The DRM methodology is widely applied in design research, particularly for the design research questions which concern finding behavioural patterns in people–product interactions through more empirical ways. is proposed to support or improve the existing situation and (4) Descriptive Study II, to evaluate the implication of the proposed support.

DRM includes four stages: (1) Research Clarification, in which the researchers find evidence that support their assumptions in order to formulate a research goal (2) Descriptive Study I, where more literature is reviewed and a descriptive study is conducted to model the existing situation (3) Prescriptive Study, in which a new theory, model, method, tool, etc. This research grounds on the Design Research Methodology (DRM) as described by Blessing and Chakrabarti. In both cases, the result is that material appreciation is limited to niche user groups in societies. Materials that hide their natural origin do not clearly convey their difference from the conventional materials. Materials that express their natural patterns puts strong emphasis on “green aesthetics”, which might not always be desired by people. Neither of the above approaches seems to fully succeed in wide uptake of such materials by societies. Currently, most sustainable materials either fully express their purpose through natural patterns and avoidance of, for example, material colorants or they avoid any aesthetic reference to their “sustainable” nature and imitate a conventional material. In parallel, new or improved aesthetics for materials are emphasised as an essential way to foster sustainability in societies.

The growth of sustainable product design has led to the use of alternative materials (e.g., materials derived from waste, bio-based materials, etc.) as substitute to regular, petroleum-based ones.

Free materials unity