Why DIY Materials Are Exactly What Design—and Our Economy—Needs Right Now

The world of design has long been shackled to pre-existing, mass-produced materials, keeping creative choices boxed in by what big suppliers deem profitable. But DIY material creation is blowing this open, finally giving designers the power to produce exactly what they need, whether that means crafting sustainable alternatives, unique textures, or even inventing entirely new substances. Let’s face it: DIY materials aren’t just a trend—they’re a necessity in a world that’s had enough of cookie-cutter products and unsustainable consumerism.

Why Designers Should be Making Their Own Materials

There’s something outdated, even lazy, about limiting designers to what’s on the market. By making their own materials, designers aren’t just creating something pretty; they’re reclaiming autonomy and putting an end to creative compromises. Why should design be confined by the limitations of mass-produced materials? DIY lets designers play, innovate, and take risks that would be impossible if they had to stick to what’s sold on a shelf.

More importantly, DIY material-making encourages a level of responsibility that the industry sorely lacks. Designers working hands-on with materials are far less likely to ignore the environmental impact or wastefulness of their creations. When you make the material, you know every resource that goes into it, and that awareness transforms how you design. This is the future of design: grounded in knowledge, driven by purpose, and unapologetically unique.

laughingsquid.com Fantastic Coral Reef Sculptures Made out of Household Objects

Open Source Materials: A Game-Changer for Real Innovation

The traditional approach to materials is not only restrictive—it’s also exclusive. Open-source materials challenge the hierarchy by saying, “We’re in this together.” Imagine a world where a young designer in a remote part of the world can access the same material knowledge as a large, established studio. That’s what open source does: it levels the playing field, which is exactly what design needs.

Critics say open source threatens the profit models of big suppliers, and, honestly, that’s the point. The design industry needs to evolve, and so should the way we think about “value” in materials. Why hoard knowledge when sharing it leads to better, more diverse, and sustainable design? Open source isn’t a threat; it’s a lifeline for innovation that prioritizes people and the planet over monopolies and profit margins.

DIY as a Necessary Critique of Our Wasteful Economic System

Let’s talk about the bigger picture. The DIY movement is a direct critique of an economic system that thrives on overconsumption and waste. Our current model rewards endless buying and quick disposal—if something breaks, you throw it away and get a new one. DIY challenges this head-on by saying: “No, we can create, repair, and innovate without feeding into this throwaway culture.” It’s an empowering shift, reminding us that we don’t have to be passive consumers. We can actively reject the pressures of mass production and take control of what we create and use.

moussemagazine.it Richard Tuttle "Matter" at Marian Goodman, Paris — Mousse Magazine and Publishing

DIY materials champion the idea that value isn’t defined by profit margins but by ethics, resourcefulness, and authenticity. They call out the absurdity of our globalized, hyper-consumptive economy, showing that quality doesn’t have to be tied to quantity or price. Instead, it’s about a product’s connection to its maker, its purpose, and its impact.

Material Activism: Building a Better, More Responsible Design Culture

DIY materials are more than just a “fun trend” in design—they’re a form of material activism that’s here to stay. They’re pushing back against a design industry focused on speed and scale rather than sustainability and creativity. And they’re giving us a blueprint for how design can move forward: one that’s community-oriented, open to sharing, and driven by responsibility, not profit.

In the end, DIY materials are a rebellion, and one that’s long overdue. They’re the antidote to our profit-driven economic model, our wasteful habits, and our creatively stifled design culture. It’s time for the design industry to embrace this movement and recognize that DIY materials don’t just improve design—they’re essential to creating a world where design truly matters.