This paper puts forward a set of criteria for ensuring trustworthiness in design research studies undertaken by Higher Degree Research (HDR) students. Design research is aimed at exploring educational problems and refining theory and practice by defining a pedagogical outcome and is a methodological approach often associated with the Learning Sciences. In this paper, how a solo HDR researcher can use a design research approach to maximise the benefits of the methodology without compromising the validity of the research design will be discussed. The criteria put forward to ensure reliability fall into two categories; trustworthiness and the research design. Overall, there is a perceived need and value for HDR students to contribute to the understandings of design studies which are guided by a trustworthy research design. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)