Intelligent design with chromogenic materials

This paper present a research, conducted jointly by the two authors, on ‘materials that change color’. The paper in the first part introduces the new qualitative dimensions that smart materials bring in industrial and product design. In the second part it focuses on Piezochromic Materials The aim of this paper is stimulate designers to take a more proactive attitude in the choice, exploration and application of these materials, in an efficient manner and as a strategy to realize innovations that can contribute to the benefit of the users and not just for commercial exploitation. The paper will demonstrate the role and influence of these new materials and technologies on design, and discuss how they can implement and redefine our objects and spaces to encourage more resilient environments.