Course content

Course Content

Knowledge of materials is a cornerstone of product design and a key to creating products that function, last, and inspire. Material selection is not just a technical issue - it is a strategic decision that affects appearance, functionality, quality, lifespan, and sustainability. From concept to finished product, materials play a decisive role in all phases: production, use, maintenance, and recycling.

A thorough understanding of material types and their properties enables designers to make choices that meet user requirements, market expectations, and regulatory standards, while also considering environmental impact.

This course provides insight into how material selection influences:

• Product form and function
• Manufacturing processes and costs
• Transport and logistics
• Corporate strategy and visual identity
• Environmental impact and life cycle

Knowledge of materials gives product designers a competitive advantage: the ability to develop solutions that are aesthetically appealing, functional, economically viable, and environmentally responsible. At the same time, designers must navigate a landscape of constantly changing market and societal demands and understand how new technologies and material innovations can be leveraged to meet future challenges.

In this course, you will not only learn about materials - you will learn how material choices shape the product and influence the entire value chain. You will gain tools to make informed decisions that combine design, technology, and sustainability.

Main Material Groups with Examples

MetalsMetals are durable, malleable, and strong, making them suitable for products such as vehicles, building materials, and electronics.

• Aluminium: Used in lightweight structures such as aircraft and bicycles.
• Steel: Common in construction for its load-bearing capacity and durability.

PlasticsPlastics are lightweight, flexible, and moldable, with a wide range of properties depending on type.

• Polypropylene (PP): Common in food packaging due to moisture resistance.
• Acrylic: Used in lighting fixtures and furniture for clarity and durability.(Other types such as ABS, PET, PE, and PVC are also relevant.)

WoodWood is a natural, aesthetic material that is easy to process.

• Hardwoods (oak, maple): Durable furniture.
• Softwoods (pine): Less demanding constructions.

MineralsMinerals such as stone, ceramics, and glass are durable and resistant to heat and wear.

• Granite and marble: Kitchen countertops and flooring.
• Ceramics: Tiles and tableware for durability and aesthetics.

Chemical ProductsIncludes adhesives, paints, and coatings that enhance or protect other materials.

• Epoxy: Strong industrial adhesive.
• Paint and varnish: Protect and add aesthetic qualities to furniture, cars, and buildings.

CompositesComposites combine two or more components to achieve unique properties such as lightness and strength.

• Carbon fiber: Sports equipment and aerospace for strength and low weight.
• Glass fiber: Boat hulls and wind turbine blades.

Animal-Based MaterialsNatural and luxurious materials known for durability and comfort.

• Leather: Furniture, car interiors, and fashion products.
• Silk: Clothing and interior textiles for sheen and softness.

Textiles and Soft Materials

• Natural fibers: Cotton, linen, wool, silk, hemp, bamboo.
• Synthetic fibers: Polyester, polyamide, acrylic, spandex, fleece.
• Blended textiles: Combinations of natural and synthetic fibers.
• Other materials: Leather, faux leather, velvet, denim, canvas.

Practical Component

Laboratory work involving testing of material properties under various loads and environmental conditions. Students gain hands-on experience in evaluating material applicability in design projects.

Learning outcome

Upon completion of TEK2130 "Materials for Product Design," students will have acquired the following:

Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of main material groups (metals, plastics, wood, minerals, chemical products, composites, animal-based materials, and textiles) and their properties.
• Understand how material selection affects product function, aesthetics, manufacturing processes, cost, lifespan, and sustainability.
• Insight into how material choices must align with user requirements, regulatory standards, corporate strategy, and societal expectations.

Skills:

• Identify and select appropriate materials based on product specifications and life-cycle considerations.
• Conduct and interpret tests of material performance and usability in the laboratory.
• Apply material knowledge in practical tasks and design projects to create functional and sustainable solutions.

General Competence:

• Critically reflect on material choices regarding environmental impact, ethics, and social responsibility.
• Gain experience with practical work and teamwork, including planning and conducting tests.
• Communicate assessments and decisions on material selection both in writing and orally, and participate in professional discussions about the role of materials in product design.

Learning methods and activities

• Lectures, group work, and laboratory exercises.
• Mandatory assignments and lab reports (80% must be approved to qualify for the exam).

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory assignments

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

• None.

Required previous knowledge

English high school level

Course materials

• Rob Thompson & Martin Thompson: The Materials Sourcebook for Design Professionals (ISBN 978-0-500-51854-0).
• Gomerninger m.fl.: Mechanical and Metal Trades Handbook (ISBN 978-3-8085-1915-8).