Manu Thundathil is an industrial designer and academic specializing in the effective use of materials in product design. He leverages his professional background in polymer engineering and industrial design to create sustainable product solutions which connect with the aesthetic demands of consumers. His current research focuses on understanding material perception to develop novel and sustainable materials from biological or post-consumer waste streams, which could be adopted for mass-produced consumer products. He is also passionate about understanding the mechanism of creativity and advocates frugal design.