7 Steps To Unlock The Power Of Biomimicry

By: Sofia Perez

“Biomimicry is…the conscious emulation of life’s genius.”-Janine Benyus

Without using biomimicry, companies spend a lot of effort developing “new and improved” products and services to sell to consumers: a new iPhone, a new car, new sneakers, a new watch.

It always seems like the best is yet to come. Moreover, it seems like what was the “best” version of a product last year is now barely acceptable.

But what if perfect designs have already existed for millions of years? What if the most insightful inspiration is available all around us, for free?

Good news.

It is.

What is biomimicry?

According to the Biomimicry Institute, biomimicry is “a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies used by living organisms to solve challenges comparable to the ones we face as individuals and societies”.

Let’s unpack this.

Nature has been doing its thing for way longer than we have, and as a result, has had lots of time to make its processes optimally designed for the tasks it is doing.

This means we are in luck, because wherever there are plants, animals, or any other biological entity, there is also a plethora of free inspiration available to inspire efficient design.

So the challenge is not accessing inspiration from biology but applying it.

Let’s break this idea of “applying” biomimicry into a few easy steps.

Applying Biomimicry

#1: Define the Problem Clearly.

Ask: What specific problem are you trying to solve? Focus on defining it in terms of functional challenges rather than just aesthetic or general inspiration.
Action: Write out a clear, concise problem statement, emphasizing the functionality you’re aiming to improve (e.g., “designing a structure that is energy-efficient and resilient”).

#2: Identify Natural Models that Solve Similar Problems.

Ask: Where in nature do organisms solve similar problems? Look for examples in ecosystems, organisms, or processes that align with your functional needs.
Action: Research organisms or ecosystems known to embody solutions to challenges similar to yours (e.g., termite mounds for natural ventilation, lotus leaves for water repellency).

#3: Study the Biology of the Model in Detail.

Ask: How exactly does this natural model achieve its function? Get specific about the mechanisms and adaptations involved.
Action: Break down the biological processes or physical structures at play and take notes on any principles, materials, or patterns that could apply to your design.

#4: Abstract Key Principles From Biomimicry.

Ask: What is the core principle behind this natural solution? Focus on what you can abstract rather than just copying.
Action: Extract the underlying principles, such as shape, material properties, or mechanisms, without getting attached to the exact biological form (e.g., spirals for strength, surfaces that minimize drag).

#5: Brainstorm and Prototype Translational Ideas.

Ask: How can I adapt these principles into practical design features? What form could these take in my design?
Action: Use sketches, digital models, or small physical prototypes to explore how these principles can be integrated. Aim to keep these iterations quick and experimental to test feasibility.

#6: Evaluate and Iterate.

Ask: How effective is the biomimetic feature in practice? Does it solve the problem as intended?
Action: Test your prototype against your initial problem criteria. Evaluate whether the biomimetic feature enhances performance, efficiency, or sustainability. Based on the outcomes, make adjustments or try alternative approaches.

#7: Refine and Implement the Final Design.

Ask: What additional adjustments or integrations are needed to bring the design to life?
Action: Integrate the biomimetic features into your final design, ensuring functionality and aesthetics align with the intended purpose. Document your process and insights for future projects.

Let’s Apply Biomimicry.

After all that, how do you put any of this information into good use?

You can use the flowchart below to begin applying biomimicry to problem-solving in your own life!

Thought to Action

Optimize Natural Lighting: Position workspaces near windows to maximize daylight use, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Use reflective surfaces and light-colored walls to enhance light distribution.
Insulation: Improve insulation to minimize heat exchange. Seal gaps around doors and windows to mimic how natural shelters (like bird nests) retain warmth.
Iterative Design: In project management, use fractal thinking to test ideas at a small scale before scaling them up. For example, prototype a single feature of a product rather than building the whole system at once.
Feedback Loops: Nature’s fractals rely on constant feedback (e.g., coral growth responding to water conditions). Incorporate feedback loops to refine your processes or strategies iteratively.
Composting: Repurpose food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for plants, mimicking the nutrient cycles of forests.

Sources

The Biomimicry Institute. (n.d.) What is biomimicry?https://biomimicry.org/inspiration/what-is-biomimicry/