Abstract: Sensing elements and sensing processes are disclosed. The sensing element includes a conductive composite. The conductive composite has an observable property corresponding to an external condition. The sensing element is positioned for changes in the external conditions to be identifiable in a system in response to monitoring of the observable property of the conductive composite by at least a portion of the system. The sensing process includes providing the sensing element having the conductive composite, and monitoring the observable property of the conductive composite corresponding to the external condition. This observable property may be monitored either while the change in external condition is taking place or measured later in the case of a composite material with memory. The sensing element is positioned for changes in the external condition to be identifiable in a system in response to the monitoring of the observable property of the conductive composite by at least a portion of the system.