Evaluation of materials selection activities in user-centred design projects

An effective materials selection process is crucial for the development of high-quality products that have functionality and enable user-product interaction. The study at hand aims to identify the critical factors that influence the materials selection process of user-centred design projects. Fifteen design projects were evaluated by asking product designers to explain their materials selection steps, and to point out the critical moments in these steps. The main problems were identified when unclear design criteria of a project were used in the material searches, and in the consultations with information providers. New approaches that aim at formulating clear and complete criteria are expected to remedy these problems. This would lead to a more effective process in which decisions could usually be reached in fewer steps, and to a more effective application of material information.