On-demand
1 hour of video learning
Additional resources
Material Literacy 101
Get started here. The stuff you really need to know.
Overview.
Why does making conscious design choices feel harder than ever?
Hint: It’s not because designers care less.
More materials.
More processes.
More sustainability claims.
More pressure to do the right thing.
Less clarity.
Therefore, to design responsibly in today’s world, you must think clearly about materials.
Better doesn’t mean being perfect or having all the answers.
Materials Literacy is a practical way to understand materials well enough to make informed, conscious design decisions.
Is this course right for me.
Who is this course for?
Product designers
Industrial designers
Architects and interior designers
Design leads and decision-makers
Students looking to upskill
Designer Makers
Design Educators
Founders and teams building physical products
Home renovators
If material choices affect your work, this course is for you.
Who is this not for?
The lessons, videos, and exercises in this course are designed for beginners to intermediates in materials thinking.
If you are a trained materials scientist or already deeply specialised in material engineering, you may find parts of this course too foundational.
What People Are Saying
‘Thanks again for such an inspiring session - I always come away from your workshops feeling motivated and full of ideas.’
Olivia, Student / Interior Designer‘Massive thank you for today, absolutely fantastic session. I have personally learnt a lot, which never really happens in my role anymore, some super thought-provoking topics.
Participant, No7 Beauty Group‘Incredibly informative—opened my eyes to new materials and ways of thinking about design. Highly recommend!’
Online Workshop AttendeeMeet your tutor.
Who’s running the course?
Hi, I’m Olivia!
I started Do Not Go Gentle to challenge the guilt and fear that often surround sustainability in design. I believe real change happens when people feel informed, inspired, and empowered to take action. Through my work, I help clients use design as a force for good, giving them the tools and confidence to make sustainable choices that really matter.
I studied Textile Design at Central Saint Martins and spent eight years running my own surface design studio, creating handmade, bespoke materials and collaborating with brands, architects, and designers around the world. My work has been featured in Frame and Elle Decoration, and in 2022 I expanded my focus by studying Sustainability in Business at Cambridge.
Today, alongside Do Not Go Gentle, I teach Interior Design at Falmouth University, consult across industries, and lead workshops that make sustainability feel exciting, practical, and full of possibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This is the online version of Materials Literacy 101. Once you sign up all videos are available on demand for as long as you need.
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This is a pre-recorded video course for you to follow along at your own pace. Additional resources for further reading or learning are also included. Access any time.
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There is about an hour of video learning all together.
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This course helps you understand how materials move through their full lifecycle; from sourcing and use to recovery and reuse. You’ll learn how to make circular design decisions with clarity and confidence, gain practical insight into sustainable material choices, and develop a deeper connection to the resources you work with. By the end, you’ll have a confident, circular mindset you can apply to everyday design and making practice.
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General Access | £30
Student and Low Income | £20
Above and Beyond | £40
Low-Income and Student tickets are issued on a trust basis. Above and Beyond tickets help support the education of those on low incomes, studying, or transitioning careers by paying it forward.