This presentation will describe work processes to develop new materials and enabling surfaces that provide improved subsystem performance in order to meet the needs for continuing improvement of all xerographic marking subsystems.The presentation is in two parts. In the first part, the aforementioned work process will be described, beginning with the identification of new subsystem requirements. The major emphasis will be on performance optimization requirements.The second part will show specific examples of fuser materials design, especially fluoroelastomers and release fluids. We will describe a comparative study of standard curing methodologies against novel functional silane cure systems, functional hydrocarbons and hybrids thereof. We will also review test data demonstrating improved composition performance with the utilization of these novel curing systems. The challenge of understanding the role of release vs. lubrication for image release will also be discussed. The presentation will close with material design challenges to optimize system interactions in the fuser nip impacting fuser component life and image quality.