Materials

Materials

This section will:

  • introduce design partners to the materials research process.
  • give both partners practice communicating information about the physical properties of materials.
  • encourage you to discuss the unique potential but also limitations of the materials you are developing or applying.

The LTM project aimed to develop novel smart materials that allow "the product to become the interface". These "LTM materials" consisted of four distinct technological components: OLEDs for luminescent response, piezo plastics for touch sensitivity, a conversion layer for modifying colour; and control electronics (e.g. flexible wiring, power supply, input-output switching IC). These materials were developed by materials researchers, but with input from design practitioners. LTM was therefore a test case for design-driven materials innovation (DDMI). To read more about how LTM designers fed into the aesthetics, tactility and functionality of the materials, their shape factors and even their chemistry, please see Tempelman 2016.