Developing Knowledge for Design by Operationalizing Materials

Abstract

There is a material side of design that we cannot address through the studies of use and social practice—the properties and potentials of materials, forms, and structures must be explored through another kind of studies. Based on two cases of experimental design research we analyze of what such studies could consist—how we can operationalize material objects by engaging them in situations that give us access to their properties and enable us to explore their potential.