Semantic effect and material driven design
In the first part of the project, a material concept is to be developed based on a selected association term.
The second part deals with the design method ‘Material Driven Design’.
As part of the course, students first analyze the sensory perception, functional properties, and semantic dimensions of meaning of a material. Building on this, an association term (e.g., sporty, artificial, or playful) is drawn from a defined pool of terms and systematically related to the material.
From this connection, students develop a material concept whose intended effect corresponds to the respective associative term. In addition to examining the semantic effect of materials, students use this as a basis to design a product according to the principle of material-driven design. The application, function, and design of the product are consistently derived from the specific properties of the material.
In order to make metal, one of the oldest materials used by humans, look and feel artificial, we used aluminium plates and created a pattern of spherical dents with a pneumatic hammer, giving the surface a dynamic look.
To reinforce the artificial feel, we added a layer of bright green polyurethane.
The combination of the cool metallic surface with the soft, colourful rubber created a strong contrast and gave the material a unique visual identity while also improving its functionality.
The grooves not only add visual interest but also become a functional part of the design. We wanted to create an object that was both practical and visually striking, while showcasing the material we had developed.
By exploring different, new and experimental techniques, we were able to create a product that combines functionality with an artificial aesthetic.