Experimenting with materials-a source for designers to give meaning to new applications

As part of local availability of materials and processes research, this paper presents experimentation with methods to teach designers about materials. State of the art tools, technical and graphic literature and workshops are combined to place designers in an environment, which facilitates direct physical contact with materials. This allows students to understand the technical, mechanical and physical properties of materials, while easily comprehending their aesthetic and sensory attributes, and behaviour. In most cases, such experimentation leads to unconventional and ground-breaking solutions, which are different to what the industry commonly produces. Close interaction with materials and their in-depth understanding opens new directions, which inspire designers to create new product languages.