A Comparative Case Study of Bio-Based Material Development by Designers Using a Diy Approach in a Circular Context

Abstract

There is an essential visionary element to design that affects how we experience and shape our environment. Reacting to our current reality with climate change and exceeding our planetary boundaries, designers are increasingly involved as catalysers of innovative and interdisciplinary material research by generating alternative proposals and scenarios for more sustainable futures. Recent academic literature on material practices within design has revealed a lack of strategies to support designers during the different stages of developing bio-based materials when using a DIY approach. Earlier studies have shown that the most successful material designers strategically gathered knowledge through literature, systematic material experiments and external expertise. The choice of strategy was related to prior experience and the material designers' level of education. This paper suggests a strategy based on a comparative case study combined with a contextual literature review. The bio-based materials in this study are produced by using local resources; they promote sustainability, are placed in a circular context and underlines the importance of the connection between a context, a community and the designer. Material-driven design practices, applying DIY approaches to material development processes combined with a theoretical framework from circular design and sustainable development can provide entry points to address parts of the complexity and envision new alternative solutions. Conclusions aim to encourage designers, researchers and tutors to respond to emerging needs by re-thinking material practices in design.