Biomimicry: Nature Inspiring Innovation

As part of the innovation project, I became interested in how nature has inspired innovation. This led me look into the term 'Biomimicry' - a proper term for nature which has inspired innovations in technology, buildings, clothing etc.

After reading 'Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature' by Janine M. Benyus, I found out more about biomimicry and how nature inspires innovation.

There are three main points which nature inspires innovation:

Nature as 'model'

New science that studies nature's models then imitates or takes inspiration from these designs and processes to solve human problems.


Nature as 'measure'

Nature to judge 'rightness' as it has adapted over years and learned what makes and what lasts.


Nature as 'mentor' 

What we 'learn' from the natural world, not what we can 'extract'.


These points form a structure that can be used to gain inspiration from nature for innovation. It is more possible and easy in today's society to find out this information with the innovation of technology, to help figure out how nature works and has adapted over the years. This is a more efficient way of gathering information as it is less cost to the planet, nature manufactures its materials under life-friendly conditions, and it rescues more species as nature is not extracted from its habitat for this process of innovation. It is the concept of 'Returning Home to Earth' which makes biomimicry and up and coming source for inspiration.

A poem which I came across in the book summarised biomimicry well:

'Nature runs on sunlight,
Nature uses only the energy it needs,
Nature fits form to function,
Nature recycles everything,
Nature rewards cooperation,
Nature banks on diversity,
Nature demands local expertise,
Nature curbs excesses from within,
Nature taps the power of limits'

This poem could be used to help me identify the key elements of nature which aid innovation in more practical, functional and sustainable ways.

From this research, I am particularly interested in the way in which nature has adapted to its surroundings over the centuries to meet their needs in diverse environmental situations.