Short answer
To influence material selection, designers and manufacturers must prioritize and effectively communicate the sensorial benefits of materials, while also finding ways to elevate the perceived importance of technical and ecological attributes.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Bilkent University Institutional Repository (Bilkent University) (2019)
- Method
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research (Interviews and Questionnaires)
- Sample
- 30 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Interior designers prioritize a material's sensory qualities over its technical or ecological attributes when selecting finishes for walls, floors, and ceilings. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Bilkent University Institutional Repository (Bilkent University). Using Qualitative and quantitative research (interviews and questionnaires) with 30 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: To influence material selection, designers and manufacturers must prioritize and effectively communicate the sensorial benefits of materials, while also finding ways to elevate the perceived importance of technical and ecological attributes.
Sensorial Properties Trump Technical and Ecological Factors in Interior Material Selection
Interior designers prioritize a material's sensory qualities over its technical or ecological attributes when selecting finishes for walls, floors, and ceilings.
Bilkent University Institutional Repository (Bilkent University) · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Designers consider a wide range of material, project, and designer-related factors.
- 02Sensorial properties are the highest priority for material selection, particularly for walls.
- 03Technical properties are a secondary priority across all surfaces.
- 04Intangible properties are more prioritized than manufacturing properties for walls, and less so for floors and ceilings.
- 05Ecological properties are the lowest priority for material selection across all surfaces.
Application
Design takeaway
To influence material selection, designers and manufacturers must prioritize and effectively communicate the sensorial benefits of materials, while also finding ways to elevate the perceived importance of technical and ecological attributes.
How to apply
When developing new interior finishing materials, focus initial efforts on achieving superior aesthetic and tactile qualities. Simultaneously, develop clear communication strategies to highlight the technical performance and environmental benefits, aiming to shift designer priorities over time.
Project actions
- 01When selecting materials for your design project, think about how they will look, feel, and sound.
- 02Consider the technical performance (durability, maintenance) as a secondary but important factor.
- 03Research the environmental impact of your chosen materials, even if it's not the top priority.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Investigated a range of material selection factors.
- +Focused on professional designers' perspectives.
- +Differentiated considerations across different interior surfaces.
Limitations
Your own design project might have specific constraints (e.g., budget, client requirements) that influence material selection differently than the general trends observed in this study.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by the use of both interviews and questionnaires, providing multiple data points. Validity is enhanced by focusing on professional practitioners in the field.
Think critically
Given that ecological properties are the lowest priority, what strategies can designers and manufacturers employ to increase their importance in the material selection process without compromising sensorial appeal?
Design Principles
"Prioritize user experience and aesthetic appeal in material selection, but actively seek to integrate and communicate the value of technical performance and sustainability."
Understanding designers' material selection priorities is crucial for developing new materials and informing design education. This insight highlights a gap where ecological considerations are currently undervalued, presenting an opportunity for innovation in sustainable material development that also appeals to aesthetic and tactile preferences.
What This Means for Your Design
Designers care most about how materials look and feel, less about how they are made or if they are good for the environment.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when justifying your material choices, particularly if you prioritize aesthetic or tactile qualities.
- 2.Use the findings to explain why certain materials might be preferred in specific contexts (e.g., walls).
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
In selecting finishing materials for interior spaces, research indicates that designers prioritize sensorial properties such as appearance and texture, particularly for wall surfaces, over technical or ecological attributes (Salcı, 2019). While technical performance is a secondary consideration, ecological factors are often the lowest priority.
Source
Bilkent University Institutional Repository (Bilkent University)
Designers’ finishing material selection considerations in interior spaces
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about sensorial properties trump technical and ecological factors in interior material selection?
- To influence material selection, designers and manufacturers must prioritize and effectively communicate the sensorial benefits of materials, while also finding ways to elevate the perceived importance of technical and ecological attributes. Evidence: Bilkent University Institutional Repository (Bilkent University) (2019).
- Why does "Sensorial Properties Trump Technical and Ecological Factors in Interior Material Selection" matter for design?
- Understanding designers' material selection priorities is crucial for developing new materials and informing design education. This insight highlights a gap where ecological considerations are currently undervalued, presenting an opportunity for innovation in sustainable material development that also appeals to aesthetic and tactile preferences.
- How can designers apply this research?
- To influence material selection, designers and manufacturers must prioritize and effectively communicate the sensorial benefits of materials, while also finding ways to elevate the perceived importance of technical and ecological attributes.
- What were the main findings?
- Designers consider a wide range of material, project, and designer-related factors.. Sensorial properties are the highest priority for material selection, particularly for walls.. Technical properties are a secondary priority across all surfaces.. Intangible properties are more prioritized than manufacturing properties for walls, and less so for floors and ceilings.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research (Interviews and Questionnaires) with 30 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from Bilkent University Institutional Repository (Bilkent University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing new interior finishing materials, focus initial efforts on achieving superior aesthetic and tactile qualities. Simultaneously, develop clear communication strategies to highlight the technical performance and environmental benefits, aiming to shift designer priorities over time.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on residential interiors and entrance areas, which may not represent all project types or scales. The prioritization of ecological properties might differ in projects with specific sustainability mandates.