ABSTRACT
The practice of people-centred engagement within ‘Inclusive Design’ or ‘Universal Design’, for example, has become a go-to approach across many design disciplines such as product, service, built environment, and beyond. Yet it is only beginning to have traction in the materials development space. Early developments of new materials are often conducted independently or with minimal engagement with key stakeholders, frequently within a controlled lab space. Notable barriers include the accessibility of spaces where material developments exist to participants, and a lack of identifying an application of said ‘new materials’ to real-world scenarios since developments are not typically led by identifying an area of application. However, insights gained from engaging with stakeholders is known to be a powerful resource within design processes, having impact on the development of materials in a way that informs their use and effectiveness in application(s). This chapter aims to provide a critical review of the use of people-centred engagement methods within early developmental stages of material concepts and sampling processes, as a source of inspiration and insight. Behaviours, attitudes, and levels of engagement are unpacked, exploring the role of people, insights into the nature of designing with groups, and how this informs material development.
