Material Experience: An Evaluation Model for Creative Materials Based on Visual-Tactile Sensory Properties

This study adopts a design-oriented approach to integrate traditional braids with commonly used matrix materials, developing creative materials with different sensory properties by altering matrix material types and braid patterns. Based on these creative materials, a quantitative and structured model is proposed to assist designers understanding the material experience process and guide material selection by analyzing the relationship between material properties and sensory perception. Specifically, participants evaluated the creative materials under visual-tactile conditions using a 7-point semantic differential (SD) scale. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the data. The main and interaction effects of matrix materials and braid patterns on impression evaluation were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A structural equation model (SEM) was constructed based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and path coefficients were computed to assess the relative importance of material properties in determining material attractiveness. The results show that, compared to braids, the creative materials resulted in significant changes in impression evaluation. Furthermore, the creative materials can be understood through intrinsic, aesthetic, and physical properties, with their standardized regression coefficients for material attractiveness of 0.486, 0.650, and 0.103, respectively. These properties are interrelated and under their combined influence affect the attractiveness of the material. Therefore, designers should consider utilizing these relationships to enhance sensory experience in order to achieve design objectives. Moreover, designers should also consider balancing technology and experience, using materials according to the principle of "form follows function".