The potential of emerging materials
Themes: Materials

Early prototype

A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
Why?
Novel materials with unique properties are constantly becoming available to designers. Kaspar Jansen and his group work on exploring the potential of such materials and develop theories, tools and methods for their application.
How?
Tangible problems and products form the vehicle to show a material’s potential. Both the social and the technological aspects are included in the research, coupling materials science, design engineering and social science.
When?
Currently, four research topics are studied: flexible electroluminescent materials, environmentally sensitive materials, shape morphing materials and smart textiles.
Prof. dr. ir. Kaspar Jansen