If you are interested in industrial design, you might have heard of the role of a materials specialist. But what exactly does a materials specialist do, and what skills and knowledge do they need? In this article, we will explore the main tasks, responsibilities, and challenges of a materials specialist in the field of industrial design.
A materials specialist is someone who studies, selects, and tests the materials that are used in industrial design projects. They have to consider various factors, such as the functionality, aesthetics, cost, sustainability, and performance of the materials. They also have to communicate with designers, engineers, manufacturers, and clients to ensure that the materials meet the specifications and expectations of the project.
In order to research efficient and high-quality materials for production and manufacturing processes, a materials specialist must follow the designs and specifications of the engineering team and design analysts. Materials specialists identify materials that reduce costs by coordinating with trustworthy suppliers and vendors and determining their suitability in the supply chain. Whether a product is for consumers or industrial users, how it looks, feels, and behaves influences it’s functional and perceived value. In product development, these characteristics are collectively known as Colour, Material, Finish, usually abbreviated as CMF. The material specification of a product has a significant impact on its functionality and cost.
A materials specialist is responsible for a variety of tasks, such as researching and analyzing the properties, characteristics, and applications of different materials, conducting experiments to evaluate their behavior under different conditions, creating and updating databases of materials data and test results, and advising designers on the best material choices for their projects. Furthermore, they are tasked with sourcing and procuring materials from suppliers, vendors, and distributors, as well as troubleshooting any material-related issues or problems that arise during the design or production stages. All of these tasks are essential for ensuring that industrial design projects meet their design goals, requirements, constraints, and standards.
To become a materials specialist, you need to have a strong background in science, engineering, and technology. You need to understand the physical, chemical, mechanical, and optical properties of materials and how they interact with each other and the environment. Additionally, you need to have practical skills in using various tools, equipment, and software to conduct material tests and analyses. Soft skills are also essential for this role; creativity and innovation are necessary for coming up with new material solutions that meet design challenges and opportunities. You must also have strong communication skills to work with designers, engineers, manufacturers, and clients. Problem-solving and critical thinking are essential for identifying and resolving material-related issues or problems that arise during the project. Lastly, attention to detail and accuracy are important for ensuring reliable and consistent materials data and documentation.
Being a materials specialist can be a rewarding and exciting career for anyone passionate about industrial design and materials science. You get to work on a variety of projects, from consumer products to aerospace components, and learn the latest technologies and innovations. It's also an opportunity to collaborate with different professionals and experts, and expand your knowledge. However, there are some challenges associated with the role. You have to manage a lot of data and information efficiently, keep up with changing trends in the industry, and balance trade-offs between different factors of materials selection.