Can the right print process transform a material’s desirability?

The relationship between material and print is what takes design beyond aesthetics – enhancing performance, desirability, and the pleasure of interaction 🤲.

The right pairing not only elevates texture and tactility but also expands the breadth of colour achievable in print. These choices are what make print design something felt, remembered – and desired.

Here are six project examples from the Conscious Made archive, where thoughtful print decisions transform material into something truly desirable.

[1] 12-colour print on Hahnemühle German Etching paper (self-initiated)

12-Colour Print vs 4-Colour Print

Colour plays a pivotal role in consumer engagement and decision-making, with desirability often shaped by cultural needs and trends. In a highly saturated digital world, how can print design colours match up? Consider expanding beyond four colours for richer depth [1] – or use a bright white, smooth paper to enhance the printing colour gamut [2].

[2] 4-colour print on Pergraphica High White Smooth paper (Client Mondi Group)

[3] Stanley/Stella 100% Organic cotton T-Shirt (self-initiated)

Embroidery vs Digital Ink Print

When it comes to desirability in textiles, what’s most important – dimension, durability, bold texture, and craftsmanship [3], or intricate detail, matte finish, minimal texture, and full colour [4]? Consider quantity vs. quality: can producing less create something more desirable, valuable, and built for longevity?

[4] Colour print testing for 144 coloured drapes (Client Luminary Colour And Style)

[5] GF Smith Colorplan Heavyweight Paper, 350gsm (Client Jukebox)

Blind Deboss vs Transparent Foil Deboss

When it comes to packaging shelf presence and desirability, what has more impact – pure material texture for a refined, tactile impression [5], or the subtle shimmer of transparent foil catching the light [6]? What makes products stand out – both on the shelf and in a digital world? Does using less print coverage make a design more sustainable, or is it more impactful to print less but with high visual impact?

[6] Foilco foils (Client Jukebox)

Want to showcase the full potential of your materials in print? We collaborate with leading manufacturers to translate material qualities into tactile, high-impact print experiences.

Let’s chat →

№ 2 / 8 – This article is part of an 8-part series on 'how sustainability and desirability can exist in the same material' – View the full series.