Enhancing Material Literacy Through Hands-On Workshops in Educational Material Libraries

Abstract

Materials are foundational to every tangible design project. However, traditional product and industrial design education programs remain largely theory- or software-based, which can limit the development of students’ practical, experiential skills in materials. Although hundreds of material libraries worldwide support education, many still function primarily as consultative archives rather than as active learning environments. Since their emergence in the late 1990s, material libraries have provided organised collections of material samples for designers, professionals, and educators, yet their educational potential is often underutilised. This study examines how material libraries can evolve from static repositories into dynamic commons that support hands-on workshops and knowledge exchange. This paper explores how integrating design workshops and material engagement within an educational materials library can enhance material literacy and experiential learning in design education. By activating the materials library as a space where theoretical knowledge intersects with practical experience, this research proposes a replicable model for enriching design pedagogy.

Keywords: Materials Library, Design Education, Experiential Learning, Hands-on Workshop, Materials Experience

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007990