
FAQ.
Answers to a frequently asked questions about material innovation, design and design thinking, and other questions about materials and the environment

- 01
Material innovation is a growing filed, focusing on the development and discovery of new materials or the improved use of existing materials in order to create new products or improve existing ones. This can involve using new techniques to produce materials, combining different materials in new ways, or finding new applications for existing materials. Material innovation is an important field of research and development, as it has the potential to lead to the creation of more advanced and effective products, as well as more sustainable and environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes.
- 02
Not every material is suitable for every application, and sometimes even a material that was suitable for a certain application in the past is no longer suitable or there is already a better alternative. Therefore, there are several key factors to consider when choosing a material for a particular application, including:
The properties and characteristics of the material, such as strength, conductivity, flexibility and resistance to various effects.
The environmental impact of the material, including planning for the end of the product's life and any toxicity or other negative effects that may result.
The suitability of the material for the intended application, in terms of the technological application, the suitability for use and the market as well as potential challenges related to the use of the material such as regulatory trends.
The availability and cost of the material, including the feasibility of production at the desired scale in terms of quantities and time, potential impact on the supply chain.
The potential for future developments or improvements in the material, including the potential for further research and development to improve its performance or functionality.
As a general rule, every time you approach the choice of a material for a particular application, it is important to carefully consider all these factors, and consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of other materials in order to choose the most suitable option for the specific needs of the project.
- 03
There are many different ways that material innovation can be used, depending on the specific materials and applications involved. Here are some examples:
Improving the production processes of existing products or materials, such as using new techniques to produce materials more efficiently, reducing waste and adapting to market trends and/or regulation.
Finding new applications for existing materials, such as using a material that was previously only used in one industry in a completely different field, which opens up new possibilities for application.
Development of sustainable materials or production processes that reduce the environmental impact of production and use of materials.
Development of new materials with specific properties, such as strength, conductivity or flexibility, that can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as consumer products, construction packaging, etc.
Creating new composite materials by combining different materials to achieve specific properties or performance characteristics that cannot be achieved with a single material.
Material innovation can be implicated in many different ways, and can be applied to a wide variety of industries. Usually the first step is getting to know what is being done in the field, and this can be done by exploring, scheduling a meeting or booking a lecture. This is an important area of research and development that has the potential to drive significant progress in a variety of fields.
- 04
A materials innovation consultant, uses their knowledge and expertise to provide advice and guidance to organizations in the use and development of materials for the purpose of creating new products or improving existing ones. The consulting provides assistance to entrepreneurs and companies to identify new materials or production techniques that can be used to create advanced or sustainable products, or to develop strategies for using existing materials in new ways.
In the consultation process, an initial study of the needs, processes and goals will be carried out and then the process will continue according to the conclusions. There will often be interaction with a variety of project stakeholders, including engineers, product designers, marketing personnel, and managers. If necessary, collaborations can also take place with consultants or other experts in order to provide the most comprehensive and effective advice to clients. Ultimately, the goal of the consulting process is to help organizations drive innovation and progress in materials in industrial settings.
- 05
The material innovation process typically involves several key stages, which may include:
Identifying a problem or opportunity that can be addressed through the development of a new material or new material technology. This phase begins with getting to know the existing processes, capabilities and limitations. Next, research will usually be conducted to identify potential materials or technologies that offer the desired properties or characteristics.
Developing a plan for implementing the material or material technology, which may include designing and building prototypes, conducting testing and evaluation, and refining the manufacturing process.
Advising on strategy for the launching the material or product, and marketing it to potential customers.
Ongoing research and development to improve the material or material technology, and to identify new applications or uses for the material.
It is important to note that the material innovation process will be suited for the projects needs in order to provide the best results.
- 06
The length of time it takes to complete a materials innovation process can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors, such as the complexity of the material being developed, the resources available for research and development, and the specific goals and objectives of the project. In general, you should be prepared that the process of innovation in materials can be a long and complex process and may last several months or years.
The nature of the work varies greatly from project to project. In some cases and stages, intensive and close work is required for other positions in the company. On the other hand, there are cases and stages that can be carried out separately depending on the progress in other aspects of the project. Therefore, it is recommended to get in touch and find out which options are suitable for your project.