Abstract: As the basis of product design, with its own inherent characteristics and emotional implication, material becomes an essential factor in design process. Different materials have different perceptional characteristics because of its quality, processing and other aspects. This article summarizes the characteristics of materials, especially based on the innovative use of new and existing materials, analyzing designers excellent product solutions, describing the leading design field and expounding the use of material properties in innovative product design.

Key words: material, perceptional characteristics, functional characteristics, material innovation, innovative product design