Abstract
The DIY movement is expanding beyond products to include the materials from which the products are made; namely, DIY-Materials. Designers around the globe are engaging in different experimental journeys encircling the materials development field before developing their projects. Self-made material sources are providing designers with a unique tool to develop new languages and new products with original and fresh materials experiences. As more designers take this path, a proper study around the phenomenon needs to be carried out.
This chapter presents an introduction to a doctoral study conducted to understand the DIY-Materials phenomenon as one of the emerging materials experiences in the field of design. The herein presented research structure shows the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, the qualitative methods and strategies to conduct the different tests, and how the different elements are attempting to clearly define this phenomenon together. The chapter does not act as a summary of the study. Instead, it is an invitation to read the doctoral dissertation. Within, it is possible to view and understand the opportunities DIY-Materials offer when considered as a possible practice in the design domain.