iMateria: Materials Library for Designers
A space and framework for exploring subjective and objective dimensions of materiality
Design Research
Product Design
Spatial Design
PROJECT BREAKDOWN
The Challenge
Literature on materials emphasize technical data but often overlook emotional and sensory aspects of material perception. This project sought to create a system that supports both, serving designers seeking inspiration as well as those addressing practical constraints.
The Goal
Design and implement a mobile materials library that merges subjective emotional responses with objective material data, supported by a theoretical framework developed through master’s research.
Tools
Solidworks, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite
My Roles
Project Lead, Researcher, Systems Design, Physical Space Design, Prototyping, Visual Identity
Details
Team: André, Celso, Gabriela, Giulio, Leandra, Roberto
Timeline: 2 years
The Research
My master’s research addressed how materials elicit emotional responses and influence user-product relationships. Two field studies mapped the verbal attributes people use to describe aesthetic, associative, and emotional qualities. These studies informed a new Emotion Elucidation Model that bridges material properties, user perception, and emotional experience.
The Outcome
We created iMateria, a physical-digital platform that stores over 300 material samples and 100+ products. The physical space was designed for mobility, using transportable containers and furniture to bring the library into classrooms. The digital system connects users to technical specs, manufacturing processes, and emotional descriptors.
PROJECT CONTRIBUTIONS
Physical Space Design
Designed a mobile, modular library housed in transportable containers. Custom-built furniture allows for easy relocation to classrooms and events, making material exploration accessible and hands-on.
Materials and Product Samples
Curated and coded a growing collection of 300+ material samples and 100+ product references. Samples are housed in custom furniture and cross-referenced with searchable attributes in the digital database.
Materials Database
Developed a custom database informed by master’s research, combining technical specifications with subjective, emotional, and sensory attributes to support both functional selection and creative exploration.
Project Management
Led the project from concept to implementation, securing industry partnerships for funding and production. Managed all phases, including physical construction, branding, launch events, and ongoing outreach.
BEHIND THE SCENES
EMOTION ELUCIDATION MODEL
Developed a conceptual model to explain how users emotionally interact with products, emphasizing the role of materials and form in triggering perception, memory, and affect. The model maps cognitive and sensory responses within cultural and contextual frameworks, supporting emotionally driven design decisions.
CLASSIFICATION FOR DATABASE
Created a materials classification system based on two field studies analyzing how people describe and emotionally interpret materials. The research informed the creation of concept libraries that organize materials by both technical and intangible attributes, bridging functional data with user-centered insight.