  While it seems counterintuitive to think of degradation within an operating
device as beneficial, one may argue that when rationally designed, the
controlled breakdown of materials can be harnessed for specific functions. To
apply this principle to the design of morphing devices, we introduce the
concept of Degrade to Function (DtF). This concept aims to create eco-friendly
and self-contained morphing devices that operate through a sequence of
environmentally-triggered degradations. We explore its design considerations
and implementation techniques by identifying environmental conditions and
degradation types that can be exploited, evaluating potential materials capable
of controlled degradation, suggesting designs for structures that can leverage
degradation to achieve various transformations and functions, and developing
sequential control approaches that integrate degradation triggers. To
demonstrate the viability and versatility of this design strategy, we showcase
several application examples across a range of environmental conditions.
