Hierarchical considerations in materials design and characterization

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New materials characterization tools continue to illuminate new structural features, often ever smaller. But our understanding of materials properties will not necessarily come from achieving nanometre or femtosecond resolution, but in linking behaviour (structure, formation, properties) across length and time scales. In other words, we must consider the hierarchical structure (and its emergence) and not just the component features. Synergy and communication across length scales lead to unique properties, such as the balance of mechanical and optical response in a butterfly wing. Our hierarchical approach to materials design and characterization has already yielded new materials in our laboratory with interesting biological and optical properties, as well as a deeper appreciation of heterogeneity in synthetic and natural materials.