Materials Design for Transition (MaDe/Trans) is an interdisciplinary research group working on materials design, regeneration, ecology and sustainability. The group promotes a design approach in which materials and processes become pivotal actors because of their ability to catalyse positive impacts on environmental and social ecosystems. The aim is to explore new responsible design practices for materials and artefacts, including biodesign and regenerative design approaches.

MaDe/Trans encourages research and experimentation with emerging and alternative resources, materials, processes and artefacts and is dedicated to the development of material-driven projects. A strong emphasis is placed on DIY (do it yourself) methods, craft and indigenous techniques, biofabrication processes and living materials to promote creativity and regenerative design solutions.

Materials are seen as fundamental elements in the transition towards design that considers and respects nature and ecosystems through circularity and regeneration. The aim is to raise awareness among designers and practitioners of the potential of materials to have a positive impact by recognising the actions and needs of non-human entities (more than human design approach).

MaDe/Trans adopts an interdisciplinary perspective, which is essential to ensure comprehensive research on materials and process design. This enables results that are applicable to different fields and sectors, as materials and processes are the basis for most areas of design. Indeed, their importance ranges from communication and interaction to fashion, from products to spaces.

Other important research topics addressed by the group, also with a systemic and interdisciplinary orientation, are cultural heritage and craftsmanship, user and material experience (UX and MX), speculative design and the education of future material designers.