Method of Perception of Materials by Users (PERMATUS) for Development of Sacred Imagesin Aparecida, Sao Paulo, Brazil

This article aims to apply a method of evaluating products in relation to the perception of their materials by users, based on studies performed with sacred images. The religious culture is one of the main characteristics of the city of Aparecida, located in the Paraiba Valley, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, attracting tourists from various regions of Brazil, moving and expanding the source of income of the residents. The study is based on the user's method of perception of materials - PERMATUS that aims to assist designers in the selection of materials considering the subjective attributes as a way of incorporating identity in product development, valuing the artifact. Users' perception tests were performed with seven types of images in different materials, such as: metallic, polymeric, ceramic and composite with different diatomaceous earth loads in gypsum. The research was conducted at the tourist support center in the city of Aparecida. The results show that the materials influence and affect the sensations by the diversity in the individuals expression in front of the products, finishing, textures with significant impact in the choices and decision making.