How can you avoid risks when using unfamiliar materials in industrial design?

1 Research the material

Before you start using a new material in your design project, you should conduct thorough research on its properties, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. You should learn about its physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and biological aspects, as well as its compatibility, durability, recyclability, and availability. You should also consult reliable sources, such as material databases, scientific journals, industry standards, or experts, to verify the information and avoid misinformation. By researching the material, you can gain a better understanding of its potential and limitations, and avoid any unpleasant surprises or failures.

2 Test the material

After you have researched the material, you should test it in various conditions and scenarios to see how it behaves and performs. You should conduct experiments and simulations to measure its properties and parameters, such as strength, stiffness, hardness, elasticity, conductivity, flammability, toxicity, or biodegradability. You should also test its interaction with other materials, components, or systems that are part of your design solution. You should document and analyze the results of your tests, and compare them with your expectations and requirements. By testing the material, you can validate your assumptions and hypotheses, and identify any problems or risks that need to be addressed.

3 Prototype the material

Once you have tested the material, you should prototype it in a realistic and representative way to evaluate its feasibility and suitability for your design solution. You should create physical or digital models or mock-ups that demonstrate the material's functionality and appearance in relation to the user, the context, and the purpose of your design. You should also solicit feedback from potential users, clients, or customers, as well as from other stakeholders, such as manufacturers, suppliers, or regulators. You should use the feedback to refine and improve your design solution, and to make any necessary adjustments or modifications to the material. By prototyping the material, you can verify its value and relevance, and ensure its alignment with your design goals and criteria.

4 Document the material

Throughout the process of using a new material in your design project, you should document every step and decision that you make, and keep a record of your sources, methods, data, results, feedback, and changes. You should use clear and consistent formats and standards to organize and present your documentation, such as reports, charts, diagrams, sketches, photos, videos, or code. You should also cite and acknowledge any references or influences that you use or borrow from. By documenting the material, you can communicate your design process and rationale, and justify your design solution, to yourself and others. You can also use your documentation to protect your intellectual property rights, and to comply with any ethical or legal obligations.

5 Learn from the material

Finally, after you have completed your design project using a new material, you should learn from your experience and reflect on your outcomes and impacts. You should review your documentation and evaluate your design solution according to your design goals and criteria, as well as according to the feedback and reactions that you receive from your users, clients, or customers. You should also assess the material's performance and behavior over time, and monitor its effects and consequences on the environment, society, and culture. You should identify and acknowledge your successes and failures, and draw lessons and insights that can help you improve your design skills and knowledge. By learning from the material, you can grow as an industrial designer, and discover new opportunities and challenges for your future design projects.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?