Biomimicry
Biomimicry (from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is a design discipline that studies nature`s best ideas and then imitates or takes inspiration from these designs and processes to solve human problems. Studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell is an example of this innovation inspired by nature. The core idea is that nature, imaginative by necessity, has already solved many of the problems with which we are still grappling.
Based on nature`s 3.8 billion years of R&D, designers and engineers are developing new products, new materials, new manufacturing systems, enhancing systems flow, and creating effective distribution models... just to name a few. Companies adopting the Biomimicry Guild`s design methodology include: Boeing, City of Seattle, Ecotrust, General Mills, Georgia Tech, Hewlett-Packard, HOK Architects, Nike, Proctor & Gamble, Shell, Seventh Generation and many more.
Key Questions:
- How will we design better products and processes?
- How can we teach biomimicry to regional professionals?
- How can you use biomimcry design strategies?
First Steps
- Join BiomimicryNEO.org
- Attend BiomimicryNEO Network Events
- Read Janine Benyus’ book Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
Next Steps
- Fill out a survey on Biomimicry Professional Pathways Website - Imagine Your Pathway
Bold Steps
- Set a BHAG (BIg Hairy Audicious Goal)
- Example 50% new product or process design to be biomimetic
E4S Action Network: Biomimicry NEO
Biomimicry NEO is a growing network of regional business and organizational leaders from all sectors of the economy interested in putting biomimicry to work at every design table.
E4S is working collaboratively with these leaders to seed biomimicry into the design DNA of Northeast Ohio and become the first regional Biomimicry Action Network in the world. We seek to engage leaders in the design of a community that functions by Life's Principles and puts biomimicry to work in product, service, infrastructure and organizational designs.
