Biomimicry
Biomimicry is the act of looking at something alive, and copying its strategies and coping mechanisms to overcome different problems. Humans have been observing nature for a very long time, but there is still a lot to learn.
Contemporary architects and product designers employ biomimetics to make extraordinary products that not only maintain an aesthetic appeal, but are also sustainably functional.
Every structure in nature was adapted to perform a certain function. Using nature's knowledge to solve modern human problems is a smart and efficient way to engineer things.
By copying nature's solutions, humans can benefit from millions of years of evolution!
Contemporary architects and product designers employ biomimetics to make extraordinary products that not only maintain an aesthetic appeal, but are also sustainably functional.
Every structure in nature was adapted to perform a certain function. Using nature's knowledge to solve modern human problems is a smart and efficient way to engineer things.
By copying nature's solutions, humans can benefit from millions of years of evolution!
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THINK TIME
Using what you have learned so far, fill in your thinksheets! This will help you solidify your thinking and get ready for the next phase.
| biomimicry_think_sheet_update.pdf |
YOUR CHALLENGE!
You will work through a process called design thinking.
In design thinking, you try to solve a problem through a human-centered viewpoint, by using divergent thinking as well as convergent thinking.
Divergent thinking opens the mind to possibilities, while convergent thinking narrows things so they get done.
In design thinking, you try to solve a problem through a human-centered viewpoint, by using divergent thinking as well as convergent thinking.
Divergent thinking opens the mind to possibilities, while convergent thinking narrows things so they get done.
The phases of design thinking are:
Empathize>Define>Ideate>Prototype>Test
You can start the first stage by thinking of yourself as the client, or ask a friend to be your client!
EMPATHIZE
1. Create a list of problems that you or your friend face everyday, that doesn't have a solution. It can be something small, like a minor annoyance, or something bigger. Use divergent thinking to help you with the process.
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DEFINE
2. Narrow it down. Choose one problem to solve.
3. Brainstorm your "How Might We" question!
- Focus on quantity
- Try to be as wild and creative as you can
- Defer self-judgement or editing!
- USE MORE DIVERGENT THINKING!
3. Brainstorm your "How Might We" question!
- Focus on quantity
- Try to be as wild and creative as you can
- Defer self-judgement or editing!
- USE MORE DIVERGENT THINKING!
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IDEATE
4. Think of nature and find solutions
What animal or plant structure could I mimic to solve this problem? How would nature solve (or has solved) my "How might we" question?
Think of ideas that are:
- feasible (can it be done?)
- desirable (is the idea something that people would really want -- something really useful?)
- viable (can it be done, and is it also a good, sustainable long-term solution?)
Consider convergent thinking this time around. You want to guide your idea flow towards a solution!
What animal or plant structure could I mimic to solve this problem? How would nature solve (or has solved) my "How might we" question?
Think of ideas that are:
- feasible (can it be done?)
- desirable (is the idea something that people would really want -- something really useful?)
- viable (can it be done, and is it also a good, sustainable long-term solution?)
Consider convergent thinking this time around. You want to guide your idea flow towards a solution!
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PROTOTYPE
1. Rough draft:
2. Fill the blueprint sheet. How will the model look and function? Get it approve by the teacher.
3. Model:
2. Fill the blueprint sheet. How will the model look and function? Get it approve by the teacher.
3. Model:
| biomimicry_blueprint_sheet2.png |
ROUGH DRAFT: use lose paper to make a few rough drafts until you are happy with what your model will look like.
BLUEPRINT SHEET: complete it before modelling.
MODEL: Try out your rough draft with a piece of clay.
TINKER: Ready? Go to Tinkercad and get started by doing a few tutorials. Then, get started on your prototype!
BLUEPRINT SHEET: complete it before modelling.
MODEL: Try out your rough draft with a piece of clay.
TINKER: Ready? Go to Tinkercad and get started by doing a few tutorials. Then, get started on your prototype!
Blueprint sheet part 2 - needs 3 sides of the model.
Model should be simple so it can be printed. More complicated designs might not result in a printed product.
TINKERCAD INSTRUCTIONS
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To enter class, use the code:
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I have your login information! Please ask me!!!
TEST
After you are finished, share a 3 minute elevator pitch of your product with the classroom, answering the questions:
1. How was my design inspired by nature?
2. How does it solve a problem?
Listen to any suggestions for improvement, and make adjustments to your Tinkercad before finalizing the design.
1. How was my design inspired by nature?
2. How does it solve a problem?
Listen to any suggestions for improvement, and make adjustments to your Tinkercad before finalizing the design.
RUBRIC FOR BIOMIMICRY PROJECT
So, what can Animals Teach us?
File due after movie:
| octopus_teacher_reflexion.pdf |
Seeing all that Craig learned from his observations of Priscilla, it's clear that humans can learn a lot from animals, not just in terms of design, but also as a method of self-reflection. We are all interconnected, after all.
Hope you enjoyed this unit!
Hope you enjoyed this unit!
