Abstract:

The article presents an approach based on the design of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) materials, as a phenomenon that makes it possible for each individual to customize objects and environments of daily life in an action that contributes to the circular design. The life cycle of every industrial product is determined between 40% and 60%, by the impact of the manufacturing materials. Therefore, the responsibility and performance of designers has been expanded to incorporate environmental concepts, which evolved from ecological design to design for sustainability and, more recently, to circular design. Do It Yourself (DIY) phenomenon started with the design of products and included the design of materials. DIY materials generate new experiences, promote sustainability and self-production, driving development knowledge through the action. On the other hand, they represent the local identity, since they are made with raw materials, techniques, and resources available in the territory where they are produced, reducing costs, encouraging recycling and linking with the community of origin. In this sense, materials influence this assessment, owing to sensory qualities which are recognizable in the affective response of users, mainly due to external attributes, inherent to an expressive and formal scope. This category of materials considers actions such as reducing, recycling and reusing material when the useful life of the product is ending, applying an educational approach that goes from theory to exploratory and practical. The objective of the project is to boost innovation, through the development of new materials made through self-production and the use of solid waste. The experience is carried out in rural areas integrating the primary schools. The methodology considers stages related to the identification of waste; design and manufacture of new materials; sensory and functional characterization, empirical transfer of knowledge associated with an application context. The design process is iterative and based on the realization of various low fidelity prototypes to find the best compatibility between residues. A process of transfer to users is carried out, through a methodology of participatory innovation. For rural sectors, it is relevant knowledge, because access to materials and resources for construction is difficult, due to the remoteness of urban areas. The results correspond to guides for the self-manufacturing of materials for their application in the repair, renovation or manufacture of everyday objects. The conclusions correspond to the potential of the new designed materials, to be integrated as substitute materials. Users manufacture their materials according to their preferences, customizing their products, which is favorable in terms of emotional satisfaction and self-management of waste, making them more autonomous.

Keywords:

Primary education, social innovation, sustainable materials.