Abstract

The paper refers to an undergraduate design teaching experience, based on the ideation of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) materials, from self-production and use of household waste. The approach allows students a positive assessment of their environment and the generation of innovative solutions in uncertain scenarios. The emerging social crisis in Latin America in 2019 and the global health situation in 2020, calls for solutions to issues such as potential shortage of supplies and deficiency in distribution chains. The objective is to develop high-fidelity prototypes for two new materials that can be manufactured at user level. Design is a tool that allows us to re-look at the environment and generate innovative solutions to respond to present and future projected needs. The INDEX Compass methodology is relevant because it helps teachers and students focus on using design methods and tools to improve life. At the same time, it encourages curiosity, commitment, creativity and innovative thinking. The conclusions point to the capacities that the methodology enhances in the students to propose new DIY solutions and value their habitat in the ideation process. The results obtained are DIY materials made from household waste, representing potential substitutes for existing products.