Economic growth demands better products; hence, better materials. Specifically, product space in energy, defense, aerospace, and automotive industries requires materials that are multi-functional, lightweight, reliable, and tough. In addition, environmental regulations require sustainability. Comprehensive optimization of these requirements is possible through multi-scale structure control in multi-material systems. In this talk, I will discuss how we can control structure from nano-to-macro-scale using additive manufacturing and solution synthesis routes. Examples from hierarchical composites and ceramics will be provided with a design perspective. The use of kHz-range vibrations in local three-dimensional structure control will be introduced. Our recent work showed that vibration-assisted fused filament fabrication (VA-FFF) technique enhanced strength, toughness, and reliability of short-fiber-reinforced composites. We also reported improved mechanical, electrical, and optical properties in polymers via quantum dots and nano-scale structure control. The mechanistic origins of the toughness and reliability increases in additively manufactured biomimetic porous materials will be detailed. I will describe machine learning and high-throughput approaches towards the discovery of new electro-active material systems for the next-generation product innovation. In addition, the discussion will include evidence-based engineering education approaches and problems. For example, sustainable innovation of better products is strongly correlated to creativity at individual level, but how can we cultivate creative engineers? I will exemplify the use of virtual reality and artificial intelligence education approaches to enhance creativity and diversity.