 3D computer-aided design Architecture Frank Gehry Information and Organization 20 (2010) 133–155 ⁎ Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 781 891 3485; fax: +1 781 891 2896. E-mail addresses: rbaxter@bentley.edu (R.J. Baxter), berente@umich.edu (N. Berente). 1471-7727/$ – see front matter © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.infoandorg.2010.04.001 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Information and Organization journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/infoandorg