This project creates a knowledge base on the reaction kinetics for transition metal nitride hard coating synthesis, with the goal to initiate a transformation from the current evolutionary development of protective coatings to a transformative coatings-by-design approach. This facilitates new coatings for fuel-efficient jet engines and gas turbines, environment-friendly lubricant-free cutting tools, high-temperature concentrating solar power plants, and wind turbines. Measurements on single-crystal layers and first-principles calculations determine local equilibria and kinetic barriers for the synthesis of over 500 distinct nitride phases and their off-stoichiometric variants, including new phases with outstanding mechanical properties.