<p>Design work and knowledge in textile-based composite materials with shape transformable capabilities i.e., 4D printed polymer-textile composites (4DP PTCs) is significant for both research and practice. Yet there is little investigation to the problem of specifying a systematic design process so that it can be further developed, communicated, and validated. This research investigates the structural components i.e., design, development and evaluation methods in 4DP PTC design which bridges together 4D printing and polymer-textile composite (PTC) using extrusion technologies, polyurethane-based polymers with textile substrates. By drawing on backward design planning, we can form the basis for a more optimised and methodical design process. Via practice-led and lab-based experiments, we identify key design variables that can be fine-tuned to influence material design leading to the development of design tools that are built around the variables to aid practitioners with their decision-making process based on quantitative experimental data. To validate the functionality of the design model, 4DP PTC prototypes are designed, produced, and analysed to illustrate its viability. The resulting specimens shows excellent shaping properties with fixity and recovery rates of up to 98.7% and 96.8% respectively.</p>