Design research (DR) has been an emerging research paradigm in the field of educational technology as well as in education generally for two decades. Educational design research integrates design and research into a socially responsible approach to inquiry related to learning and teaching. Given its still relative novelty, design research requires further discussion regarding what it is and how it can be effectively executed. Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is one of the major activities carried out by educational technologists. Both ISD and design research deal with the enactment of design to improve educational practice. This paper describes the differences and similarities between these two activities and addresses the implications of these differences and similarities for educational technology researchers and practitioners.