Materials & Manufacturing Methods selection in product design: Experiences in undergraduate programs

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an exploratory analysis about the existence and nature of ‘materials and manufacturing methods’ contents into the curricula of product design undergraduate programs in Brazil. Materials selection has great impact on the manufacturing of products and can support more sustainable design. This study is the first phase of a research about the implications of choosing autochthonous materials and traditional manufacturing methods for design of local products and, consequently, adding value to local resource and its origin. The main case study was conducted in Brazil that is an immense country and owns vast natural resources. Moreover, Brazilian ancestry communities developed a lot of traditional manufacture methods. Neither native materials nor traditional manufacturing methods are presented for design students as alternative for adding value to local resources. Aiming at illustrate possible strategies for M&MM education, three innovative initiatives in Europe are presented.