A matrix of material representation

The sensory properties of materials such as colour, texture, sound, smell, etc and people’s perceptual responses to them are very important information for designers to consider when selecting or combining materials for a manufactured product. Based on theoretical, experimental and computer programming methods, this research has established a framework of a database referred to as ‘Matrix of Material Representation’. The Matrix is a visual narrative model that systematically contains the holistic information about the factors involved in the human perception of materials and illustrates the interrelationship between these factors. Currently, the detailed information about material texture perception has been integrated into the Matrix, which includes a series of material texture perception maps. The Matrix is expected to provide guidance and a reference point to enable design practitioners to make intelligent judgements in selecting and combining different materials in order to match human sensory adaptation, aesthetical and perceptual expectation. The Matrix is seen as evolutionary and therefore has been designed to allow further research data to be integrated at future points. The paper presented here will give a detailed introduction to the Matrix and its dynamic development.