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Prerequisites: none

2 ECTS (~ 50-60 hrs workload)

Course Description: 

In this practice-oriented course, participants experience the steps through The Double Diamond innovation process, in form of a nature-inspired analogy-based process. Both Biomimicry approaches will be introduced: Biology to Design, and Design Challenge to Biology. In particular, participants will practice the 4 stages of Biomimicry Thinking: scoping (defining function the innovation should fulfill in the end), discovering (nature-based scientific research searching for models in nature), creating concepts and prototyping, and evaluating the proposed innovation against the sustainability benchmark of the 26 Biomimicry Life Principles. Research steps include deep scientific research into general and subject-specific sub-categories of biology and/or ecology in order to discover the strategies nature uses for surviving and thriving. Systemic sustainability is guaranteed in this innovation process through the sustainability mandate that is built into the design process. In subsequent courses (5.4 and 5.5) participants have a chance to bring their innovation to market and develop a business opportunity for their innovation.

Course Objectives:

The main course objectives are

  • to be introduced to a nature-based innovation practice: Biomimicry-Innovation Inspired by Nature
  • to become familiar with the 26 Biomimicry Life Principles as guidelines for sustainable innovations
  • to develop a scientific fieldwork practice
  • to practice the Biology to Design approach to the Biomimicry Thinking Innovation Process
  • to practice the Design Challenge to Biology approach to the Biomimicry Thinking Innovation Process
  • to produce concepts and a prototype for a biomimicry innovation

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants are able to

  • explain the Biomimicry framework and practice to others
  • list what opportunities Biomimicry holds for innovation
  • use the six Biomimicry Master Life Principles as a sustainability benchmark
  • find strategies in nature to emulate into human-made products, services, processes, and systems
  • work with the four stages of the Biomimicry Thinking Innovation Process
  • recognize the specific features of biomimetic innovations
  • lead Biomimicry innovation sessions

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Last modified: Monday, 11 November 2019, 10:44 AM