Development and evaluation of a methodology to integrate technical and sensorial properties in materials selection

Abstract

In the materials selection process, the use of different tools, languages and perspectives frequently causes disagreement between engineers and industrial designers. The aim of the paper is to define an integrated method for materials selection that provides industrial designers with measurable data to support and explain aesthetic decisions on materials. A new method for materials selection consisting of multiple tools structured in a two-step framework is presented. The method is tested through a case study of professional kitchen appliances where metal components are replaced with polymers. The first step involved the application of an established technique to identify polymeric bulk solutions, based on their technical properties. The second step employed a sensory analysis test to choose suitable finishes. Thirty-seven individuals performed the test: the subjects highlighted their main perceptions of metal and metal-look polymer finishes. The research demonstrates that the proposed method is suitable for the evaluation of both technical and sensorial properties of materials. In particular, Mapping test represents a rapid, low cost and effective tool to help industrial designers justify Colour Materials and Finish (CMF) choices with quantifiable information.

Effect of food chemicals and temperature on mechanical reliability of bio-based glass fibers reinforced polyamide

“…The professional kitchen environment is characterized by variable operating temperatures, by the presence of aggressive food chemicals [9][10][11] and by a greater number and frequency of operational cycles experienced by the equipment compared to home kitchen appliances. Many components could deal with the use of polyamide in such context: aesthetic components are among the most used part in professional kitchen environments, and they are the perfect example to consider how technical (such as mechanical, thermal, etc…) and aesthetical properties and durability has to be carefully considered in the design phase [12]. Moreover, other internal components often exposed to harsh chemical environments, such as the ones involved in washing processes [13], are subjected to mechanical properties degradation over their lifetime.…”

On Material selection and its consequences in product development

“…The same goes for architects when considering materials for buildings . Furthermore, while there are di erent information needs throughout the product realization process, there is a need for integration between tangible and intangible material properties (Veelaert, et al, 2016;Piselli, et al, 2018). While there are some patterns in how people perceive materials, for example, calming e ects of wood surfaces, multiple di erent material properties combine to create these e ects (Jalilzadehazhari & Johansson, 2019).…”

Educational tools to teach design students the dynamic behaviours of smart materials

“…Through their dynamic behaviour, they offer novel possibilities for designers, especially when it comes to the design of interactions and experiences. To take advantage of smart material behaviours, it becomes fundamental to have knowledge of their material science basics, their properties, both technical and expressive-sensorial ones ( Rognoli, 2010;Piselli, Baxter, Simonato, Del Curto & Aurisicchio, 2018), and their commercial application (Lefebvre, Piselli, Faucheu, Delafosse & Del Curto, 2014). To provide basic knowledge and encourage the use of traditional smart materials in product design, informative tools and material-driven design practices have been developed (Barati, Giaccardi & Karana, 2018;Bengisu & Ferrara, 2018;Bergamaschi et al, 2016;Colombo, 2016;Parisi et al, 2018).…”