How do you improve your material selection skills?

1 Understand the requirements

The first step to improve your material selection skills is to understand the requirements of your design problem. What are the goals, constraints, and criteria that you need to meet? For example, you might need to consider the user needs, the context of use, the environmental impact, the manufacturing process, the durability, the maintenance, and the budget. By defining the requirements clearly, you can narrow down your material choices and focus on the most relevant ones.

2 Research the properties

The next step is to research the properties of the materials that you are considering. Properties are the characteristics that describe how a material behaves and performs under different conditions. Some of the common properties that you need to know are density, strength, stiffness, hardness, toughness, ductility, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and biodegradability. You can find the properties of different materials in databases, books, journals, or online sources. However, be careful to check the reliability and accuracy of the information, and compare it with other sources if possible.

3 Evaluate the trade-offs

The third step is to evaluate the trade-offs between the materials that you have selected. Trade-offs are the compromises that you have to make when choosing a material, as no material is perfect for every situation. For example, you might have to sacrifice some strength for lower weight, or some durability for lower cost, or some aesthetics for higher functionality. To evaluate the trade-offs, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each material, and prioritize the requirements that are most important for your design problem.

4 Experiment and test

The fourth step is to experiment and test the materials that you have chosen. Experimenting and testing are essential to verify your assumptions and validate your decisions. You can use various methods to experiment and test your materials, such as prototyping, simulation, analysis, or user feedback. By doing so, you can observe how the materials perform in real-world scenarios, and identify any issues or opportunities for improvement.

5 Learn from others

The fifth step is to learn from others who have experience and expertise in material selection. Learning from others can help you gain new insights, perspectives, and ideas for your design problem. You can learn from others by reading case studies, articles, or books, by watching videos, podcasts, or webinars, by attending workshops, courses, or events, or by networking with other industrial designers, engineers, or material scientists.

6 Keep updated

The sixth step is to keep updated with the latest trends, developments, and innovations in material selection. Material selection is a dynamic and evolving field, as new materials are constantly being discovered, created, or improved. Keeping updated can help you stay ahead of the curve, and find new solutions for your design problem. You can keep updated by following blogs, newsletters, or magazines, by subscribing to journals, databases, or platforms, or by joining communities, forums, or groups.

7 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?