Materials R&D

Based on our experiences of the LTM project, we found that it was important to discuss the different timescales of design development and materials research early on in the project, to prevent confusion and disappointment. This section aims to give designers a realistic understanding of the speed, scale and flexibility of the materials research process, in order to help them effectively direct its progress.

Materials Scientist(s): Think about how you might best communicate the unique properties - as well as the pitfalls - of your own materials to the Designer(s). Wherever possible use concrete examples and avoid jargon.

Designer(s): Discuss how lateral thinking and a design solution might help the Materials Scientist(s) to overcome some of the technical issues or limitations of their materials.

Materials Scientist(s): If there are particular materials that you will be developing as part of your collaboration: what are the trade-offs involved in their production? (e.g. "if you want a large area you need to accept less homogenous light outputs").

Designer(s): Given the limitations of the materials research process, what material properties are most important to you? What would you like the Materials Scientist(s) to focus on?

Materials Scientist(s): What physical or chemical properties can you play with to make your materials more suitable for applications that the Designer(s) might have in mind? Are there any material property developments that are not achievable within the timescale of your collaboration?