I just saw this highly inspiring TED Talk from Janine Benyus on biomimicry. In this talk Benyus describes how nature solves certain problems and how mankind can copy these solutions and remix them into new inventions and new technologies.
What is biomimicry then? Well, according to Wikipedia biomimicry is:
“(from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is an ancient concept recently returning to scientific thought that examines nature, its models, systems, processes, and elements— and emulates or takes inspiration from them to solve human problems sustainably. Scientific and engineering literature often uses the term Biomimetics for the process of understanding and applying biological principles to human designs. This includes biomaterials, biomechanics, biological systems composed of individuals of one species (e.g., schools, herds and swarms), or multispecies ensembles.”
Be sure to check As Nature as well and learn more about biomimicry and learn more about this fascinating way of solving design problems.
Here is the TED:Talk introduction:
Janine Benyus has a message for inventors: When solving a design problem, look to nature first. There you’ll find inspired designs for making things waterproof, aerodynamic, solar-powered and more. Here she reveals dozens of new products that take their cue from nature with spectacular results.