Factors affecting the choice of material
- Functionality: will the material do the job? Consider strength, weight, durability, and whether it needs to be waterproof or conduct heat.
- Aesthetics: how it looks and feels, such as its colour, texture and finish.
- Environmental factors: is it renewable, recyclable or biodegradable? How much energy does it take to make?
- Availability: is it easy to get in the stock forms and sizes needed?
- Cost: the price of the material and of processing it. Mass-produced products need cheap materials.
- Social, cultural and ethical factors: will it offend anyone, is it produced fairly, and does it suit the users?
Making a justified choice
- Name the material precisely, such as "acrylic" rather than "plastic", and link each property to the product's function.
- Example: a children's toy made from beech is hard, durable, has no splinters when finished, and is non-toxic when finished with a safe varnish.
- Example: a garden bench made from larch or pressure-treated pine resists rot and costs less than a hardwood.
Components
- Standard components are ready-made parts, such as screws, bolts, hinges, LEDs and zips.
- They save time and money, are made to consistent sizes, and can be replaced easily.
Key terms
- Functionality
- How well a product or material does its job.
- Aesthetics
- How a product looks, feels and appeals to the senses.
- Availability
- How easy a material is to get in the form needed.
- Standard component
- A ready-made part, such as a screw or hinge.
- Biodegradable
- Able to be broken down naturally by bacteria.
- Durability
- How long a material lasts without wearing out.