How to Design with Nature in Mind

It's gratifying to read how 'biological design paradigms' are increasingly attracting the attention of engineers and product designers. This trend is clearly reflected in the rapid growth of bio-inspired intellectual property. During the past several years more than 80 patents and patent-pendings have emerged that can be regarded as biomimetic in origin. Of these the majority cluster in biomaterials (e.g. bone, tissue engineering) and in intelligent software, systems and control engineering. Close behind are biomimetic IP portfolios in mechanical engineering, followed by acoustical and optical engineering in the third cluster. Technologies that provide the ability to interrogate, model and define 'biological design paradigms' are the primary drivers for these developments. The message is clear: product design engineers stand to benefit by asking if biology offers important solutions or insights to their design problems.

Reading about real-world achievements is a cause for optimism. All too often, discussions of environmental responsiblity devolve into finger-pointing and a laundry list of "shoulds".