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Design and Biomimicry: A Review of Interconnections and Creative Potentials
Alice Araujo Marques de Sá1, Dianne Magalhães Viana2
1Department of Design, Institute of Arts, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 22, 2023
Summary
Biomimicry in design leverages biological knowledge for innovation. This study analyzed 196 publications, revealing its impact on product conception, sustainable materials, and creative tools, enhancing design skills and sustainability integration.
Area of Science:
- Design Studies
- Biotechnology
- Sustainability Science
Background:
- Biological knowledge offers innovative potential across various fields.
- Understanding biomimicry's specific contributions to design is crucial for innovation.
- Biomimicry integrates natural principles into design solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify, describe, and analyze the contributions of biomimicry to the field of design.
- To map the research landscape of biomimicry in design from 1991 to 2021.
- To understand the key research emphases and trends in biomimicry-driven design.
Main Methods:
- An integrative systematic review using the Theory of Consolidated Meta-Analytical Approach.
- Bibliometric analysis of 196 publications retrieved from the Web of Science (1991-2021) using keywords 'design' and 'biomimicry'.
- Analyses included knowledge areas, geographical distribution, publication outlets, institutions, authors, citation, co-citation, and bibliographic coupling.
Main Results:
- Key research emphases include: product, building, and environment conception; development of materials and technologies inspired by natural structures/systems; application of biomimetic creative tools; and resource-saving, sustainable projects.
- A trend towards a problem-based approach in biomimicry research within design was observed.
- Dominant research areas include product design, sustainable materials, and innovative technologies.
Conclusions:
- Biomimicry stimulates the development of diverse design skills, fostering enhanced creativity.
- It significantly improves the potential for integrating sustainability into production cycles.
- Biomimicry offers a robust framework for developing innovative and sustainable design solutions.
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