Mycodesign: A new collaboration between mycomaterials and product design as a way to promote material identity

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Design Journal

Abstract

The implementation of the new material culture in the industrial field using biomaterials, currently offers solutions that are disconnected from their origin. Primary sources’ alternative offers functional and expressive identities as part of their potential. New dynamics and specific design strategies are emerging to facilitate project thinking around biomaterials’ qualities, in order to use them in their raw form. This paper presents a case study that validates a customized methodology, M4D, focusing on the application of mycelium-based composites in product design, which are yet limited. We provide a journey throughout the creation process of different prototypes in search of a manufacturing strategy that promotes feasibility and reproducibility. Bio-assemblage was identified as a necessary property in the creation of myco-based modular structures. We further discuss how M4D methodology stresses the natural and expressive identities of myco-materials, and how these can blur as you move forward into designing a viable product.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2025.2455893

Publication Date

1-2025

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