CMF design is the discipline of using colors, materials and finishes to support the functional, aesthetic and emotional qualities of products. CMF is an important part of the design process to identify the materials and finishes that balances performance, beauty and experience in using a product.
In practice, it is quite hard to break the CMF down neatly into the components of Color, Materials and Finishes. These qualities influence each other in the ways they are used: colors appear brighter with a glossy finish and more subdued with a matte or softer surface finish, metals are textured or shiny based on their finishing process. Together, these qualities have a huge influence on the ways we perceive an object and the emotional response they can provoke.
Colors, materials and finishes have a power to evoke feelings, memories, and aspirations. Objects have inherent perceived values based on the CMF; natural materials are perceived as high-end, textiles are warmer and convey comfort. By being able to evoke various emotions through CMF can really place a design in the environment you want.
Attributes: Contemporary, Classic, Luxury, Trendy, Sophisticated
The functional needs and expectations of objects influences a lot of decisions about CMF. For example, hand tools must be durable and watch straps should be soft and fit comfortably around a wrist. Another aspect is the space in which they will be used; is it indoors or outdoors, home or office, in outer space or underwater? These factors are really helpful in putting function in context with lifestyle and aesthetics.
Attributes: Durable, Rigid, Flexible, Opaque, Compostable
Color is inherently expressive and conveys mood and emotions. In addition, color also has important functional attributes such as highlighting or blending, natural or man-made. Color also has specific cultural context that varies around the world.
Every material has inherent structural qualities that can influence function and form in a design.
Natural materials expand & contract, while synthetic materials are less likely to do so. sustainability & lifecycle of designs
A single material can have many different finishing processes that adds to the experience of the object. A wooden object can be raw, waxed, polished, or well worn with a nice patina.
"The Politics of Design - Color and Contrast" - Ruben Paterpdf