Biomimicry in Product Design Term Paper

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Science

Biomimicry in Design

There is a set of trends in the 21st century regarding urban design, product design, and organizational studies. One of these trends is the act of biomimicry. Biomimicry is a design philosophy or perspective that mimics design patterns in nature. Products inspired by biomimicry are ecologically sound in design, production, and distribution processes, as well as solve human problems. Products reflecting biomimcry do not simply mimic the models, systems, processes, systems, and elements of nature for inspiration. These products mimic nature not only in design, but also in function as products of biomimicry solve problems. The design of nature avoids, anticipates, and solves problems. Thus the products inspired by nature do not mimic nature on a superficial level but on deeper levels of utility and sustainability. This paper will focus upon products that biomimic sharks. Using primary and secondary sources, the paper will evaluate the efficacy and adherence of such products to the principles and philosophy of biomimicry.

Biomimicry looks at a nature in specific ways. From an article in The Guardian, Purt writes that

Biomimicry is a new science that aims to use nature's best ideas and adapt them for human use. The environment has developed many of the world's most phenomenal masterpieces such as photosynthesis, self-sustaining eco-systems and natural selection, so how can humans copy these designs and manufacturing systems to solve some of today's biggest challenges? (Purt, 2011, Guardian.co.uk)

Biomimicry looks to nature as a mentor, a model, and a muse. This paper examines at how the skin of sharks' inspires professional in various fields, including retail.

Biomimicry is just as much a science as a design framework.

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This is an aspect of biomimicry that is intriguing and in line with nature. Biomimicry is both scientific and design oriented. For generations, humans have believed, especially in the west that science and art/design are wholly disparate and divergent entities and practices. Biomimicry in general and the products that spring from biomimicry disrupt that belief. That disruption is evident is nature in a plethora of ways. Nature is profoundly beautiful and deeply design oriented. Nature is also the greatest example of science and engineering known to humanity. Products of biomimicry, such as those that emulate and derive inspiration from sharks shall be both as well. Researchers looking to sharkskin are looking to decrease friction while swimming or otherwise moving through the water. Medical researchers find inspiration in sharkskin to help them solve problems related to preventing and fighting infections.

Mimicking the traits of sharkskin has applications in more than one industrial realm. Scientists, engineers, and designers are biomimicking sharkskin in industries related to oceanography, marine biology, professional athletics, and healthcare. Why are professionals and researchers paying close to sharkskin? The Biomimicry Institute postulates that

Sharkskin is a multifunctional marvel. Seawater and the countless potential ecto-parasites within it (barnacle larvae, algae, bacteria, etc.) are a constant flow hazard for sharks, for whom moving efficiently through water is an imperative. Most shark species move through water with high-efficiency in order to catch fast-moving prey, obtain sufficient oxygen through largely passive gills, and maintain buoyancy. Through its ingenious design, their skin turns out to be an essential aid in this behavior by reducing friction drag….....

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