Biomimicry =Bio+ Mimicry

‘Bio’ means life ‘Mimicry’ means to

imitate Biomimicry is a

discipline that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems.

Termite Mound Eastgate Centre, with its distinctive chimneys

Biology-to-Design approach Understanding a biological phenomenon

and then applying it to a human design challenge.

Design-to-Biology approach Identifying the core function of design

challenge and then looking to nature to see how various organisms or ecosystems have achieved that function.

Step 1. IdentifyDevelop a Design Brief with specifics about the problem to be resolved

Step 2. InterpretBiologize the question; ask the Design Brief from Nature's perspective:

Translate the design function into functions carried out in nature.  Ask “How does Nature do this function?”  “How does Nature NOT do this function?”

Step 3. DiscoverLook for the champions in nature who answer/resolve your challenges

Step 4. AbstractFind the repeating patterns and processes within nature that achieve success

Select the champions with the most relevant strategies to your particular design challenge.

Abstract from this list the repeating successes and principles that achieve this success.

Step 5. EmulateDevelop ideas and solutions based on the natural models

Step 6. EvaluateEvaluate your design solution against Life’s Principles

How life has sustained on earth for 3.85 billion years.1. Life adapts and evolves2. Life creates conditions conductive to life.

Shinkansen Bullet Train, Japan

Small bumps & waxy crystals on Lotus Leaf

Biomimicry can help us to create products and processes that:

Are sustainable Perform well Save Energy Cut Material Costs Redefine and Eliminate “Waste” Define new product categories and

industries Drive Profits