Abstract

This research project aimed to examine the potential for active matter as a solution to broad, global issues, common to consumer products, and its ability to reshape the user experience of an everyday product. Initially, relevant information was gathered and reviewed to develop the knowledge directives which will inform future primary research. This literature review documents the research behind the problem space, the benefits in using active matter, and the opportunity to develop rich user-product connections through unique and enchanting experiences. A ‘research through design’ approach was adopted throughout the entirety of this project to develop a suitable product solution. Primary research was first conducted by imitating the work from selected case studies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the materials and methods used. In response to these results, self-driven material explorations were conducted to identify the opportunities of the selected material. The results from these tests, along with feedback from users, informed the development of a series of concepts. Three product types were developed, including a tray/bowl, a series of wall panels, and a lighting design. These products demonstrate the material’s strength and potential function, its form, and the overall experience that can be created. The lighting design was also developed into a packaged product to show how the user can interact with the product and to emphasise the rich user experience.

Design Intent

Active matter is an emerging field within material science which investigates physical materials that can, based on both internal and external information, autonomously transform, react, and/or assemble themselves. The purpose of this ‘research through design’ project is to explore the potential of these active matter materials, and how they can be integrated effectively into selected consumer products, whilst providing users with a rich experience and greater connection through their involvement in the creation of their products.

This project also aimed to investigate issues of sustainability in manufacturing, distribution, and waste. With the development and improvement of manufacturing processes, along with the emergence of new approaches to materials, design practice around these areas and the approach taken towards innovation need to evolve to combat issues of emotional disconnect, unsustainable practices, and over-consumption, as demonstrated in some recent innovations. With respect to the enriched user experience, this project explores the correlation between the enchantment of a product, which can be achieved through the unfamiliarity and consequent curiosity that surround the chosen material, and the bond that is developed between a user and their product.  

The proposed concept is a series of products made from high impact polystyrene, which are formed by the user using an infrared light. These final solutions demonstrate the potential ways in which these emerging approaches to materials can change the product experience whilst addressing universal issues. This project also acts as a framework for the incorporation of these new ideas into selected consumer products, as well as contributing to the discussion of the role of active matter in the modern world.

Bio

Christine Washer is a Product Design Honours student studying at the University of Technology Sydney. With a Bachelor of Design in Integrated Product Design and a passion for overcoming real user issues at both an individual and global scale, she has undertaken this project to improve her understanding of the role of design in creating successful and meaningful user-centred innovations for the future, as well as to further develop her professional design skills. Christine appreciates a hands-on approach to design and values investigating the properties of materials and mechanisms, along with user testing, as a method to identify limitations and the possible opportunities that can be exploited. Having previously worked on a project with self-assembly features achieved through compliant mechanisms, Christine hopes to challenge her knowledge on the subject by shifting her focus to the materials themselves, and expand on the opportunities made evident to her through this prior research.

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