Innovation and research do complement each other. In Thailand, a number of research have been conducted, however, not many of them were developed further to innovations. Design is considered a decent tool for developing research into tangible innovative products, as it potentially helps transform research to commercializable innovations that serve different needs effectively. Thus, this dissertation had developed a design-driven innovation (DDI) model for elevating values of research aimed to be developed to innovations. In other word, this study was intended to link educational sector with the industrial one by testing and developing the design-driven innovation model through metallic foams, the novel materials which have never been commercialized in Thailand. The research methodology includes studying of the materials’ properties, evaluating the potential use in the industry, assessing goals and constraints of the industry for use in designing processes, and developing a material-based prototype in order to demonstrate the capacity of the research and its potential to gain acceptance from the experts in the industry. As a result from the study, by finding solutions in the manufacturing and managing processes in all respects, the DDI model can link up the technology and the demands as it transform the technology whose applications have yet to be identified to a prototype that fits the market in the furniture industry. In terms of demand pull, DDI can create form and function to show the market vision and commercialization opportunities. The three important factors of the DDI model are (1) Creation of unique form (2) Creation of different meaning (3) Market positioning from psychological theory of need. It is expected that the knowledge gained from this dissertation will contribute to the development of innovations that help increase our nation’s competitiveness in the world’s market.
