Course content

General Part:

Knowledge of materials is essential for product designers and is highly significant in design and product development processes. Selecting the right materials is inseparably linked to design and has a major impact on a product's appearance, function, quality, durability, and sustainability. This choice affects every aspect of the product lifecycle, from production to end-use and recycling. Understanding different material types and their properties enables designers to make informed decisions during product development that meet user requirements and market demands while addressing regulatory standards and environmental considerations.

This subject emphasizes how material selection can influence a product's design, usability, manufacturing processes, environmental impact, and transportation options, and how materials can also support a company's strategy and visual profile. Material knowledge provides product designers with a competitive edge, enabling them to develop products that are not only aesthetically appealing but also functional, economically viable, and sustainable. Additionally, product designers must be able to navigate the constantly changing demands of the market and society, as well as understand how new technologies and materials can be utilized to meet future requirements.

Students will learn the importance of different material parameters, such as strength, flexibility, and sustainability, and how these influence the material's suitability for various products. They will practice applying this knowledge in product development, where material choices must meet specific requirements and user needs.

Here are brief descriptions of the main material groups covered in the subject, along with examples of their use:

• MetalsMetals are durable, formable, and strong, making them suitable for products like vehicles, construction materials, and electronics. Aluminum is commonly used in lightweight constructions like airplanes and bicycles, while steel is popular in the construction industry due to its load-bearing capacity and durability.
• PlasticsPlastics are lightweight, flexible, and formable, with a wide range of properties depending on the type. Polypropylene is frequently used in food packaging due to its moisture resistance, while acrylic is common in lighting fixtures and furniture for its clarity and durability. (What about all the other types of plastic?)
• WoodWood is a natural, aesthetically pleasing material that is also easy to work with. It is used in furniture, interiors, and construction and is often chosen for its warm and inviting appearance. Hardwoods like oak and maple are popular for durable furniture, while softer woods are used in less load-bearing applications.
• MineralsMinerals like stone, ceramics, and glass are durable and resistant to heat and wear. Granite and marble are often used for kitchen countertops and flooring, while ceramics are used in tiles and tableware due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Chemical ProductsChemical products include adhesives, paints, and coatings that enhance or protect other materials. Epoxy glue is widely used in industry for its high strength, while paints and varnishes protect and add aesthetic qualities to furniture, vehicles, and buildings.
• CompositesComposites are materials made of two or more components that offer unique properties such as lightness and strength. Carbon fiber composites are used in sports equipment and the aerospace industry due to their strength and low weight, while fiberglass is used in boat hulls and wind turbine blades.
• Animal-Based MaterialsAnimal-based materials like leather and silk are natural and luxurious, known for their durability and comfort. Leather is used in furniture, car interiors, and fashion products, while silk is favored in clothing and interior textiles for its sheen and softness.

• Textiles and Soft Materials

  • Natural Fibers: Cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp, bamboo, etc.
  • Synthetic Fibers: Polyester, polyamide, acrylic, spandex, fleece, etc.
  • Blended Textiles
• Other Common Materials: Leather, faux leather, velvet, denim, canvas, etc.

The course also includes testing of materials' usability and performance, where students learn to evaluate how different materials behave under various loads and environmental conditions. A significant portion of the activities in this subject is practical, focusing on lab work where students have the opportunity to conduct tests and experiments that provide valuable experience and insight into the practical applicability of materials in product design.

Learning outcome

Upon Completion of the Course "Materials for Product Design," Students Will Have Acquired the Following Knowledge, Skills, and General Competencies:Knowledge:

• Students will have foundational knowledge of various material groups, including metals, plastics, wood, minerals, chemical products, composites, and animal-based materials.
• They will understand how material choices impact the product development process in terms of user requirements, environmental considerations, production processes, and strategic goals of the company.
• Students will gain insight into how material properties such as strength, flexibility, and durability affect a product’s function, quality, and lifespan.

Skills:

• Students will be able to identify and select appropriate materials based on product specifications and application areas.
• They will be equipped to conduct laboratory testing to assess materials’ performance and usage characteristics, interpreting results to evaluate the suitability of materials for various products.
• Students will be able to apply material knowledge in practical design projects, creating products that are functional, sustainable, and aligned with market demands.

General Competencies:

• Students will be able to critically reflect on material choices in product design, considering sustainability, environmental impact, and social responsibility.
• They will have experience with practical laboratory work and be capable of collaborating in teams to conduct material testing and evaluation.
• Students will be able to effectively communicate their evaluations and decisions regarding material choices, both in writing and orally, and participate in professional discussions on the role of materials in product design.

Through this course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the importance of materials in product development, adopting a practical and experience-based approach that strengthens their skills as future product designers.

4o

Learning methods and activities

Mandatory Coursework Requirements for Exam Eligibility:

• Group Organization: Students must form groups consisting of 3-5 members.
• Submission and Lab Work Approval: At least 80% of mandatory submissions and lab work must be approved by the deadline. This is conducted as group work, with a points system in place for evaluation.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

English high school level

Course materials

Rob Tompson/Martin Tompson "The materials sourcebook for design professionals"

ISBN 978-0-500-51854-0 2021

Gomeringer m.fl: Mechanical and metal trades handbook, ISBN 978-3-8085-1915-8